What are the functions and effects of Chinese black snake (Zaocys dhumnades)?

As a traditional Chinese medicinal material, Zamenis (Zaocys dhumnades) mainly originates from the dried body of the non-venomous snake species Zaocys dhumnades. Its functions and effects include anti-inflammatory, sedative, analgesic, anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory properties, alleviating wind-related conditions and itching, strengthening tendons and bones, and treating arthritis. If needed for use, it should be administered under the guidance of a physician. Detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Anti-inflammatory, Sedative, and Analgesic Effects

Zaocys dhumnades possesses anti-inflammatory, sedative, and analgesic properties. Its serum can counteract the venom of the five-step snake (Deinagkistrodon acutus), offering a certain detoxifying effect. Additionally, the extract of Zaocys dhumnades demonstrates inhibitory effects on convulsions induced by pentylenetetrazol and provides analgesic benefits for various degrees of chemically-induced pain.

2. Anti-inflammatory and Anti-oxidant Effects

Extracts from Zaocys dhumnades exhibit certain anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant activities. They can inhibit the release of inflammatory mediators, reduce free radical production, and offer auxiliary effects in the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular and neurological disorders.

3. Alleviating Wind-related Conditions and Itching

Zaocys dhumnades also has the function of alleviating wind-related conditions and itching. When combined with other Chinese medicinal materials, it can be used to treat skin diseases such as leprosy and scabies. For example, when used in combination with Rhizoma Typhonii (Bai Fu Zi) and Angelica dahurica (Bai Zhi), it can be used to treat leprosy; when combined with Schizonepeta tenuifolia (Jing Jie) and Mentha haplocalyx (Bo He), it can be used to treat scabies.

4. Strengthening Tendons and Bones

Zaocys dhumnades is rich in various amino acids, trace elements, and other nutrients, providing good nourishment for bones and muscles. Appropriate consumption can enhance bone density, increase muscle strength, and help prevent osteoporosis and muscle atrophy.

5. Treating Arthritis

Zaocys dhumnades is a commonly used herb for treating rheumatoid and rheumatic arthritis. Soaking Zaocys dhumnades together with Herba Angelicae Pubescentis (Du Huo), Pueraria lobata (Ge Gen), Notopterygium incisum (Qiang Huo), Acanthopanax gracilistylus bark (Wu Jia Pi), and other herbs in alcohol for consumption demonstrates good therapeutic effects for rheumatoid arthritis, rheumatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, osteoarthritis, and similar conditions.

During the consumption of Zaocys dhumnades, avoid eating spicy, stimulating, hard-to-digest foods and seafood, as these may exacerbate the condition.