Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Snake venom has been used in traditional medicine systems, particularly in China and some other Asian countries, to treat conditions like rheumatoid arthritis (RA) for centuries. The rationale in traditional medicine is based on the belief that components of snake venom can "dispel wind" and relieve pain, which are concepts rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). In these systems, various forms of venom or dried venom powder have historically been used in topical ointments, injections, or oral formulations to alleviate joint pain and inflammation associated with RA.

From a scientific perspective, there is some emerging interest in the bioactive peptides and proteins found in snake venom, such as disintegrins and phospholipase A2, due to their anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and immunomodulatory properties observed in laboratory studies. However, clinical evidence in humans is limited and generally of low quality. Few small trials and case reports suggest potential benefits, but these are not sufficient to establish efficacy or safety for RA. The use of snake venom in modern medicine for RA is not widely accepted or recommended by mainstream medical guidelines, largely due to the lack of robust clinical trial data and concerns about safety and standardization.

In summary, while snake venom remains a part of traditional medical practice for RA in some cultures, scientific support is weak and not yet validated by rigorous clinical research.

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