VENOM DERIVED DRUGS

A study by the University of Buffalo found that spider venom contains a protein that can treat muscular dystrophy. Muscular dystrophy is an umbrella term for several diseases that cause loss of muscle mass leading to inability to move, walk or even swallow. The study found the protein helps to stop muscle cells from deteriorating. Though it was not a complete cure on its own, it assists to slow down the disease from progressing.

Tarantulas spiders harbor healing properties in the venom. Yale University had a screening process called “toxineering” that can sift through millions of spider toxins to find those with most compatibility to painkiller drugs. Researchers found that Peruvian green velvet tarantula has a toxin that can block chronic pain. Another recent study found that venom of spider has seven different compounds that can help to relieve chronic pain. Analysis of 206 different spider species shows that 40% of the poisons have compounds that block nerve activity relating to chronic pain.

Researchers also have a reason to believe that further development of spider venoms might lead to treatments for spinal cord damage, cardiac arrhythmias, and erectile dysfunction.The need to study venom’s ability to cure erectile dysfunction is as a result of a long-lasting erection that a South American developed after a bite by spider called “armed spider.”

Snakes

Snake venom has been a subject of scientific study for decades, and it has medicinal properties. Most have antibacterial and painkiller features. Snake venom has hem toxins that target the circulatory system and specifically attack the clotting ability as well as the muscles. Scientists found that they could use hemotoxins in medicine to treat blood disorders and heart attacks.