Arthrocann Gel
Arthrocann Gel is a topical complementary preparation containing colloidal silver and hemp seed oil (Cannabis sativa) for external use on joints and muscles.
It is marketed as a cosmetic product for massage and joint comfort, not as a licensed medicine. Not evaluated by the MHRA. Available without prescription.
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Arthrocann Gel is a topical complementary preparation containing colloidal silver and hemp seed oil (Cannabis sativa) marketed for external application to joints and muscles.
It is sold as a cosmetic product for massage and joint comfort, not as a licensed medicine.
The gel does not hold a marketing authorisation from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and has not been evaluated through clinical trials for efficacy against any medical condition.
This distinction is essential for consumers to understand: Arthrocann Gel is not a treatment for arthritis, joint disease, or musculoskeletal pain in any evidence-based medical sense.
The UK market for complementary and alternative topical joint products is substantial, reflecting widespread public interest in non-pharmaceutical approaches to musculoskeletal discomfort.
Products containing hemp oil, colloidal silver, glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, and various herbal extracts are widely available in health food shops, pharmacies, and online retailers.
While some individuals report subjective benefit from these products, it is important to understand the difference between a licensed medicine (which has undergone rigorous testing for safety, quality, and efficacy) and a cosmetic product (which has not).
This product information has been reviewed by Dr.
Claire Phipps, MBBS MRCGP (GMC 7014359), and provides an objective clinical assessment of Arthrocann Gel, including what it contains, what the evidence says about its ingredients, important safety considerations regarding colloidal silver, and when to seek proper medical assessment for joint symptoms.
Important regulatory information
Arthrocann Gel is classified as a cosmetic product under EU Cosmetic Products Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009, retained in UK law after Brexit. This classification has specific implications for what the product can and cannot claim:
- Cosmetic products may claim to cleanse, perfume, change appearance, protect, or keep skin in good condition. They may not claim to treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
- The product has not undergone the clinical trial process required for a medicinal product marketing authorisation. No randomised controlled trials have assessed its efficacy for joint pain, arthritis, or any musculoskeletal condition.
- Quality control requirements for cosmetics differ from those for licensed medicines. While cosmetics must meet safety standards, they are not subject to the same manufacturing quality requirements (GMP) as pharmaceuticals.
- Any claims suggesting therapeutic benefit for medical conditions would be in breach of the Human Medicines Regulations 2012 and could be subject to regulatory action by the MHRA.
Consumers should be aware that the marketing of complementary topical products often uses language that implies therapeutic benefit without making explicit medical claims.
Terms such as "joint comfort," "soothing," "supports mobility," and "natural relief" are carefully chosen to stay within cosmetic product advertising regulations while creating the impression of medicinal effect.
Learn more about online GP consultations if you would like to discuss evidence-based options for joint pain management.
What Arthrocann Gel contains
Colloidal silver
Colloidal silver consists of silver nanoparticles (typically 1-100 nanometres in diameter) suspended in purified water.
Silver has documented antimicrobial properties and is used in medical settings in specific, regulated forms: silver sulfadiazine cream for burn wound management, silver-impregnated wound dressings for chronic wounds, and silver nitrate for cauterisation.
However, colloidal silver as found in consumer products is fundamentally different from these regulated medical applications.
The MHRA does not recognise colloidal silver as a medicine.
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has stated that colloidal silver products are "not generally recognised as safe and effective" for treating any disease or condition.
The European Commission's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has raised concerns about the use of silver nanoparticles in cosmetic products, noting that the safety data are insufficient for a complete risk assessment.
The mechanism by which topical colloidal silver might affect joint pain is unclear.
Silver ions have demonstrated in vitro antimicrobial activity, but joint pain from osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or mechanical causes is not caused by microbial infection.
No plausible anti-inflammatory or analgesic mechanism has been established for topical colloidal silver at the concentrations found in consumer products.
Hemp seed oil
Hemp seed oil is obtained by cold-pressing the seeds of Cannabis sativa. It is important to clarify that hemp seed oil is distinctly different from CBD oil (cannabidiol).
Hemp seed oil contains negligible quantities of cannabinoids (THC and CBD) because these compounds are concentrated in the flowers and leaves, not the seeds.
Hemp seed oil is primarily composed of polyunsaturated fatty acids (approximately 80%), including linoleic acid (omega-6, approximately 55%) and alpha-linolenic acid (omega-3, approximately 20%), along with gamma-linolenic acid (GLA, approximately 3-4%).
In cosmetic applications, hemp seed oil functions as an emollient and skin-conditioning agent. The fatty acid profile is beneficial for maintaining skin barrier function and hydration.
Some preliminary in vitro and animal studies have suggested that GLA may have anti-inflammatory properties when applied topically, but no clinical trials have demonstrated efficacy for joint pain when hemp seed oil is applied over joint surfaces.
The oil does not penetrate to the depth of joint structures (synovial membrane, articular cartilage) and any effect would be limited to the superficial skin layers.
What the evidence says about the ingredients
Evidence for colloidal silver in joint conditions
A systematic search of PubMed, Cochrane Library, and NICE Evidence Search reveals no published randomised controlled trials, systematic reviews, or meta-analyses evaluating topical colloidal silver for the management of joint pain, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or any other musculoskeletal condition.
The available evidence for colloidal silver relates almost exclusively to wound healing and antimicrobial applications in regulated medical-grade formulations, not consumer cosmetic products.
Evidence for topical hemp seed oil in joint conditions
Similarly, no published clinical trials have evaluated topical hemp seed oil for joint pain or arthritis.
It is important not to confuse hemp seed oil with CBD oil; there is a growing body of preclinical research on topical CBD for inflammatory conditions, but Arthrocann Gel does not contain significant quantities of CBD.
Any perceived benefit from hemp seed oil application is likely attributable to the massage action itself (which has documented benefits for pain perception and muscle tension) and the moisturising effect of the oil on dry skin overlying painful joints.
The massage effect
The act of massaging any topical product into the skin over a painful joint can provide temporary symptomatic relief through several mechanisms: stimulation of large-diameter sensory nerve fibres (gate control theory of pain), increased local blood flow, relaxation of superficial muscle tension, and psychological comfort from self-care.
This effect is independent of the specific product used and would be expected with any suitable massage medium, including plain aqueous cream or olive oil.
Safety considerations for colloidal silver products
Argyria
Argyria is a permanent, irreversible discolouration of the skin caused by deposition of silver particles in the dermis.
The skin takes on a blue-grey or grey-blue appearance that is particularly noticeable on sun-exposed areas.
Argyria is primarily associated with oral ingestion of colloidal silver, but topical application to broken or compromised skin, or prolonged daily topical use, may theoretically contribute to silver accumulation.
While the risk from occasional topical application to intact skin is likely low, long-term daily use of colloidal silver-containing products is not recommended by any regulatory authority.
Interaction with medications
Silver ions can interact with certain medications if co-applied topically. Tetracycline antibiotics and quinolone antibiotics may have reduced local absorption in the presence of silver.
If you are using prescribed topical medications on the same area where you intend to apply Arthrocann Gel, consult your pharmacist about potential interactions.
Allergy and sensitivity
Contact allergy to silver is uncommon but has been reported.
Hemp seed oil allergy is rare but may occur in individuals with sensitivity to Cannabis sativa or related plants.
Perform a patch test on a small area of skin before first use and wait 24 hours to check for any reaction.
When to see your GP about joint symptoms
Joint symptoms should not be self-managed with complementary products alone. See your GP if you experience any of the following:
- Joint pain lasting more than 6 weeks
- Joint swelling, redness, or warmth (signs of inflammation)
- Morning stiffness lasting more than 30 minutes (suggesting inflammatory arthritis)
- Joint pain accompanied by systemic symptoms: fever, fatigue, weight loss, rash
- Sudden onset of severe joint pain in a single joint (may indicate gout, septic arthritis, or crystal arthropathy)
- Progressive restriction of joint movement affecting daily activities
- Joint symptoms following injury or trauma
Early diagnosis of inflammatory arthritis is critical.
NICE guideline NG100 recommends urgent referral to a rheumatologist for any adult with suspected persistent synovitis (joint swelling) of undetermined cause, aiming for specialist assessment within 3 weeks.
Early treatment with disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) within 3 months of symptom onset significantly improves long-term outcomes and reduces the risk of irreversible joint erosion and disability.
Evidence-based alternatives for joint pain
If you are considering Arthrocann Gel for joint discomfort, you may wish to discuss the following evidence-based options with your GP or pharmacist:
- Topical NSAIDs (e.g. ibuprofen gel, diclofenac gel, ketoprofen gel): Recommended by NICE as first-line topical treatment for osteoarthritis of the hand and knee. These are licensed medicines with proven efficacy in clinical trials. Available from pharmacies without prescription.
- Topical capsaicin (0.025-0.075%): Available as a cream for application over painful joints. Works by depleting substance P from sensory nerve endings. Recommended by NICE as an adjunct treatment for osteoarthritis. Causes initial burning sensation that improves with regular use.
- Oral paracetamol: First-line oral analgesic for mild-to-moderate joint pain. Take up to 1g four times daily (maximum 4g per day).
- Oral NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen, etoricoxib): Second-line oral treatment when paracetamol is insufficient. Always use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration and co-prescribe PPI gastric protection as appropriate.
- Exercise and physiotherapy: NICE recommends exercise as a core treatment for osteoarthritis, including strengthening exercises, aerobic fitness, and flexibility training. NHS physiotherapy is available through GP referral.
Product availability and cost
Arthrocann Gel is available for purchase in the United Kingdom through health food shops, specialist online retailers, and some pharmacies.
It is not available on NHS prescription because it is not a licensed medicine. The cost is borne entirely by the consumer.
Prices vary by retailer but are typically higher per unit than licensed topical NSAIDs, which have demonstrated efficacy in clinical trials and are available at lower cost from pharmacies.
If you choose to use Arthrocann Gel, do so alongside (not instead of) evidence-based treatment for any diagnosed joint condition.
Discuss all products you are using, including complementary and over-the-counter products, with your GP at your next appointment so that your healthcare team has a complete picture of your management approach.
Frequently asked questions about Arthrocann Gel
Is Arthrocann Gel a medicine?
No. Arthrocann Gel is classified as a cosmetic product, not a licensed medicine. It has not been evaluated by the MHRA for safety, quality, or efficacy in treating any medical condition. It does not hold a marketing authorisation.
Does Arthrocann Gel contain CBD or THC?
Arthrocann Gel contains hemp seed oil, not CBD oil. Hemp seeds contain negligible quantities of cannabinoids (THC and CBD).
If you are seeking a topical product containing CBD, this is not the correct product.
Note that topical CBD products are also not licensed medicines in the UK for musculoskeletal conditions.
Is colloidal silver safe to use on the skin?
Short-term topical application of colloidal silver to intact skin is unlikely to cause significant harm in most individuals.
However, prolonged daily use carries a theoretical risk of argyria (permanent skin discolouration), and the MHRA does not endorse colloidal silver as safe or effective for any therapeutic purpose.
If you develop any skin changes, discontinue use and consult your GP.
Can I use Arthrocann Gel alongside my prescribed arthritis medication?
There are no known significant interactions between Arthrocann Gel and most prescribed medicines when applied topically.
However, inform your GP or rheumatologist that you are using it, as they need a complete picture of all products you apply.
Do not apply it to the same area at the same time as prescribed topical treatments (such as topical NSAIDs or corticosteroid creams) without checking with your pharmacist.
Sources and further reading
- UK Government: Cosmetic Products Regulation
- NICE guideline CG177: Osteoarthritis
- NICE guideline NG100: Rheumatoid arthritis in adults
- NHS: Arthritis
- MHRA Yellow Card Scheme
- MHRA: Colloidal silver consumer information
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