Salamander toxin is highly poisonous, so it is important to know its sources and key protection points

Salamander toxin refers to the natural neurotoxins contained in the bodies of certain salamanders, mainly distributed in the skin, eggs and some muscle tissues. It is not a single component; the most important active substance among them is tetrodotoxin and its analogues, which are among the more strongly toxic natural toxins.

Not all salamanders are toxic, and the more toxic species often have brighter body colors, a common warning signal in nature. The toxin is secreted by skin glands and mainly serves to defend against natural enemies. It can enter the human body through wounds or mucous membranes, so after contact, never rub your eyes or eat it directly.

The mechanism of this type of toxin is to block sodium ion channels on nerve cells, preventing nerve signals from conducting normally. Early after poisoning, symptoms are mostly numbness of the lips and fingertips, followed by possible symptoms such as weakness of the limbs, difficulty speaking and respiratory paralysis, and in severe cases it can be life-threatening. The toxin is stable in nature and heat-resistant, so ordinary cooking can hardly destroy it completely. At present there is also no specific antidote, and after accidental ingestion, medical attention should be sought as soon as possible, with symptomatic and supportive treatment.

Compared with tetrodotoxin, the two are basically the same in chemical nature; the difference mainly lies in the different source organisms, and the organs in which the toxin is distributed in the body also differ. In daily life, salamanders should be avoided as food, and even more, folk remedies should not be trusted to use them as medicine or steep them in liquor; when observing them in the wild, keep your distance, and after contact, wash your hands promptly with running water, which can effectively reduce the risk of poisoning.