Liu Yuhang, Zhang Jinlong, Wang Binbin, Zheng Feifei, Yan Jie
Department of Forensic Science, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
Sci Rep. 2025 Feb 15;15(1):5586. doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-89809-0.
Toad toxin, a bioactive compound revered in traditional Chinese medicine, has been employed therapeutically for centuries. Recent studies have increasingly confirmed its pharmacological benefits, including cardioprotection, anesthetic effects, anti-inflammatory properties, enhancement of sexual function, and antineoplastic activities. This toxin is applied in the treatment of diverse medical conditions such as chronic bronchitis, pharyngitis, and colon cancer. Nonetheless, the consumption of toad-related substances-such as flesh, eggs, gallbladders-or the medicinal use of toad toxin frequently leads to poisoning incidents, some of which are fatal. This paper comprehensively reviews the principal features of toad toxin poisoning, encompassing clinical symptoms, therapeutic approaches, and other relevant factors to aid in the diagnosis and management, as well as the forensic evaluation of lethal cases. We advocate for further research into the cardiotoxic and neurotoxic effects of toad toxin to deepen our understanding of its poisoning mechanisms and pharmacological profile. Future efforts should focus on regulatory standardization of treatment practices and public education to mitigate the risks associated with toad toxin exposure.
蟾酥毒素是一种在传统中医中备受推崇的生物活性化合物,几个世纪以来一直被用于治疗。最近的研究越来越多地证实了它的药理益处,包括心脏保护作用、麻醉作用、抗炎特性、性功能增强以及抗肿瘤活性。这种毒素被应用于多种医疗病症的治疗,如慢性支气管炎、咽炎和结肠癌。然而,食用与蟾蜍相关的物质,如肉、卵、胆囊,或药用蟾酥毒素经常会导致中毒事件,其中一些是致命的。本文全面综述了蟾酥毒素中毒的主要特征,包括临床症状、治疗方法以及其他相关因素,以辅助诊断和处理,以及对致死病例的法医评估。我们主张进一步研究蟾酥毒素的心脏毒性和神经毒性作用,以加深我们对其中毒机制和药理特性的理解。未来的工作应集中在治疗实践的监管标准化和公众教育上,以降低与蟾酥毒素接触相关的风险。