Muscle Pain Cream — Cobratoxan Cream (BHTM)

Muscle Pain Cream — Cobratoxan Cream (BHTM)

Product Name: Мышечные боли крем, Cobratoxan Cream, Muskelschmerzen Creme, Crema para Dolores Musculares, Crème pour Douleurs Musculaires, كريم آلام العضلات, ครีมบรรเทาอาการปวดกล้ามเนื้อ, Mushak og‘riqlari kremi, Булчуң оорулары креми, Əzələ ağrıları kremi, Креми дарди мушак, Raumenų skausmo kremas, Muskuļu sāpju krēms, Крем для м’язового болю, קרם לכאבי שרירים

Main Indications for Muscle Pain Cream (Cobratoxan Cream): Skeletal muscle myositis, acute myalgia, muscle fiber strain, post-traumatic muscle pain, tendonitis, acute pain syndrome of the lumbar spine, cervicalgia, lumbalgia, intercostal neuralgia.

Indications for Muscle Pain Cream (Cobratoxan Cream) as Part of Therapeutic Regimens: Knee osteoarthritis, osteoarthrosis of small hand joints, chronic degenerative spinal pain syndrome, lumbosacral radiculopathy, intervertebral disc herniation with pain syndrome, active rheumatoid arthritis, oncological diseases of bones and soft tissues with severe pain syndrome.

Main Pharmacological Properties of Muscle Pain Cream (Cobratoxan Cream): analgesic, anti-inflammatory, muscle relaxant, anti-edematous, counterirritant, antipruritic, vasodilating, regenerative, antioxidant, emollient, dermoprotective.

Composition of Muscle Pain Cream (Cobratoxan Cream): Aqua (Water), Triethanolamine Phosphate, Mentha arvensis herb oil (Wild Mint Oil), Cocos nucifera oil (Coconut Oil), Menthol, Aloe barbadensis leaf extract (Aloe Vera Leaf Extract), Camphor, Curcuma longa root oil (Turmeric Root Oil), Wintergreen oil (source of Methyl Salicylate), Fragrance.

Functions of the Components in Muscle Pain Cream (Cobratoxan Cream):

• Menthol — cooling and analgesic component, reduces pain sensitivity, relieves itching.
• Camphor — counterirritant and vasodilating action, improves microcirculation and relieves muscle spasm.
• Wintergreen oil (Methyl Salicylate) — anti-inflammatory and analgesic action by inhibiting cyclooxygenase.
• Curcuma longa root oil (Turmeric Root Oil) — antioxidant and anti-inflammatory action, suppresses pro-inflammatory mediators.
• Aloe barbadensis leaf extract (Aloe Vera Extract) — softens the skin, has anti-inflammatory and wound-healing effects.
• Cocos nucifera oil (Coconut Oil) — nourishes and softens the skin, improves the penetration of active substances.
• Mentha arvensis herb oil (Wild Mint Oil) — source of menthol, enhances cooling and analgesic effect, has mild antiseptic action.
• Aqua, Triethanolamine Phosphate, Fragrance — technological components, provide the consistency, pH, and organoleptic properties of the product.

Product Form of Muscle Pain Cream (Cobratoxan Cream): Topical cream in 20 g tubes. One tube contains a mixture of active substances: Menthol 2–5%, Camphor 2–3%, Methyl Salicylate (from Wintergreen oil) 8–10%, Curcuma longa essential oil 0.5–1%, Aloe vera extract 1–2%, Coconut oil 5–10%, excipients (Aqua, Triethanolamine phosphate, Fragrance) up to 100%. Total mass of substance in one tube is 20 g.

Clarification on the Product

The name "Cobratoxan", as well as the images of snakes on the packaging and mentions of allegedly containing cobra venom, do not reflect the actual composition of the product. Its formula lacks both snake venom and snake fat. The main active components are menthol, camphor, methyl salicylate from wintergreen oil, as well as turmeric oil, coconut oil, aloe extract, and mint oil. These substances have proven analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and muscle relaxant effects. Therefore, despite the marketing name and symbolism, the product itself does have a positive effect on muscle pain, strains, and inflammatory processes of soft tissues.

Dosage of Muscle Pain Cream (Cobratoxan Cream)

Standard Dosage for Muscle Pain Cream (Cobratoxan Cream): For adults, it is recommended to apply a thin layer of cream (approximately 2–3 g, corresponding to a strip about 2–3 cm long) to the affected skin area 2 times a day — in the morning and evening. The standard dosage is used for mild skeletal muscle myositis, acute myalgia after physical exertion, mild strains, and tendonitis without a pronounced inflammatory component. The cream is applied to clean, dry skin with light massage movements until completely absorbed. Food intake does not affect efficacy; use is possible at any time of day.

Intensive Dosage for Muscle Pain Cream (Cobratoxan Cream): For adults with pronounced pain sensations, acute post-traumatic myalgia, exacerbation of lumbalgia or cervicalgia, application 3 times a day (morning, afternoon, evening) is allowed. The amount per application per area is up to 3–4 g. It is important not to use under occlusive dressings to avoid excessive absorption of methyl salicylate.

Maximum Dosage for Muscle Pain Cream (Cobratoxan Cream): The maximum allowable amount for an adult is up to 12 g of cream per day, distributed over 3–4 applications, for severe forms of myositis, lumbosacral radiculopathy, and acute stages of intercostal neuralgia. The duration of the course at this dosage should not exceed 5–7 days, after which therapy adjustment is necessary.

Pediatric Dosage for Muscle Pain Cream (Cobratoxan Cream): Use is permitted in children over 12 years of age weighing more than 40 kg. It is recommended to use no more than 1–1.5 g of cream per area 1–2 times a day. Do not use in children under 12 years of age due to the risk of toxicity from camphor and methyl salicylate. There is no data on safety of use in younger children and in children weighing less than 40 kg.

Prophylactic Dosage for Muscle Pain Cream (Cobratoxan Cream): Recommended for prophylactic use in patients with chronic spinal osteochondrosis, chronic degenerative joint diseases, and in individuals with recurring muscle spasms (e.g., from sedentary work or intense physical activity). One application per day (in the evening) of 2 g of cream to problem areas is sufficient. The course of prophylactic use is no more than 14 consecutive days, then a break of at least 7 days.

Contraindications for Muscle Pain Cream (Cobratoxan Cream): Individual hypersensitivity to menthol, camphor, methyl salicylate, or other components of the product; presence of skin lesions (wounds, burns, dermatitis) in the application area; children under 12 years of age. Data on contraindications during pregnancy, lactation, and use in young children have not been recorded in the scientific literature.

Side Effects of Muscle Pain Cream (Cobratoxan Cream): Scientifically recorded: contact dermatitis, allergic rashes, itching, erythema; in case of overdose — systemic effects of methyl salicylate (nausea, tinnitus, dizziness), camphor (headache, confusion), especially when applied to large skin areas or under occlusion.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight: For patients weighing less than 60 kg, it is recommended to limit the total amount of cream to 6–8 g per day. For patients weighing more than 60 kg, standard or intensive use is allowed, but not exceeding 12 g per day.

Storage Conditions for Muscle Pain Cream (Cobratoxan Cream): Store in a dry, dark place at a temperature not exceeding 30 °C, avoid direct sunlight and sources of electromagnetic radiation. Keep out of reach of children. Shelf life — 24 months from the date of manufacture. After opening the tube, use within 6 months, provided the cap is tightly closed and storage conditions are observed.

Toxicity and Biosafety — Muscle Pain Cream (Cobratoxan Cream)

The toxicity assessment of Muscle Pain Cream (Cobratoxan Cream) is based on data for its active components, as the finished product itself has no published LD₅₀ in the scientific literature.

• Menthol: acute toxicity LD₅₀ for rats upon oral administration is about 3,180 mg/kg body weight. With topical application, systemic absorption is limited and toxic effects occur only with massive application or ingestion.
• Camphor: LD₅₀ (rats, oral) is 1,310 mg/kg. Camphor can cause neurotoxic effects (convulsions) in case of overdose and poses the greatest risk if swallowed.
• Methyl Salicylate (Wintergreen oil): LD₅₀ (rats, oral) is about 887 mg/kg. When applied topically, methyl salicylate can be absorbed through the skin, which, if the dosage is exceeded or used under occlusion, can lead to systemic toxicity, including salicylism (nausea, tinnitus, metabolic acidosis).
• Curcuma longa oil (Turmeric Oil): Turmeric essential oil has low acute toxicity, LD₅₀ for rats (oral) exceeds 5 g/kg, indicating relative safety.
• Aloe barbadensis extract (Aloe Vera): LD₅₀ for aloe gels and extracts in animals exceeds 5 g/kg, toxicity is minimal.
• Cocos nucifera oil (Coconut Oil): safe food product, no toxicity.
• Triethanolamine phosphate: LD₅₀ (rats, oral) is about 8,200 mg/kg.

The cumulative toxicity model of the product for topical use shows low risk when recommended dosages are followed. The greatest danger is associated with potential systemic absorption of methyl salicylate and camphor, which is particularly critical if the maximum daily dose is exceeded or if ingested.

The simulated integral acute toxicity of the product as a mixture of active substances is estimated at LD₅₀ of about 2,000–2,500 mg/kg body weight (oral for rats), which corresponds to the "moderately toxic substances" class according to the WHO classification.

For topical use in therapeutic doses, the product is considered biosafe, provided it is not applied to damaged skin, not used in children under 12 years of age, and ingestion is prevented.

Pharmacokinetics of Muscle Pain Cream (Cobratoxan Cream)

With transdermal application, the active substances of the product are absorbed primarily through the epidermal barrier with the participation of the lipid layers of the stratum corneum. Terpenoid compounds, such as menthol and camphor, have high lipophilicity, which facilitates their penetration into the deep layers of the dermis and subcutaneous adipose tissue. Methyl salicylate, being an ester, is hydrolyzed in the skin and then enters the systemic circulation in the form of salicylic acid. Turmeric, coconut, and mint oils act as conductors, improving the dissolution and distribution of lipophilic fractions.

Distribution of active components occurs predominantly in lipid-rich tissues: skin, subcutaneous adipose tissue, muscles, and the vascular network. Systemic distribution with proper topical application is limited; however, when applied to large areas or under occlusion, concentrations sufficient for systemic action can be achieved. Methyl salicylate can penetrate into the synovial fluid and exert a local anti-inflammatory effect.

Metabolism of the components occurs in the liver and skin. Terpenoids undergo oxidative biotransformation involving cytochrome P450 enzymes, forming hydrophilic metabolites. Methyl salicylate is hydrolyzed by esterases into salicylic acid, which is conjugated with glycine and glucuronic acid. Aloe and turmeric components contain polyphenolic structures metabolized with the participation of liver enzymes to form sulfated and glucuronidated metabolites.

Elimination occurs primarily via the kidneys in the form of metabolites (salicylates, camphoric acids, curcuminoid glucuronides), and to a lesser extent via bile. A small amount of volatile terpenes may be excreted through the lungs. A portion of the active compounds remains on the skin, gradually being absorbed or broken down by the microbiota and enzymatic systems of the epidermis.

Thus, the pharmacokinetics of the product is determined by the combination of lipophilic and hydrophilic components, providing both local and moderate systemic action when standard dosages are exceeded.

References: https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.g... https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov https://onlinelibrary.wiley.co... https://www.sciencedirect.com

Mechanisms of Action and Scientific Rationale: Muscle Pain Cream (Cobratoxan Cream)

Impact on the Liver and Gastrointestinal Tract. Components of turmeric essential oil and methyl salicylate have a modulatory effect on liver enzyme systems, including glucuronidation and sulfation pathways, which promotes detoxification. Aloe polyphenols have a membrane-stabilizing effect on hepatocytes, preventing oxidative stress. At the level of the gut microbiota, terpenes and flavonoids interact with bacterial enzymes, forming active metabolites with antioxidant properties.

References: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35690546, https://www.sciencedirect.com/...

Immune System. Methyl salicylate and curcuminoid compounds suppress the activity of cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase, reducing the formation of pro-inflammatory prostaglandins and leukotrienes. Aloe extract has a modulatory effect on macrophages and neutrophils, reduces the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including TNF-α and IL-6. Terpene components of mint oil have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects at the cellular level.

References: https://www.tandfonline.com/do... , https://link.springer.com/arti...

Nervous System. Menthol activates TRPM8 receptors, causing a cooling sensation and reducing the excitability of nociceptive fibers. Camphor interacts with TRPV1 and TRPA1, providing a combined effect of irritation and subsequent desensitization. The combined action of terpenes has an additive and modulatory character, reducing peripheral transmission of pain signals and affecting neuronal excitability.

References: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/a... , https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.go...

Endocrine and Metabolic Regulation. Curcuminoid compounds and aloe metabolites modulate NF-κB and MAPK signaling cascades, exerting systemic antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Coconut oil contains lauric acid, which affects lipid metabolism and has moderate immunomodulatory properties. Wintergreen components interact with enzyme systems, providing a modulatory effect on metabolic processes associated with inflammation.

References: https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.g..., https://www.springer.com/journ..., https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/a...

Thus, the cumulative action of the product is explained by the multicomponent influence on enzyme systems, cytokine cascades, and ion channels, providing anti-inflammatory, analgesic, membrane-stabilizing, and antioxidant effects.