Single Herb Glossary

Chán Sū 蟾酥

Pharmaceutical name	Bufonis Venenum toad venom "toad shortening"
Category	Substances for Topical Applications
Key Properties	Unbinds Clogging, Unblocks the Heart Orifice, Eliminates Heat Stasis, Resolves Toxicity, Reduces Swelling, Stops Pain
Properties	Sweet Acrid Warm Toxic
Tropism	HT, ST
Actions & Indications	1) Resolves Toxicity, Reduces Swellings, & Alleviates Pain (sores) 2) Expels Summerheat & Dampness, Opens Orifices, and Awakens Consciousness (Summer Heat) 3) Attacks Toxins, Red Swell, Resists Cancer, & Stops Pain
Dosages	0.01-0.03g in pills and powders
Contraindications (TCM)	Pregnancy Use with caution when taken internally Must be kept out of the eyes
Contraindications (Western)
Chemical Composition	Bufotoxins, bufogenins, cinobufalin, cinobufotalin, cinobufagin, cinobufatalin, telocinobufagin, gamabufotalin, gamabufogenin, resibufogenin, bufotalin, bufotanine, bufalin, bufotalinin, bufotalidin, bufotenine, bufotenidine
Pharmacological Effects	• Cardiotonic: according to laboratory studies in anesthetized cats, dogs, rabbits and frogs, small amount of herb associated with marked inotropic effect while larger dose associated with anesthetic effect; cardiotonic effect similar to that of digitalis, but is weaker, and has only a short active duration • Respiratory: cinobufalin, cinobufotalin, and numerous other constituents have all demonstrated stimulatory effect on respiratory tract by increasing respiration rate in anesthetized animals; also noted that stimulatory effect may counter respiratory depression induced by morphine • Antineoplastic: administration associated with inhibitory effect on cancer cells in mice with liver cancer; life expectancy of these mice is increased when treated with Chan Su
Herb-Drug Interactions
Classical Formula(s)

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This information is a reference tool for Chinese herbal studies. It is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Please consult a primary health professional if you require health advisory.