You all must be aware of the dangers of the venoms. But have you ever heard about the benefits of the poison? If you are still unaware of this, worry not; we are here to teach you all about the benefits of various animal venom.
According to the researchers, the toxins in the venom works as a treatment for medical problems. Also, some of these venom-based drugs are already available in the market. Let’s look at the four different animal species whose venom is used for humankind’s benefit.
Komodo Dragon
Komodo dragon has a venom gland, which it delivers through the oozing method. The venom is sucked out of the multiple sacks between the Dragon’s teeth when the jaw clamps down onto the prey. The toxin prevents the prey’s blood from clotting, thus making the victim bleed out to death. The fundamental anticoagulant property of the venom makes it a useful thing for medical purposes. The Dragon’s toxin treats heart attacks, strokes, and pulmonary embolism.
Northern short-tailed shrew
Shrew’s venom is not strong enough to kill a person but can only cause pain and swelling. The shrew’s venom failed to catch the public’s attention, but it has finally captured the interest of the scientific community. The venom explored for the treatment of cancer. It is because the tumor cells’ molecule structure resembles the natural target of the toxin. Shrew’s venom has therapeutic and diagnostic features for cancer.
Scorpions
It is proven that the deathstalker scorpion plays a vital role in the treatment of cancer. The scorpion’s venom has a toxin called Chlorotoxin, which is diagnosed to treat cancer and for treating tumors.
Snakes
Last but not least, snakes venom is another creature in the list. The variety of snakes have a wide range of different venoms like slow killing or quick killing venoms. Some snakes deliver poison through their fangs, and some use the syringe method to deliver the venom to the prey.
Because of the variety of snakes, their venoms have different potential medical uses. The venom is used in medicines for treating heart failure, high blood pressure, and heart attack. The angiotensin-converting-enzyme present in the venom of Jararaca pit viper snake has saved the lives of the people, than any other animal’s venom in the past.
Winding up
Hopefully, now you have understood that venom is harmful and is also quite useful for the treatment of a few severe diseases.