Fangoterapia

Fangoterapia is an alternative medicine practice that uses venom from snakes or the contact with venomous fangs with the aim of therapeutic benefit. Proponents claim it can relieve pain, reduce inflammation, treat chronic illnesses, or bolster general well-being. The practice appears in some wellness circles and has appeared in various regional markets, especially in parts of Latin America and Europe. However, there is no robust evidence from clinical trials that fangoterapia is effective, and it is not endorsed by major medical organizations.

Venoms are complex mixtures of bioactive proteins and peptides. Some venom-derived compounds have inspired approved medications, but these are developed under rigorous, controlled conditions with standardized dosing, not through direct application of venom or fang contact. Fangotherapy lacks standardized protocols and quality control, making it difficult to assess safety or efficacy. Critics describe the practice as pseudoscience and note potential confounding factors such as placebo effects and natural disease variation.

Safety concerns are substantial. Venom exposure can cause envenomation, allergic or anaphylactic reactions, infection, and tissue injury. There are additional risks related to animal welfare and the handling of venomous snakes. Because of these hazards, many health authorities warn against fangotherapy and regulate or prohibit it as a medical or quasi-medical intervention.