Ingredient Animal — whole (全虫 quán chóng)

Fu She

Pallas pit viper · 蝮蛇

Agkistrodon halys (Pallas) · Agkistrodon (Corpus Agkistrodontis)

Also known as: Tǔ Gōng Shé (土公蛇), Tǔ Huī (土虺), Fǎn Bí Shé (反鼻蛇),

Fu She (Pallas pit viper) as TCM ingredient

Images shown are for educational purposes only

Fù Shé (Pallas pit viper) is a warm, animal-derived medicinal substance used in Chinese medicine primarily for stubborn joint and muscle pain caused by Wind and Dampness. It is known for its strong ability to penetrate deeply into the body's channels to relieve pain, reduce numbness, and address chronic skin conditions like sores and scrofula. Because it is toxic, it is used in small doses and typically prepared as a medicinal wine or dried powder.

Category Wind-Damp dispelling herbs (祛风湿药)
Therapeutic focus Joint and Muscle Pain Relief Skin Health Nerve Pain Immune Support

TCM Properties

Temperature

Warm

Taste

Sweet (甘 gān)

Channels entered

Spleen, Liver

Parts used

Animal — whole (全虫 quán chóng)

Educational content • Consult qualified TCM practitioners for diagnosis and treatment

What This Ingredient Does

Every ingredient has a specific set of actions — here's what Fu She does in the body, explained in both everyday and TCM terms

Therapeutic focus

In practical terms, Fu She is primarily used to support these areas of health:

Joint and Muscle Pain Relief Skin Health Nerve Pain Immune Support

TCM Actions

In TCM terminology, these are the specific therapeutic actions that Fu She performs to restore balance in the body:

Disperses Wind Unblocks the Channels and Collaterals Alleviates Pain Resolves Toxicity

How these actions work

'Dispels Wind' (祛风) means this herb drives out pathogenic Wind that has lodged in the muscles, joints, and channels. In TCM, Wind is a major cause of wandering joint pain, numbness, and skin conditions. Snake-based medicines are considered especially powerful at searching through the channels to chase out deep-seated Wind. This action is relevant for chronic joint and muscle pain that moves around or is accompanied by numbness and stiffness.

'Unblocks the collaterals' (通络) means it opens up the fine network vessels (collaterals) through which Qi and Blood flow. When these collaterals become obstructed by Wind, Dampness, or Phlegm, the result is pain, numbness, or paralysis. Fù Shé's warm, searching nature allows it to penetrate deeply into the network vessels to restore circulation. This is why it is used for conditions like facial paralysis, post-stroke hemiplegia, and stubborn joint pain (Bi syndrome).

'Stops pain' (止痛) follows directly from the above two actions. By expelling Wind and clearing the collaterals, the underlying cause of pain is addressed. This is particularly relevant for rheumatic pain, neuralgic pain, and pain from obstruction of the channels.

'Resolves toxins' (解毒) refers to its ability to counteract toxic accumulations that manifest as skin sores, scrofula (lymph node swellings), boils, scabies, and other chronic skin eruptions. Its use follows the classical principle of 'using toxin to treat toxin' (以毒攻毒), as the snake itself is venomous.

Patterns Addressed

In TCM, symptoms cluster into recognizable patterns of disharmony. Fu She is used to help correct these specific patterns.

Why Fu She addresses this pattern

Fù Shé is warm in nature and sweet in taste, entering the Liver and Spleen channels. In Wind-Damp Bi syndrome, pathogenic Wind and Dampness invade the channels and joints, causing pain, stiffness, and numbness. Fù Shé's warm temperature helps dispel Cold-Dampness, while its powerful channel-searching nature (a property shared by snake medicines) penetrates deep into the collaterals to expel Wind and unblock the network vessels. The Liver governs the sinews, and the Spleen governs the muscles, so Fù Shé's channel affinities directly target the tissues most affected by Bi syndrome.

A practitioner would look for one or more of these signs

Moving Pain

Chronic joint pain worsened by cold and damp weather

Skin Numbness

Numbness and heaviness of the limbs

Joint Stiffness

Stiffness and restricted movement of joints

Muscle Pain

Aching muscles with a sensation of heaviness

Commonly Used For

These are conditions where Fu She is frequently used — but only when they arise from the specific patterns it addresses, not in all cases

Arises from: Wind-Damp

TCM Interpretation

In TCM, rheumatoid arthritis is understood primarily as Bi syndrome (painful obstruction), caused by the invasion of Wind, Cold, and Dampness into the channels, joints, and sinews. Over time, these pathogenic factors become entrenched, obstructing the flow of Qi and Blood in the fine network vessels (collaterals). The Liver governs the sinews, and the Spleen governs the muscles and the transformation of Dampness. Chronic cases often involve both channel obstruction and an underlying deficiency of the body's defensive Qi that allowed the invasion in the first place.

Why Fu She Helps

Fù Shé is warm in nature and enters both the Liver and Spleen channels, directly targeting the organ systems that govern the sinews, muscles, and Dampness metabolism. As a snake medicine, it has a uniquely powerful ability to search through the channels and collaterals to expel deeply lodged Wind and Dampness. This 'channel-searching' property is why snake medicines are considered among the strongest substances for stubborn Bi syndrome where ordinary Wind-Damp herbs have failed. Its pain-stopping action provides symptomatic relief while its collateral-unblocking action addresses the root obstruction.

Also commonly used for

Rheumatism

Chronic rheumatic pain in the joints and muscles

Sciatica

When caused by Wind-Damp obstruction of the channels

Scabies

Chronic, stubborn skin eruptions

Eczema

When related to Wind-Damp-Toxin in the skin

Hemorrhoids

Applied topically or taken internally

Psoriasis

Used in formulas for stubborn, Wind-related skin conditions

Leprosy

Classical indication; historically used in medicinal wine preparations

Ingredient Properties

Every ingredient has an inherent temperature, taste, and affinity for specific channels — these properties determine how it interacts with the body

Temperature

Warm

Taste

Sweet (甘 gān)

Channels Entered

Spleen Liver

Parts Used

Animal — whole (全虫 quán chóng)

Dosage & Preparation

These are general dosage guidelines for Fu She — always follow your practitioner's recommendation, as dosages vary based on the formula and your individual condition

Standard dosage

Powder: 0.5-1.5g per dose, twice daily. Medicinal wine: 5-10ml per dose, 1-2 times daily.

Maximum dosage

Powder form: do not exceed 3g per day. Medicinal wine: do not exceed 10ml per dose or 20ml per day. Classical sources explicitly warn against taking large single doses due to toxicity.

Dosage notes

Fu She is rarely used in standard decoction form. The two primary administration methods are: 1. Medicinal wine (蝮蛇酒): One whole snake steeped in 1000ml of 60-proof (or higher) grain alcohol for a minimum of 3 months. Standard dose is 5-10ml of the resulting wine, taken 1-2 times daily. Ginseng (5 qian) is sometimes added to enhance the tonic effect. The wine should be stored in a cool, dark place. 2. Dried powder (蝮蛇粉): The snake is killed, dried or roasted, and ground into fine powder. Standard dose is 0.5-1.5g per dose, taken twice daily with warm yellow rice wine (黄酒). For external use, the powder can be mixed with oil or applied as a poultice. 3. Calcined powder (蝮蛇霜): The snake is calcined to ash and ground. Used similarly to the standard powder form. Lower doses are used for chronic conditions such as Wind-Damp painful obstruction; slightly higher doses may be used for acute conditions but should never exceed safe limits. Always start with a small test dose to check for allergic reactions.

Preparation

Fu She is not used in standard herbal decoctions. It is typically prepared as medicinal wine (steeped in strong alcohol for 3+ months), dried and ground into fine powder, or calcined to ash (蝮蛇霜). For external use, it may be soaked in sesame oil for 50-100 days to make a medicinal ointment. The head, tail, and internal organs must always be removed before any preparation, as these parts concentrate the highest levels of toxicity.

Processing Methods

In TCM, the same ingredient can be prepared in different ways to change its effects — here's how processing alters what Fu She does

Processing method

The snake is killed, gutted (internal organs removed), then baked dry or roasted until crisp and ground into a fine powder.

How it changes properties

Drying and powdering makes the substance easier to dose precisely and reduces some of the raw toxicity. The fundamental properties (warm, sweet, Liver/Spleen channels) remain the same, but the powder form is more convenient for internal use in capsules or mixed with wine.

When to use this form

When precise small doses are needed for internal use (0.5 to 1.5g per dose), especially for chronic Bi syndrome and skin conditions. Preferred over raw snake when wine preparation is not practical.

Common Ingredient Pairs

These ingredients are traditionally combined with Fu She for enhanced therapeutic effect

Di Long
Di Long 1:5 (Fù Shé 1 portion : Dì Lóng 5 portions, as seen in Tiān Nán Xīng Wán)

Fù Shé and Dì Lóng (earthworm) both powerfully unblock the collaterals and dispel Wind, but through complementary mechanisms. Fù Shé is warm and excels at expelling Wind-Cold-Dampness from the channels, while Dì Lóng is cold and clears Heat while unblocking the channels. Together they address Bi syndrome and spastic conditions regardless of whether the obstruction is from Cold or Heat patterns.

When to use: Tetanus (lockjaw), facial paralysis with spasm, chronic joint pain with both Cold and Heat features, post-stroke hemiplegia.

Tian Nan Xing
Tian Nan Xing 1:1

Fù Shé dispels Wind and unblocks collaterals while Tiān Nán Xīng powerfully dries Dampness and dissolves Phlegm. Together they address the Wind-Phlegm obstruction that underlies conditions like lockjaw, facial paralysis, and convulsions. The pairing covers both the Wind and Phlegm aspects of channel obstruction.

When to use: Tetanus with lockjaw and facial deviation, Wind-Phlegm patterns with spasms and convulsions.

Dang Gui
Dang Gui 1:3 (Fù Shé is used in smaller amounts due to its toxicity)

Fù Shé dispels Wind and unblocks the collaterals while Dāng Guī nourishes and invigorates Blood. This pairing follows the classical principle of 'treating Wind by first treating Blood' (治风先治血). By nourishing Blood, Dāng Guī prevents the drying, depleting effect that Wind-dispelling substances can have, and addresses the Blood deficiency that often underlies chronic Bi syndrome.

When to use: Chronic Bi syndrome with underlying Blood deficiency, numbness and pain in the limbs, post-stroke recovery with Blood stasis.

Ren Shen
Ren Shen 1 snake : Rén Shēn 15g (in wine preparations)

Fù Shé dispels Wind-Dampness and opens the channels, while Rén Shēn (Ginseng) powerfully tonifies Qi to support the body's vital force. In medicinal wine preparations (蝮蛇酒), Rén Shēn is often added to strengthen the body while the snake expels pathogens, preventing the Wind-dispelling action from damaging the body's Qi.

When to use: Chronic Bi syndrome in patients with underlying Qi deficiency, medicinal wine preparations for long-term use.

Comparable Ingredients

These ingredients have overlapping uses — here's how to tell them apart

Wu Shao She
Fu She vs Wu Shao She

Both are snake medicines that dispel Wind and unblock the collaterals for Bi syndrome. However, Wū Shāo Shé (black-tail snake) is neutral in temperature and non-toxic, making it gentler and safer for long-term use and for patients with Blood or Yin deficiency. Fù Shé is warm, toxic, and more potent, making it more suitable for severe, stubborn cases of Wind-Cold-Damp Bi, but requiring more caution in dosing.

Bai Hua She She Cao
Fu She vs Bai Hua She She Cao

Both are venomous snake medicines in the Wind-Damp dispelling category with warm temperatures. Bái Huā Shé (Agkistrodon/Bungarus) is considered stronger and more toxic, with additional actions of stopping spasms and extinguishing Wind. It is preferred for convulsions, tetanus, and severe neurological manifestations. Fù Shé is somewhat milder and more commonly used for routine Bi syndrome and chronic skin conditions.

Wei Ling Xian
Fu She vs Wei Ling Xian

Both dispel Wind-Dampness and unblock the collaterals. Wēi Líng Xiān is a plant-based herb that is acrid, salty, and warm, commonly used for joint pain and also to soften fish bones stuck in the throat. It is much safer and more widely available than Fù Shé. Fù Shé is reserved for more stubborn, deep-seated cases where plant-based Wind-Damp herbs have not been effective, leveraging its unique channel-searching penetrating power.

Common Substitutes & Adulterants

Related species and common adulterations to be aware of when sourcing Fu She

Fu She (蝮蛇, Agkistrodon halys) is sometimes confused with or substituted by other medicinal snake species: 1. Bai Hua She (白花蛇 / Qi She 蕲蛇, Agkistrodon acutus): The five-step pit viper, a larger and more potent medicinal snake with distinct white banding patterns. Bai Hua She is considerably more expensive and has stronger wind-dispelling action. It can be distinguished by its larger size, distinctive white cross-band markings, and upturned snout. 2. Wu Shao She (乌梢蛇, Zaocys dhumnades): The black-striped snake, which is non-toxic and milder in action. It lacks the triangular head and keeled scales of Fu She and has a uniformly dark, elongated body. 3. Non-medicinal local snake species are sometimes fraudulently sold as Fu She. Authentic Fu She can be identified by its short, stout body (about 60 cm), distinctly triangular head, upturned nose (反鼻), dorsal keeled scales, and the characteristic two rows of alternating dark brown circular spots along the spine.

Educational content — always consult a qualified healthcare provider or TCM practitioner before using any ingredient.

Toxicity Classification

Classical Chinese pharmacopoeia toxicity rating for Fu She

Toxic

Fu She venom is classified as a mixed hemotoxic and neurotoxic venom. The venom contains metalloproteinases, serine proteases, phospholipase A2, thrombin-like enzymes, and other bioactive components. Hemotoxic effects include destruction of red blood cells, increased capillary permeability, massive release of vasoactive substances (histamine, serotonin, bradykinin), and direct cardiac damage. Neurotoxic effects include respiratory depression, ptosis, and respiratory paralysis, which is the primary cause of early death from envenomation. The medicinal product is the dried body with internal organs removed, NOT raw venom. Proper processing (drying, roasting, or alcohol extraction over months) denatures and neutralizes the venom proteins, making the preparation safe at standard medicinal doses. The classical source Ben Cao Shi Yi explicitly warns: "It has mild toxicity; do not take it all at once" (亦有小毒，不可顿服). Overdose or improper preparation may cause nausea, vomiting, dizziness, numbness, or allergic reactions. Raw venom must never be handled or ingested without professional processing.

Contraindications

Situations where Fu She should not be used or requires extra caution

Avoid

Pregnancy. Fu She is a toxic animal substance with blood-moving and channel-unblocking properties. Pregnant women must not use this herb.

Caution

Yin deficiency with Blood insufficiency (阴虚血亏). The warm and toxic nature of Fu She may further injure Yin and Blood in deficient patients.

Caution

Active bleeding disorders or patients on anticoagulant therapy. Fu She venom components have significant effects on blood coagulation and may increase bleeding risk.

Caution

Liver or kidney impairment. The toxic components of Fu She require hepatic and renal processing for elimination; impaired organ function increases risk of toxicity.

Caution

Allergic constitution. Some individuals may develop allergic reactions to snake-derived medicinal substances; a small test dose should be tried first.

Caution

Do not take in large single doses. Classical sources warn it has toxicity and must not be taken all at once (不可顿服).

Special Populations

Important considerations for pregnancy, breastfeeding, and pediatric use

Pregnancy

Contraindicated. Fu She is explicitly listed as prohibited during pregnancy (孕妇禁服) in classical and modern Chinese Materia Medica references. As a toxic animal substance with strong channel-unblocking and blood-moving properties, it poses risks of uterine stimulation and potential harm to the fetus. The venom-derived bioactive components, even in processed form, include substances that affect blood coagulation and vascular permeability, making it unsafe during pregnancy.

Breastfeeding

Not recommended during breastfeeding. Fu She is a toxic animal substance, and its bioactive components (including residual venom proteins and their metabolites) may potentially transfer into breast milk. There are no safety studies on breastfeeding use. Given its toxicity classification and the vulnerability of nursing infants, it should be avoided or used only under strict practitioner supervision if absolutely necessary.

Children

Use with extreme caution in children due to toxicity. Classical sources provide a pediatric dosage guideline for the powder form: children aged 7-15 years may take 0.5 qian (approximately 1.5g) per dose, while those over 15 may take 1 qian (approximately 3g). In modern practice, any use in children should be at significantly reduced doses under close practitioner supervision. Not suitable for very young children or infants.

Drug Interactions

If you are taking pharmaceutical medications, be aware of these potential interactions with Fu She

Anticoagulant and antiplatelet medications (e.g. warfarin, heparin, aspirin, clopidogrel): Fu She venom contains thrombin-like enzymes, fibrinolytic enzymes, and other coagulation-modifying components. Even in processed form, residual bioactive substances may potentiate the effects of blood-thinning medications, increasing the risk of bleeding. Concurrent use should be avoided or closely monitored.

Antihypertensive medications: Venom components include bradykinin-potentiating peptides and vasoactive substances that can lower blood pressure. Combination with antihypertensives may cause excessive hypotension.

Immunosuppressants: The immune-modulating properties of snake venom components may interfere with immunosuppressive therapy. Use with caution in transplant patients or those on immunosuppressive regimens.

Cardiac medications (especially anti-arrhythmics and cardiac glycosides): Fu She venom is known to directly affect cardiac muscle and electrical conduction. Processed preparations should be used with caution alongside cardiac drugs due to the risk of additive cardiotoxic effects.

Dietary Advice

Foods and dietary considerations when taking Fu She

When taking Fu She preparations, avoid cold and raw foods, as these may impair the herb's warming, channel-unblocking actions. Alcohol is traditionally used as the vehicle for this medicine (as medicinal wine), so moderate alcohol consumption is considered compatible. However, excessive alcohol intake should be avoided to prevent compounding any hepatotoxic risk. Avoid mung beans and other strongly cooling foods that may counteract the warming therapeutic effect.

Botanical Description

Physical characteristics and morphology of the Fu She source animal

Fu She (蝮蛇, Agkistrodon halys Pallas) is not a plant but a venomous pit viper belonging to the family Viperidae. The adult snake measures approximately 60 cm in total length, with a distinctly triangular head clearly demarcated from the neck. The dorsal surface ranges from light brown to reddish-brown, marked by two rows of alternating deep brown circular spots along the spine, with irregular blackish-brown star-shaped markings along the outer edges of the dorsal scales. The ventral surface is greyish-white, densely speckled with brownish or blackish fine dots.

Fu She inhabits plains, hills, and low mountainous areas, commonly found in rice paddies, cultivated fields, grasslands, and near human dwellings. It feeds on rodents, frogs, lizards, small birds, and insects, and is notable among snakes for being viviparous (giving live birth) rather than oviparous. The species is widely distributed across northern and central China.

For medicinal use, the whole body minus the internal organs is used. The snake is captured, decapitated, bled, eviscerated, cleaned, coiled into a disc shape, and then dried. It may also be ground into fine powder or used fresh. The venom, gallbladder, and shed skin can also be used medicinally as separate substances.

Sourcing & Harvesting

Where Fu She is sourced, when it's harvested or collected, and how to assess quality

Harvesting season

Spring and summer (primarily March through August), when the snakes are most active.

Primary growing regions

Fu She (Agkistrodon halys) is widely distributed across northern and central China. It is commonly found in the provinces of Jilin, Liaoning, and Heilongjiang (Northeast China), as well as Hebei, Shandong, Henan, Anhui, Jiangsu, and Zhejiang. The Tang Dynasty text Tang Ben Cao noted the species was particularly abundant in the Hanzhong and Mianyang regions of southern Shaanxi (山南汉、沔间). Northeast China (especially Jilin province) is considered a major sourcing area for medicinal Fu She. There is no single strongly defined dao di (terroir) region as with plant herbs, since the snake is widespread, but northeastern specimens are generally regarded as high quality.

Quality indicators

Good quality dried Fu She should be coiled into a tight disc shape approximately 6-8 cm in diameter, with the head positioned at the center of the coil. The dorsal surface should show a greyish-black color, with some specimens displaying round dark spots. The dorsal scales should have visible ridges (keels). The ventral surface, where the internal organs have been removed, should show a clean longitudinal groove. Any remaining ventral scales should be elongated, semi-transparent strips. The body should feel firm and tough, not easily broken. It should have a distinctly fishy (腥) smell. Avoid specimens that are mouldy, broken, incomplete, or that show signs of insect damage. The snake should not be confused with other, non-venomous snake species that lack the characteristic triangular head and keeled dorsal scales.

Classical Texts

Key passages from the classical Chinese medical texts that describe Fu She and its therapeutic uses

Ming Yi Bie Lu (名医别录)

Original: 酿作酒疗癞疾，诸瘘，心腹痛，下结气。

Translation: "Brewed into medicinal wine, it treats leprosy, various fistulae, heart and abdominal pain, and moves downward to resolve knotted Qi."

Yao Xing Lun (药性论)

Original: 治五痔，肠风泻血。

Translation: "Treats the five types of hemorrhoids and intestinal wind with bloody stool."

Ben Cao Shi Yi (本草拾遗)

Original: 治大风及诸恶风，恶疮瘰疬，皮肤顽痹，半身枯死，皮肤手足脏腑间重疾并主之……亦有小毒，不可顿服。

Translation: "Treats severe wind conditions and all malignant winds, malignant sores and scrofula, stubborn numbness of the skin, half-body withering, and serious diseases of the skin, limbs, and internal organs... It has mild toxicity and must not be taken in a single large dose."

Ben Cao Gang Mu (本草纲目) — Li Shizhen

Original: 按王介甫《字说》云：蝮，触之则复。其害人也，人亦复之，故谓之蝮。

Translation: "According to Wang Anshi's Zi Shuo: 'Fu (蝮) means to strike back when touched. It harms people, and people likewise retaliate against it, hence the name Fu.'"

Historical Context

The history and evolution of Fu She's use in Chinese medicine over the centuries

Fu She has a long history in Chinese medicine, first recorded in the Ming Yi Bie Lu (名医别录, Supplementary Records of Famous Physicians) compiled around the 5th-6th century. The renowned physician Tao Hongjing described it as having an extremely fierce venom, noting that bites not treated immediately were often fatal. The Tang Ben Cao (唐本草, Tang Dynasty Materia Medica) later clarified that Fu She and the short, flat "Hui" (虺) snake, which Tao had described as two separate species, were in fact the same creature. Li Shizhen in the Ben Cao Gang Mu (本草纲目) discussed both positions, ultimately noting that the larger specimens were called "Fu" and smaller ones "Hui," and etymologically connected the name to Wang Anshi's explanation that the character 蝮 relates to the snake's behavior of striking back (复) when disturbed.

The classical text Ben Cao Shi Yi (本草拾遗, Supplement to the Materia Medica) by Chen Cangqi of the Tang Dynasty provided the earliest detailed medicinal wine recipe, instructing that a live Fu She be placed in strong liquor and buried for a full year before use. Ge Hong's Zhou Hou Fang (肘后方, Emergency Formulas) described topical applications of Fu She soaked in wine and mixed with lard for treating leprosy-like skin conditions. Uniquely among snakes, Fu She was recognized as viviparous, with Ben Cao Gang Mu noting that all other snakes lay eggs but Fu She gives live birth by breaking through the mother's abdomen, a quality seen as reflecting its especially fierce and toxic nature.

Modern Research

4 published studies investigating the pharmacological effects or clinical outcomes of Fu She

1

Purification and characterization of a novel antinociceptive peptide from venom of Agkistrodon halys Pallas (Preclinical study, 2013)

Pan H, Hu B, et al. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis, 2013, 19:16.

Researchers isolated a novel analgesic peptide called Pallanalgesin (16.6 kDa) from Agkistrodon halys venom. In mouse hot plate and writhing tests, it showed significant pain-relieving effects without producing tolerance or dependence, supporting the traditional use of Fu She for pain conditions.

PubMed
2

Viper metalloproteinase (Agkistrodon halys pallas) with antimicrobial activity against multi-drug resistant human pathogens (Preclinical study, 2008)

Samy PR, Pachiappan A, Gopalakrishnakone P, et al. J Appl Microbiol, 2008, 105(3):883-891.

A 23.1 kDa metalloproteinase isolated from Agkistrodon halys venom demonstrated antibacterial activity against multiple drug-resistant pathogens including Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, suggesting potential applications in treating resistant infections.

PubMed
3

A new Agkistrodon halys venom-purified protein C activator prevents myocardial fibrosis in diabetic rats (Preclinical study, 2015)

Nie L, et al. Croat Med J, 2015, 56(5):439-446.

A novel protein C activator purified from Agkistrodon halys venom was found to reduce cardiac fibrosis, lower blood glucose, and decrease left ventricular mass index in a diabetic rat model in a dose-dependent manner, suggesting cardioprotective properties.

PubMed
4

Purification, characterization and bactericidal activities of basic phospholipase A2 from the venom of Agkistrodon halys (Preclinical study, 2008)

Samy PR, et al. Biochimie, 2008, 90(9):1372-1380.

A basic phospholipase A2 enzyme (AgkTx-II) isolated from Agkistrodon halys venom showed potent antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Proteus vulgaris, Proteus mirabilis, and Burkholderia pseudomallei in laboratory assays.

PubMed

Research on individual TCM herbs is growing but still limited by Western clinical trial standards. These studies provide emerging evidence and should be considered alongside practitioner expertise.