Chan Su: The Multi-faceted Medicinal Properties and Potential Health Benefits

Chan Su, also known as Chan Su Poison Base, is mainly produced in Jilin, Shandong, Liaoning, Jiangsu and other places. Chan Su has the effects of detoxification, reducing swelling, relieving pain, strengthening the heart, and diuresis. It can be used to treat abscess, ulcers, sore throat, as well as symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and confusion caused by exposure to hot and humid air. Cardiotonic Effect Both Chan Su alkaloids and bufadienolides have cardiotonic effects, but Chan Su alkaloids have a more significant effect. Their chemical structure is related to their cardiotonic action. It has been proven that Chan Su can increase the level of cyclic adenosine monophosphate in monocytes, and increase the activity of myocardial phosphokinase by increasing the level of cyclic adenosine monophosphate. Under the action of phosphokinase, inactive phosphokinase b is converted into active phosphokinase a, thereby promoting glycogen breakdown and producing more ATP. ATP is the driving force for myocardial contraction, allowing the myocardium to function fully. Anti-inflammatory Effect Steroids in Chan Su can inhibit vascular permeability. Subcutaneous injection of Chan Su injection at a dose of 9mg/kg can prevent the spread of lesions, reduce local redness and swelling, and have a significant and rapid antibacterial effect. It also has inhibitory effects on some antibiotic-resistant pyogenic diseases. Anti-tumor Effect Chan Su can inhibit the respiration of undifferentiated cancer cells such as cheek and jaw cancer, mesothelioma, gastric cancer, splenic sarcoma, and liver cancer in the body. It can prolong the survival period of patients with germ cell tumors, ascites cancer, and liver cancer, and has inhibitory effects on leukemia cells in vitro. Treatment of Cardiovascular Diseases Chan Su can prolong the coagulation time of fibrinogen solution and has anticoagulant effects similar to urokinase. It can activate fibrinolytic activity and increase coronary artery blood flow. It can increase myocardial nutritional blood flow, improve microcirculation, and increase myocardial oxygen supply. Chan Su has a certain protective effect on acute myocardial ischemia. Therefore, it can be used for the prevention and treatment of ischemic heart diseases caused by thrombus. Enhancement of Immunity Chan Su preparations can promote the phagocytic function of macrophages and increase the concentration of serum lysozyme. It can improve cell-mediated immunity, macrophage activity, rose flower reaction, and lymphocyte transformation rate to varying degrees. The monomer fraction of water-soluble components of Chan Su and its immunopharmacology and molecular biology studies enhance the phagocytic function of the reticuloendothelial system and improve the non-specific immunity of the body. Nutritional Value of Chan Su Chan Su contains components such as Bufalin, Chan Su Jing, Chan Su Ta Ling, Yuan Chan Su Jing, Chan Su Ling, Japan Chan Su Gua Yuan, and Res Chan Su Gua Yuan. 1. Bufadienolides have a direct excitatory effect on the respiratory center and vascular motor center in patients, as well as cardiotonic and hypertensive effects. It is used clinically for respiratory failure, shock, respiratory distress, and airway obstruction caused by poisoning, drowning, coma. 2. Chan Su and its components have local anesthetic effects. 80% Chan Su alcohol extract has surface anesthesia. 3. Steroids in Chan Su can inhibit vascular permeability and have inhibitory effects on Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus hemolyticus, and tissue vascular permeability increased by acetic acid stimulation. 4. Chan Su decoction has antitussive effect on experimental cough caused by sulfur dioxide, but its expectorant effect is poor.