12/30/2024
Did you know that snakes venom has medical uses?
Top 3 are:
Pain Management: Snake venom, particularly from species like the European viper, has been studied for its potential in pain relief. The venom contains peptides that can act on pain pathways in the nervous system, potentially leading to new painkillers. In fact, a compound from viper venom, ecarin, has been explored for its analgesic properties.
Anticoagulants: Some snake venoms, like that of the Malayan pit viper, contain proteins that inhibit blood clotting. These proteins, known as defibrinogenating enzymes, are studied for developing new blood thinners and anticoagulants. One such enzyme, Ancrod, has been tested for its potential to reduce clot formation in stroke patients.
Cancer Research: Certain components of snake venom have shown promise in cancer research. For instance, a protein from the Temple pit viper venom, called disintegrin, has been shown to interfere with tumor cell growth by preventing the blood vessels around tumors from forming, which may help to limit tumor spread. This approach is being researched for potential cancer therapies.