Toad Venom

The solid obtained by processing and drying toad liquid is called Chansu (toad venom). The liquid is complex in composition; collectively called bufadienolides, which are the main active constituents of toad liquid and toad venom.

1. Cardiotonic effect: Toad venom toxin has a digitalis-like action; small doses strengthen the contraction of the isolated toad heart, while large doses arrest the heart in systole. Effects on respiration and blood pressure: Intravenous injection of bufalin, cinobufagin, resibufogenin, cinobufotalin, and gambufotalin (0.05 mg/kg) can cause respiratory excitation and blood pressure rise in anesthetized rabbits. The respiratory excitation is central. Resibufogenin excites respiration not only in rabbits but also in cats; its action is stronger than that of nikethamide, pentetrazol, lobeline, etc., and it antagonizes morphine-induced respiratory depression.

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