The use of snake venom ointments in the fight against joint diseases

Instead of traditional painkillers, which cause a lot of side effects, more and more doctors are recommending natural remedies for joint diseases.
Using joint ointment with snake venom, you can achieve quick and lasting analgesia, no worse than taking NSAIDs. Cobra venom contains a toxin that is a stronger pain reliever than morphine, without causing addiction. In addition, snake venoms do not cause undesirable effects such as gastritis and heartburn, which often accompany the use of NSAIDs. Many people are afraid to use ointment with snake venom for joints due to possible toxicity. But it should be borne in mind that when dried, toxins are partially neutralized. The preparations use a minimum dosage, and no more than 5–7% of the active ingredients penetrate the skin.

Varieties of snake venom

When choosing ointment with snake venom for joints, it is important to understand that they have different effects. Snake venoms are divided into two main types:

• Neurotoxic (venom of cobra, sea snakes, adders);
• Hemotoxic (venom of viper, viper, rattlesnakes).

Neurotoxic drugs have a curare-like effect, blocking impulse transmission at neuromuscular synapses. This occurs by blocking potassium channels and binding of toxins to the acetylcholine receptors of the synapse. The transmission of signal from nerve to muscle is blocked. Under natural conditions, when a snake bites, this causes paralysis of the skeletal muscles, immobilizing the victim. Many neurotoxic poisons also contain cardiotropic components. For example, taikatoxin inhibits the transport of calcium ions into myocardial cells, disrupting the contractile function of the heart.

Hemotoxic affect blood clotting.
They contain a large number of proteolytic enzymes, which, when bitten by a snake, destroy tissue proteins, releasing a large amount of bioactive substances, primarily histamine. Histamine increases the permeability of vascular walls, intravascular pressure decreases, and edema develops. Some enzymes in the composition (for example, serinoproteases) cause sharp blood clotting (coagulation), while others (metalloproteases), on the contrary, thin it. Also, type 2 venom has a local cytotoxic effect, causing necrosis at the site of the bite. IMPORTANT! The division of snake venoms into types is arbitrary. Cobra venom, despite the fact that it belongs to the first type, also contains hemotoxin, which thins the blood. And viper venom, which is classified as hemotoxic, also has a neurotoxic effect, but partially loses its neurotoxicity when dried.

About the composition and properties

Venoms obtained from different species of snakes have different properties. The basis of all toxins is from 90 to 95% proteins. They have two mechanisms of action:

• neurotoxic, blocking the transmission of neuromuscular impulses;
• cytotoxic. With this action, massive cell death occurs. As a result, red blood cells stick together and blood clots.

In addition to proteins, poisons consist of metal ions, carbohydrate compounds and nucleic acids (only 5%). They also contain substances whose biological activity is minimal.

Pharmacological effect

Ointment for joints based on type 1 (for example, cobra) when applied to the skin has several effects:

• locally irritating;
• analgesic: due to the content of orphiotoxin, which is stronger than morphine;
• antispasmodic, anticonvulsant: due to inhibition of impulse transmission along nerve fibers;
• anti-inflammatory;
• anticoagulant: thins the blood, improves microcirculation;
• vasodilator.

The pharmacological action of type 2 , including viper and viper, can be described as:

• local irritant: stimulation of sensitive receptors of the skin and subcutaneous tissue at the site of application;
• vasodilator: due to irritation of receptors in the walls of blood vessels;
• hemocoagulation: sudden blood clotting (coagulation);
• hemolytic: dissolution of red blood cells under the action of enzymes in the poison;
• absorbable: hyaluronidase and other enzymes promote the absorption of rough scar connective tissue, which accelerates the healing process and improves joint function;
• pain reliever: viper venom also blocks the transmission of nerve impulses and reduces pain.

Composition of the poison

Snake venoms contain various agents originally intended to paralyze the snake's victim and render it unable to resist. But the composition of the drugs is selected in such dosages that can have a therapeutic effect without causing harm to the body.

The chemical composition of poisons includes membrane-active neurotoxins, phospholipase, phosphodiesterase, and hyaluronidase. Specific proteins and polypeptides were also found in the poison. The content of certain substances in the venom depends on the release of certain amino acids in the snake’s body.

General indications

Snake venom for joints in ointments is used for a number of diseases of the joints and surrounding tissues (muscles, tendons and ligaments). These include inflammatory processes, dystrophy, trauma, autoimmune pathology and pain syndromes of various origins .

The main ones:

• injuries: bruises, sprains, dislocations;
• arthritis, including rheumatoid;
• osteochondrosis;
• arthrosis;
• joint pain;
• gout;
• paresthesia, numbness of the back, shoulders;
• myositis (inflammation of skeletal muscles);
• bursitis, synovitis;
• myalgia (muscle pain of various etiologies);
• neuritis (inflammation of the peripheral nerve);
• neuralgia (pain along the nerve trunk);
• radiculitis (inflammation of the spinal nerve roots);
• sciatica (pain spreading along the sciatic nerve);
• lumbago (lumbago in the lower back).

First aid for a snake bite

Due to the warming climate on planet Earth, the number of poisonous snakes in our latitudes is constantly growing. In this regard, the number and severity of their bites increases. There are viper snakes (viper snakes) and slate snakes (elapids). The common viper lives in Belarus. Poisoning by snake venom causes severe specific general and local symptoms. It is very important to have information about the rules for carrying out measures to provide emergency assistance to victims.

The severity and nature of symptoms from snake bites can be characterized by some common features, since snake venoms contain the same components that have similar effects on the human body. These toxins include the following:

• neurotoxin – affects and causes dysfunction of the nervous system
• Cholinesterase is an enzyme that causes disruption of the transmission of nerve impulses from nerves to muscles
• cardiotoxin – affects and causes disorders in the functioning of the cardiovascular system
• hemolysin – provokes the destruction of blood cells and red blood cells

Symptoms that appear in a victim after a snake bite can be divided into:

• general - appear when bitten by any poisonous snake and are expressed with varying degrees of intensity
• specific - characteristic of poisoning by a certain type of snake venom

General symptoms

Common symptoms of snake bites and poisoning include:

• Local signs. One or two triangular-shaped wounds are identified on the skin. They measure about 2-3 mm and are located on the same level. In the area of ​​the bite, the following signs of inflammation are detected: redness, swelling and burning sensations and pain. The wounds may produce bloody discharge, and the skin surrounding the bite site may have hemorrhages or bluish spots.
• General reactions: temperature rises (to high numbers), muscle pain, nausea, vomiting and loose stools with blood appear. Renal and hepatic failure gradually increases.
• Neurological disorders: there is a feeling of muscle weakness, confusion, numbness (especially in the bite area), headaches, decreased visual acuity, double vision, inability to focus, distortion of the facial muscles, drooping eyelids and impaired swallowing.
• Disorders of cardiovascular activity: the pulse quickens, blood pressure decreases or increases (sometimes to critical figures), breathing quickens and pain appears in the heart and chest.

The severity of symptoms of snake venom poisoning depends on many factors:

• The behavior of the victim after the bite. Running, fast movements, walking or panicking accelerate the rate at which the poison spreads throughout the body.
• Type of snake, its size and age. The most dangerous are the bites of rattlesnakes, adders and cobras, less so are the bites of snakes of the viper family, but they can also cause serious deviations and death (in 1% of cases). Poisoning from young or small snakes is less dangerous. In addition, the toxicity of the venom can also be influenced by the degree of fear of the snake before the attack: the more frightened and aggressive the snake is, the more toxic its venom becomes.
• Localization of the bite. Symptoms of poisoning develop more quickly when a bite is applied to the head, neck, torso and large blood vessels. When the lower extremities are affected, symptoms develop more slowly.
• Age and general health of the victim. Children, elderly people, women and people suffering from serious illnesses or under the influence of alcohol are more susceptible to snake venom toxins. In such cases, death can occur at lightning speed.
• The presence of pathogenic bacteria on the snake's teeth. Wound infection can cause the development of severe purulent complications, necrotic processes and sepsis.
• High air temperature. A hot climate promotes faster blood flow through the vessels and the spread of poison.

All these factors contribute to the increase and progression of the general symptoms of snake venom poisoning. Depending on their combination and severity, the signs of poisoning can be aggravated by layering on each other or immediately causing the development of a shock reaction and the rapid onset of death of the victim.

First aid for a snake bite is as follows:

• Lay the victim in a horizontal position and calm him down. Once the snake is attached to the skin, it is removed immediately. If possible, the snake is identified or killed for further examination by a specialist
• Call an ambulance (if possible)
• Remove clothing and jewelry from the affected area, which can impair circulation and worsen swelling.
• If it is known for sure that the bitten snake is poisonous, then first aid measures begin immediately.

Urgent Care

• Immobilize the affected limb (immobilize) using an improvised bandage or splint.
• Suction of the venom should be carried out in the first 5-10 minutes after the bite is applied, since at a later date it is no longer so effective. Timely implementation of this emergency measure helps remove about 50% of the poison from the body. If possible, it is better to use suction or a rubber bulb for this procedure, and if they are not available, suction is performed with the mouth. To perform suction, you should grab the skin at the puncture site in a fold and lightly knead it (this will allow the puncture sites to open up better from the teeth). Use your teeth to grasp the areas of skin surrounding the wounds and suck out the poison while pressing on the skin. Saliva containing poison should be spat out immediately. The same actions should be performed for 20 minutes.
• Disinfect the wound with hydrogen peroxide, chlorhexidine, a weak solution of potassium permanganate or brilliant green. It is better not to use alcohol or alcohol solutions to treat a wound.
• Apply a loose bandage made of clean cloth or bandage to the wound and a moderately compressive bandage over the entire limb (the finger should freely penetrate under the surface of the bandage and not cause discomfort to the victim).
• Apply cold to the bite site. When using ice, it should be removed every 5-7 minutes (to prevent tissue frostbite).
• To reduce the symptoms of intoxication, the victim should drink as much as possible (up to 3-5 liters of drinking or alkaline mineral water per day), take vitamin K and C. Alkalinization of water can be done by preparing a soda solution: 1-2 teaspoons of soda per 1 liter water. If possible, a dropper with a 5% glucose solution (400 ml) should be placed.
• Give the patient to take antihistamines (Diphenhydramine, Loratadine, Tavegil, Levocetirizine) or administer intramuscularly (1 ml of 1% solution of Diphenhydramine, Pipolfen or Suprastin).
• Give the patient to take glucorticoid drugs (Dexamethasone - 2-4 mg/day, Prednisolone - 5 mg/day) or administer them intramuscularly (Prednisolone - 30-60 mg, Dexamethasone - 80 mg).
• If there are signs of respiratory and heart failure, the patient is administered Cordiamin, Ephedrine and Caffeine.
• When breathing and cardiac activity stop, artificial respiration and indirect cardiac massage are performed.

Antidotes

In case of poisoning with snake venom, the administration of antidotes - antisnake serums - is indicated. Their administration is most effective in the first hours or days after the bite. Subsequently, if necessary, the administration of serums can be repeated.

Providing first aid to a person bitten on the spot.

The victim is placed in the shade and given plenty of fluids: tea, milk, broth, water (the use of alcoholic beverages is contraindicated) and 1 therapeutic dose of serum is administered, regardless of the body weight of the bitten person. To avoid anaphylactic shock or other allergic complications, before administering the serum, the victim is given 1-2 tablets of any antihistamine (diphenhydramine, pipolfen, tavegil, etc.) orally. The serum is injected subcutaneously in fractional increments (according to Bezredka) into any part of the victim’s body: first 0.1 ml, if there is no reaction after 10-15 minutes, 0.25 ml is injected and then after 15 minutes, if there are no adverse reactions, the rest of the serum.

After providing first aid, it is necessary to ensure immediate hospitalization of the victim to the nearest medical facility, where treatment will continue. The patient is transported in a supine position. The bitten leg is bandaged to the healthy one; if the hand is bitten, it is fixed in a bent position with the help of a cloth thrown over the neck.

Assistance in a medical facility.

The total dose of serum administered is determined by the doctor depending on the degree of intoxication: for mild degrees, 1-2 doses intramuscularly, for severe cases, 4-5 doses, taking into account the dose administered before hospitalization. It is necessary to carry out measures for emergency prevention of tetanus in accordance with the instructions for the prevention of tetanus.

Treatment for poisoning by snake venoms

Treatment of snake venom poisoning should be comprehensive and include symptomatic, detoxification and specific therapy. If necessary, resuscitation measures and artificial ventilation are carried out.

Preventing snake bites

There are no specific ways to prevent poisonous snake bites.

To prevent snake bites, the following rules of conduct should be observed:

• When you see a snake, you should not perform actions that provoke the snake to attack: scream, tease, or make sudden movements.
• When entering a potential risk area, be sure to wear boots or high boots and thick clothing.
• If you are walking through tall grass, use a stick to make sure there is no snake.
• When walking in snake habitats, watch your step.
• When in places that are remote from cities and medical institutions, carry medications with antidotes.
• When staying outdoors for a long time in tents or sleeping bags, carefully choose a suitable place to sleep. It should be located on a hill with low vegetation, away from mountains and rocks.
• Be sure to check tents and sleeping bags for snakes whenever you need to use them.

Surgeon 1x/o Nikolaeva O.S.

Names and characteristics of drugs based on viper venom

Ointments for joints based on viper snake venom have a local irritant and anesthetic effect due to irritation of superficial sensitive nerve endings in the skin and underlying tissue. Their influence is accompanied by vasodilation and blood flow, thereby improving tissue trophism.

In its pharmacological effect, viper venom is similar to other locally irritating components (turpentine, camphor) in that it dilates blood vessels. Therefore, in the ointment they are contained in a complex to enhance each other’s effect. In addition, it contains hyaluronidase, which promotes the resorption of hematomas and scar tissue in the joints and improves their mobility. And the neurotoxic component has an analgesic effect.

Viprosal B

Ointment with viper venom for joints Viprosal B is a complex preparation. Contains additional turpentine, camphor and salicylic acid. The complex of locally irritating components produces a distracting effect due to burning of the skin. And salicylate has an anti-inflammatory and keratolytic effect. Vasodilation under the influence of the ointment leads to improved trophism in tissues and their rapid restoration. The advantage of the ointment is its natural composition, rapid absorption and affordable price, but some patients say the smell is too strong.

Salvisar

This ointment has an identical composition to Viprosal B with minor differences in the excipients. But if Viprosal B is produced in Latvia and Estonia, then Salvisar is a Russian drug and costs a little less.

The ointment should be applied 1-2 times a day, 5-10 g, which corresponds to 1-2 teaspoons, gently rubbing into the skin.

The duration of therapy without consulting a doctor is no more than 10 days. The appearance of burning and redness after applying the ointment is a normal local reaction that should subside within a few minutes after application. If the symptoms are too pronounced and persist for a long time, it is better to remove the ointment from the skin.

This snake venom ointment for joints is contraindicated for pregnant women and children under 6 years of age. From 6 to 18 years of age it should be used with extreme caution. In addition to standard contraindications for all local irritants, Salvisar is prohibited for use in aspirin-induced bronchial asthma.

When combined with other local drugs, it is worth considering that Salvisar ointment, due to vasodilation, can enhance their effect. When used together with methotrexate, the ointment may increase its toxicity. And when used simultaneously with hypoglycemic drugs, Salvisar reduces their effect.

Video: Salvisar ointment for leg pain

This video describes the benefits of Salvisar ointment, indications for use and its effectiveness for pain syndrome. SubTatiana about Salvisar ointment - an effective remedy for pain in muscles and joints

Characteristics of properties

The main active ingredients of ointments based on snake venom are the venoms of the common viper, cobra or viper. Specific peptides contained in the toxic liquid provoke hemolysis and increase the level of capillary permeability and blood clotting.

Local application of ointments with the secretion of the common viper eliminates pain and has an irritating effect on sensitive nerve endings. Vasodilation and increased capillary permeability at the site of application contribute to improved nutrition of adjacent tissues - they absorb nutrients and oxygen from the blood.

Viper's venom contains presynaptic and postsynaptic neurotoxins, which contribute to increased release of neurotransmitters.

The therapeutic effect is also associated with protective mechanisms resulting from irritation of skin receptors, the body's immunological reaction and stimulation of the pituitary-adrenal hormonal system. When drugs based on viper venom are applied topically, biogenic substances are formed that enhance the therapeutic effect.

Based on cobra toxin

Ointments for joints with cobra snake venom do not include the entire venom of this snake, but only one of its toxins - cobrataxin . When applied topically to the skin, it has an analgesic effect and relieves spasms by inhibiting the transmission of pain impulses along the nerve trunks. Cobrataxin also thins the blood and dilates blood vessels, stimulating the acceleration of metabolism and trophism. Ointments with cobra snake venom are especially indicated for joint and muscle pain, neuralgia and other pain syndromes.

Cobratoxan, Hong Linh Cot, Bach Xa

The Vietnamese ointment Cobratoxan contains:

• cobra venom;
• menthol: simultaneously irritates the skin, providing a distracting effect, and cools it, compensating for the burning sensation from other components of the drug;
• methyl salicylate: a member of the group of non-steroidal analgesics, has an anti-inflammatory effect, which also helps reduce pain;
• excipients for easy application.

Since Cobratoxan ointment with snake venom for joints exerts its effect not on the surface of the skin, but at depth, it is applied in parts with breaks.

First, 1–2 g is applied to the problem area and lightly rubbed in with massage movements; after half an hour, the procedure is repeated for deeper penetration of the components..

Normally, the skin at the application site should become moderately red with a burning sensation. To enhance the effect, the area with the ointment can be covered with a warm cloth. One application per day is usually sufficient. For severe pain, twice the application is acceptable.

As with other locally irritating drugs, after applying Cobratoxan it is important to wash your hands thoroughly so as not to get it into your eyes or mucous membranes. You should not use the ointment on damaged skin. According to consumer reviews, the main advantage of the ointment is its natural composition and rapid pain relief, due to which it is actively used by athletes and for pain syndromes. In particular, ointment with cobra snake venom helps well against radiculitis and other lumbar and joint pain.

Nayatoks

In composition and effect, snake venom-based ointment for joints Nayatox is similar to Cobratoxan, but differs by the addition of camphor and eucalyptus oil instead of menthol.
In addition, Nayatox contains several times less poison and acts more gently, although not as quickly as Cobratoxan. The combination of cobra venom and eucalyptus oil stimulates the regeneration of damaged tissue. A component of eucalyptus oil, cineole, helps reduce inflammation and pain. Camphor enhances the local irritant effect and expands capillaries, stimulating blood circulation. IMPORTANT! Despite their similar composition, Cobratoxan and Nayatoks contain venoms from different types of cobras. Cobratoxan is an ointment based on the snake venom of the king cobra, and Nayatoks is based on the venom of the Naya cobra. The venom of the king cobra is better at treating pain due to arthritis, and the venom of the Naya cobra is an excellent treatment for neuralgia, because... connects specifically with nerve endings.

Instructions for use

For external use only. Apply to the affected area in small portions up to 5 grams and rub into the skin with massage movements. Depending on the intensity of the pain, rubbing once or twice a day is indicated.

Preparations with cobra venom are used for no longer than ten days; the duration of treatment with other ointments is determined by the attending physician on an individual basis.

Avoid contact with mucous membranes. After rubbing, wash your hands thoroughly. If the ointment gets on the mucous membranes of the eyes or mouth, rinse thoroughly with running water and consult a doctor.

An allergy test is recommended before use. To do this, one or two grams of ointment are applied to the wrist or elbow. The skin reaction is observed throughout the day. If there is swelling, severe tingling, rash and redness that does not go away within 5-15 minutes after use, wash off the ointment and do not use it for treatment.

Based on viper enzymes

The venom of the viper is one of the most expensive, since this snake is included in the Red Book and is more dangerous to work with than other vipers. The venom of the viper belongs to the second type (hemotoxic), it clots the blood and has a hemolytic effect (dissolves red blood cells). Due to its coagulation effect, it is used for the production of hemostatic agents.

But in addition to its effect on the blood, the venom also has a neurotoxic effect, like cobra venom. It blocks cholinergic receptors, inhibiting the transmission of impulses along the nerves. Due to this, the venom has an analgesic effect , and ointments with snake venom for joints are effective for all kinds of pain syndromes.

The rich content of enzymes in viper venom (phosphodiesterase, phospholipase A2, endopeptidase, hyaluronidase) provides local absorbable and anti-inflammatory effects , rapid healing and accelerated tissue regeneration.

Vipratox

Vipratox is the most popular name for ointment for joints with viper snake venom. The composition includes camphor, fir oil and salicylic acid. All these components have a local irritant effect, thereby reducing pain (distracting effect). There is also expansion of capillaries and blood flow with the appearance of a feeling of moderate warmth. Salicylic acid additionally exhibits an anti-inflammatory effect. And fir oil, due to its fat solubility, ensures better penetration of components into tissues.

Vipratox should be applied in portions, thoroughly rubbing 5–10 g of the drug. Frequency of application per day – once or twice, until the pain subsides .

Like other locally irritating agents, Vipratox ointment can only be applied to entire skin, and after application you should wash your hands so that particles of the drug do not get on other parts of the body and mucous membranes. To avoid allergic reactions, the first time Vipratox, a snake venom-based ointment for joints, is applied in a small amount and on a small area of ​​skin.

Doctors' advice

“Patients often ask about ointments with snake venom, but such a drug must be selected on an individual basis. Ideally, try all available drugs on the skin and choose the one whose active composition has the greatest effect. In other cases, I try to prescribe domestically produced ointments to make it easier for the patient to find the drug in pharmacies.”

Vitaly Ivanovich, rheumatologist, Saratov

“I have never denied the effectiveness of ointments with snake venom, but I urge that these are means for symptomatic treatment. They do not eliminate the causes of pain, but only mask it in order to improve the patient’s quality of life. Complex therapy is mandatory.”

Igor Yurievich, vertebrologist, Moscow

Combination medications

There are ointments containing toxins from several snakes at once. They have a more pronounced and varied effect. Although allergic reactions to such drugs are detected more often.

Kapkotoks

The Vietnamese cream Kapkotoks contains the venoms of three snakes at once: the king cobra, the green boiga and the white-lipped keffiyeh. It is characterized by an almost instantaneous and strongly pronounced analgesic effect. In addition, this ointment for joints contains methyl salicylate, which has an anti-inflammatory effect, and menthol, which irritates and at the same time cools the skin.

You need to apply the ointment up to 3 times a day, rubbing it in with massaging movements. Course of treatment – ​​7–10 days .

Its use is contraindicated for children, pregnant and lactating women. Avoid application to damaged skin, mucous membranes and accidental contact with the eyes. The advantages of the drug are fast and strong pain relief, good absorption and an affordable price.

Possible adverse reactions

Undesirable effects from snake venom ointments for joints, the names of which are listed above, boil down to allergic reactions. Their main symptoms:

• skin rash similar to urticaria;
• itching;
• swelling of the skin;
• redness.

To avoid such signs, it is worth performing a hypersensitivity test . To do this, the ointment should be applied in small quantities and to a small area of ​​skin (on the wrist). Normally, moderate burning and redness should appear. If there is excessive burning or a rash, you should not use the ointment.

General contraindications

The use of joint ointment with snake venom is contraindicated for:

• hypersensitivity to any of the components;
• contact dermatitis and infectious skin lesions;
• ulcerative lesions and skin injuries;
• tendency to seizures;
• fever;
• tuberculosis;
• severe liver and kidney failure;
• peptic ulcers of the gastrointestinal tract (stomach, duodenum, colon);
• severe liver and kidney failure;
• tendency to bronchospasm;
• whooping cough;
• bronchial asthma;
• disturbances of cerebral circulation and spasms of cerebral vessels;
• pregnancy and lactation;
• children under 12 years of age;
• severe exhaustion of the body.

Remember:

1. There are two main types of snake venom: neurotoxic and hemotoxic. The first type has a predominantly anesthetic effect and has a distant effect. The second type is characterized by irritating, anti-inflammatory and absorbable effects, producing a local effect.
2. A neurotoxic poison thins the blood, and a hemotoxic poison clots it. The first type includes cobra venom; it is included in such ointments for joints as Nayatox, Cobratoxan, Kapkotoks. The second type includes venoms of vipers, including vipers. They are included in such ointments for joints as Viprosal B, Salvisar, Alvipsal.
3. Often, such ointments also contain other components: turpentine, which increases local irritation, and salicylic acid, which also has an anti-inflammatory effect.
4. Ointments with snake toxins are used both for joint injuries and for chronic rheumatic diseases, arthrosis, arthritis, and pain syndromes.
5. Due to their strong irritating effect, their application to damaged skin and mucous membranes, as well as application if you are allergic to one of the components, is contraindicated.
6. Although snake venom-based joint ointments are considered safe, side effects such as contact dermatitis or allergic reactions are possible. Therefore, before starting use, it is recommended to test them on a small area of ​​skin.

Mithridates of Pontus and his universal antidote

Mithridates VI Eupator of Pontus (132–63 BC) inherited the kingdom of Pontus on the Black Sea (today the northeastern region of Turkey) in 120 BC. e., after his father was poisoned by his enemies. It is believed that Mithridates' mother, Queen Laodice, intended to poison him in order to reign herself, so Mithridates went into hiding for several years as a teenager. His strong passion was poisons. He caught poisonous spiders, wasps and snakes and experimented with poisons. Fearing that he would be poisoned by his rivals, Mithridates took weak doses of arsenic daily in order to develop immunity to large doses. Upon his return, he ascended the throne and used poison to eliminate several relatives and rivals. Mithridates' interest in poisons and antidotes may have been influenced by the works of the last Pergamon king, Attalus III. Pergamon, with its large library, active scientific society, and healing temple of Asclepius, was a center of medical learning. As a child, Mithridates heard rumors that Attalus III poisoned his relatives and enemies and left court life, devoting himself to the study of botany, pharmacology and metallurgy. He died in 133 BC. e. - time close to the date of birth of Mithridates [, ]. Ancient historians report that Attalus grew toxic plants such as henbane, hellebore, hemlock and aconite. The renowned Pergamon physician Galen (129–199) wrote that Attalus experimented with antidotes for the venoms of snakes, spiders and scorpions, and praised his work.

Mithridates' homeland of Pontus was famous for its extraordinary flora and fauna. Wild honey, obtained by bees from the nectar of poisonous rhododendrons and oleanders, so abundant on the Black Sea coast, contained deadly toxins. The flesh of Pontic ducks was poisonous because they ate Caucasian hellebore and other poisonous plants. Mithridates' allies in the east, in Armenia, had lakes with poisonous fish. These facts may have prompted him to look for ways to protect himself from poisons. Mithridates, continuing his toxicological experiments, was looking for a universal antidote. His reserves included arrow poisons, snake poisons, scorpion poisons from Mesopotamia and Libya, poisonous fish from Armenia, poisonous plants and mushrooms, poisonous honey collected by bees from rhododendrons, and other deadly drugs. Mithridates' library contained scientific treatises on poisons, and he conducted extensive correspondence regarding poisons and antidotes. Pliny wrote: “Through tireless research and a variety of experiments, he sought ways to transform poisons into useful medicines” []. Mithridates kept his work on producing a universal antidote secret. It is believed that the recipe contained more than 50 ingredients, many of which were costly substances from distant lands [, ].

Mithridates, after being defeated by Pompey in the Third Mithridatic War, was forced to commit suicide (63 BC). He is recognized as the first experimental toxicologist who performed proto-scientific experiments with poisons and antidotes []. His goal was to create a universal antidote to make himself and his friends immune to all poisons and toxins[].

After Mithridates' death, his personal library and archives were transported to Rome and translated into Latin by Lenaeus (95–25 BC). Pliny, who studied the documents, believed that "Mithridates was a more accomplished researcher in biology than any man before him." Subsequently, the antidote of Mithridates - mithridatium - was improved, and so-called polyvalent antidotes were created. In the Middle Ages, mithridatium became widespread in Europe and became a “long-lived” medicine; it could be purchased back in the 20th century.