denatured naja naja atra venom

Denatured naja naja atra venom is the heat-treated form of the venom from the Chinese cobra, Naja naja atra. The drug comprises a mixture of denatured proteins, with main active ingredients including **cardiotoxin**, **neurotoxin** (such as cobrotoxin and cobratoxin), and **cytotoxins**, among others[1][4][5]. Heat treatment increases the proportion of low molecular weight peptides, potentially enhancing therapeutic effects and reducing toxicity[1][4]. This drug demonstrates **anti-inflammatory** and **antinociceptive** (pain-relieving) activity, with reported efficacy in animal models of **rheumatoid arthritis** and other inflammatory conditions[1][2][3][6]. Mechanistically, it reduces levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-17), increases anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10, and inhibits activation of **nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB)**, a transcription factor driving inflammation[2]. Individual venom peptides act through blocking nerve transmission by binding to the alpha subunit of the **nicotinic acetylcholine receptor**, and by modulating immune response via complement depletion (cobra venom factor)[1][2]. Additional analgesic effects are mediated partly via **cholinergic** and **opioidergic** pathways[2]. Denatured NNAV is orally bioavailable, with reduced toxicity compared to native venom, and has shown promise in preclinical studies for inflammatory diseases.

Brand names

denatured NNAV

Other names

denatured Naja naja atra venomheat-treated Naja naja atra venomdenatured cobra venom