Snake venom has long been used for medical purposes. People who lived thousands of years ago knew about its healing properties. In modern medicine, this substance is used in pharmacology for the manufacture of ointments and creams. For these purposes, cobras, vipers and gyurzy poisons are suitable. Since the substance, in addition to its beneficial properties, contains toxins that can kill a person, it is used in scanty doses.
Preparations containing snake venom are expensive. This is due to the laborious process of extracting the substance. Today, there are special farms where cobras and vipers are grown.
Snake venom is not used in its pure form. Before getting into the drug, the substance is subjected to special treatment.
The composition of the poison
A snake bite often becomes fatal to humans, which is why many people are wary of using drugs based on the venom of these reptiles. However, the fears are in vain, as modern medicine has learned to isolate useful enzymes from this substance and apply their beneficial properties.
The venom of snakes is produced by a special gland, which is located behind the eyes of a reptile. It has a specific yellowish color. Depending on the type of snake, the composition of the substance may vary slightly. In general, the poison contains:
- proteins;
- lipids;
- nucleotides;
- amino acids;
- peptides;
- Sahara;
- inorganic salts;
- derivatives of guanine.
Characteristics of the properties of the substance
The use of poison was practiced by the ancient Romans and Greeks. In search of a cure for smallpox and leprosy, doctors discovered the beneficial properties of the substance. With the development of medicine, it was found that the poison has a wound healing and hemostatic effect.
If it is unreasonable to use the substance, this can lead to:
- paralysis of the respiratory system;
- serious violations in the work of the heart and blood vessels;
- fatal outcome.
In minimal doses, the poison is not dangerous and has a positive effect on the human body.
Characteristic features of the poison are properties such as:
- anesthesia;
- wound healing;
- disinfection;
- normalization of metabolic processes in the body;
- decrease in puffiness;
- stop bleeding.
Types of Snake Venom
In modern pharmacology, reptile venom is used to create drugs. The doses used are minimal, therefore they are safe for humans. According to their effect on the body, snake venoms are divided into two groups:
- Poisons, which include cardiotropic and neurotoxic substances. Such poisons can paralyze the nervous system and respiratory system.
- Poisons with hemocoagulation and necrotizing effects adversely affect the functioning of the cardiovascular system. The action of the poison affects the tissue and contributes to the necrosis of cells.
The substance is used in the preparation of injections and ointments. The poisons of the first group are effective in the treatment of neuralgia. They are an excellent pain reliever. But for the treatment of such a rare disease, such as hemophilia, substances belonging to the second group of poisons are used.
Indications for use
Medicines, which include snake venom, are used for pain relief, as well as for inflammatory processes. These medicines treat:
- diseases of the cardiovascular system;
- blood diseases (hemophilia);
- rheumatic conditions;
- leprosy neuritis.
Poison-based medications stimulate the immune system. Also, small doses of the substance are used as an antidote. Such drugs are administered to people whose activities are associated with snakes and who are at high risk of being bitten.
Anesthetics based on snake venom can be a good substitute for narcotic drugs, as they have the same properties and are not used to the body.
To treat bruises, all kinds of injuries and rheumatism, you can use snake venom ointment.
Diseases and pathologies in which the intake of such drugs is indicated:
- complications caused by diabetes;
- migraine;
- allergic manifestations of a different nature;
- neuralgia;
- myositis;
- multiple sclerosis;
- hypertension;
- inflammatory processes in the digestive tract;
- neurodermatitis;
- rheumatoid conditions;
- radiculitis;
- Alzheimer's syndrome;
- bronchial asthma.
Contraindications
Despite the many beneficial properties, an ointment with snake venom can cause side effects in a certain category of people in the form of:
- an allergic reaction;
- burning sensation;
- itching
- dermatitis.
Therefore, before using the tool, you need to carefully read the instructions for use and the composition of the drug. If the patient has intolerance to any component - you must refuse to use the medicine.
Getting started with therapy, you can do a preliminary test that will show how your body reacts to the substances of the drug. To do this, an ointment with snake venom is applied to a small area of the epidermis. If after a while there are no adverse reactions, you can safely begin treatment.
There are also a number of contraindications for the use of drugs, which contain snake venom. It is forbidden to use medicine:
- if the patient is diagnosed with pulmonary tuberculosis;
- with febrile conditions;
- people with circulatory disorders;
- with skin diseases;
- if there are wounds or cuts on the epidermis;
- pregnant and lactating women;
- with severe pathologies of the kidneys and liver;
- if there is a tendency to angiospasm;
- for treating children.
Cobratox
“Cobratox” is an ointment based on snake venom for joints and muscles. The tool has an analgesic effect and is effectively used to treat various pathologies:
- muscle sprains;
- soft tissue bruises ;
- arthritis;
- neuralgia;
- inflammatory processes in the joints and muscles;
- dislocations;
- meniscus injuries;
- arthrosinovitis;
- bursitis;
- periarthritis.
Cobratoxan ointment is especially popular with dancers and professional athletes.
The main components of the tool are:
- salicylic acid;
- cobra venom;
- menthol and various essential oils.
The ointment should not be used during the bearing and feeding of the child, as well as if there are serious diseases of the kidneys and liver. The medicine is prohibited for patients with tuberculosis and in the presence of damage to the epidermis.
Ointment "Viprosal": instructions for use, price
Medicines containing snake venom should not be used uncontrollably. Such medications should be prescribed by the attending physician.
Ointment "Viprosal" is used as an anti-inflammatory and analgesic for such pathologies and diseases:
- arthritis;
- radiculitis;
- neuralgia;
- lumbago, accompanied by severe pain;
- sciatica;
- tenosynovitis;
- myalgia;
- arthralgia;
- dislocation and sprain;
- bruise and soft tissue injury;
- bursite.
The insert attached to the Viprosal ointment is an instruction for use. The price of the drug depends on the volume of the tube. The average cost of a medicine is 330 rubles per 50 g, and 250 rubles per 30 g of ointment.
The average course of therapy is 10 days. The composition of the medicine includes such components as:
- viper venom;
- salicylic acid;
- camphor oil;
- gum turpentine and other auxiliary ingredients.
It is forbidden to use for allergic and purulent skin diseases. Ointment with snake venom is strictly contraindicated for people with pulmonary tuberculosis, as well as for severe hepatic and renal pathologies. It is not recommended to use with a tendency to angiospasm and with circulatory disorders in the brain. Ointment should not be applied to open wounds. Do not use the drug during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Also a contraindication is the high sensitivity of the body to any component of the product.
Ointment "Nayatoks"
Nayatoks snake venom ointment is used in the treatment of bruises, diseases of the musculoskeletal system, sciatica and neuralgia. Also, the drug is effective in pain syndromes of muscles and joints.
The composition of the ointment includes one of the strongest poisons in the world, which is obtained from cobra.
The medicine has the same contraindications as Cobratox ointment.
Today, these substances are used not only in pharmacology. Cosmetic products that have a rejuvenating effect are produced on the basis of snake venom. These are various serums and creams for skin care.
The most expensive and at the same time the most effective ointments are those that use gyurza venom.