Researchers have found that the venom from the Pakistani yellow scorpion (Buthus sindicus) may offer various pharmacological benefits, including anticancer properties, according a new research article appearing in PLOS ONE.
Part of scorpions’ evolutionary success success is attributed to their complex venoms, which are known to contain thousands of biologically active constituents. The new study highlights the untapped potential of scorpion venom for human health applications.
“The present work aimed to explore the biological potential venom components of yellow scorpion, found in the rural areas of Sindh, Pakistan,” state the researchers, led by Humaira Hassan of the University of Karachi. “To evaluate the potential of crude scorpion venom, the cytotoxicity was evaluated against three different cancer cell lines.”
The cancers evaluated by the researchers were cervical, prostate and brain cancer. Remarkably, the researchers found that the scorpion venom was effective in reducing the proliferation of cancer cells in all three cancer types. Importantly, the researchers showed that the venom was less harmful to healthy, non-cancerous cells.
To arrive at this conclusion, the scientists first extracted venom from the scorpion by mild electrical stimulation to the telsons (stinger) and collected the venom through capillary tubes. The venom was then added, in-vitro, to the three types of cancer cells, while leaving some of the cancer cells venom-free as a control condition.
After a 24-hour incubation period, the researchers examined for differences between the venom-treated cells and the control cells. They found a significant reduction in cancer cell viability for all three types of cancer cells treated compared to the control condition. Moreover, follow-up analyses showed that the effectiveness was heightened when stronger concentrations of venom were used.
“To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of the anticancer activity of venom of Pakistani yellow scorpions,” conclude the researchers. “Results indicate their therapeutic potential, and a case for further purification and validation studies.”
While research on yellow scorpion venom is still in its infancy, other scorpion venoms are proven therapeutic agents. Here are just a few examples of the potential therapeutic properties that scorpion venoms have demonstrated:
- Antimicrobial properties. Venom of Lychas mucronatus, or the Chinese swimming scorpion, has been shown to possess antimicrobial activity against bacteria and measles.
- Antibacterial properties. Antibiotics in conjunction with venom of the burrowing thick-tailed scorpion and robust burrowing scorpion display synergistic antibacterial activity.
- Anti-viral properties. Newer research indicates that two venom peptides (Hp 1036, Hp 1239) from scorpion H. petersii have anti-viral properties and have been shown to be destructive to herpes simplex virus type-1.
- Antimalarial properties. Peptides isolated from the venom of the emperor scorpion, Pandinus imperator, act to inhibit malarial parasites without impairing normal functioning of mammalian cells.
In addition to the Pakistani yellow scorpion, compounds derived from the venoms of other scorpion species have been also been shown also have anticancer properties.
For example, in 2018 a highly potent novel anticancer peptide, named Gonearrestide, was discovered from the venom the Moroccan fat-tailed scorpion (Androctonus mauretanicus). Gonearrestide was shown to have high specificity towards cancer cells and capable of arresting the cycle of cell division—halting tumor growth completely.
As is often is the the case in the animal kingdom, the most dangerous biological compounds are also the most pharmacologically promising. Although only about 50 of the 2,750 total scorpion species are capable of inflicting stings considered to be extremely dangerous to humans, scorpion stings contribute to over 3,000 human deaths annually. Despite their life-threatening effects, scorpion venoms, may also hold life-saving potential.
