Evidence supporting the use of: Snake venom
For the health condition: Blood Clots (prevention of)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 4

Snake venom has a scientifically validated role in the prevention and treatment of blood clots. Several enzymes and proteins derived from snake venom, such as ancrod (from the Malayan pit viper Calloselasma rhodostoma) and batroxobin (from Bothrops atrox), have been researched extensively for their anticoagulant and fibrinolytic properties. These compounds act by degrading fibrinogen or activating the fibrinolytic system, thereby preventing clot formation or aiding the breakdown of existing clots.

Ancrod, for example, was developed into a drug called Arvin and used in clinical settings to treat deep vein thrombosis, peripheral vascular occlusive disease, and in some cases, to manage ischemic stroke. Clinical trials have shown that these agents can reduce blood viscosity and fibrinogen levels, thus lowering the risk of thrombosis. However, some snake venom-derived drugs like ancrod have been withdrawn from the market due to safety concerns and inconsistent efficacy in large-scale trials.

Despite these setbacks, research continues into the use of specific snake venom components as models for new anticoagulant drugs. The utilization of snake venom in this context is grounded in modern pharmacology and biotechnology rather than traditional medicine. Thus, the use of snake venom to treat or prevent blood clots is based on scientific evidence, with several well-characterized molecules demonstrating anticoagulant effects in preclinical and clinical studies.

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