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Slowing down snake venom

Applying an ointment to snake bites can improve survival times by up to 50 percent, according to the University of Newcastle research.

Many snake venoms aren’t injected directly into the bloodstream, but first move through the lymphatic system. Ointments containing glyceryl trinitrate, commonly used in angina treatment, slows down the transport of the toxin through the system.

While the ointment won’t inactivate the venom it could give snakebite victims extra time to seek help.

Read more at University of Newcastle

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