C5bfragmentin
C5bfragmentin is a protein that belongs to the fragmentin family, which are small, cysteine-rich proteins found in the venom of various snakes. Fragmentins are known for their ability to inhibit blood clotting, a property that has made them valuable in medical research and clinical applications. C5bfragmentin, specifically, is derived from the venom of the saw-scaled viper (Echis carinatus). This protein is a potent inhibitor of both thrombin and factor Xa, two key enzymes involved in the coagulation cascade. Its anticoagulant activity is due to its ability to bind to these enzymes and prevent their activation, thereby inhibiting blood clotting. C5bfragmentin has been studied for its potential use in the treatment of thrombosis and other conditions involving abnormal blood clotting. However, its use is limited by its short half-life in the bloodstream and the potential for adverse effects, such as bleeding. Research is ongoing to develop more stable and selective derivatives of C5bfragmentin for therapeutic use.