Buzz
In nature, vibrant, eye-catching hues often signal a warning—stay away! Yet, some researchers are boldly ignoring these obvious signals for one key reason: Venoms and poisons from animals have proven invaluable in the creation of new treatments for ailments such as chronic pain, diabetes, and even cancer. This list explores 10 dangerous creatures that science is harnessing to benefit humanity's health.
10. Poison Dart Frog
Many animals on this list possess venom, which they use to inject toxins into their predators or prey via methods like bites or stings. However, poison dart frogs, true to their name, are poisonous rather than venomous. Their toxins are typically delivered through ingestion rather than injection.
These brightly colored frogs don't actually produce their poison. Instead, they acquire it by consuming various 'creepy-crawlies' such as ants and centipedes. After feasting, they secrete the repurposed toxins through their vibrant skin, using the colors to deter potential predators.
So how are these frogs contributing to medical advancements?
One particular species, Epipedrobates tricolor, has played a key role in developing a non-opioid painkiller. In simple terms, the toxins from this frog have been studied, altered, and synthesized to create a nonaddictive pain-reliever known as 'epibatidine,' named after the frog itself.
However, don’t expect to be prescribed two frogs every few hours from your doctor anytime soon. Even at lower, therapeutic doses, epibatidine proved toxic to rats, leading to the discontinuation of the drug.
Another frog family, Dendrobatidae, has shown potential in research into appetite suppressants, muscle relaxants, and heart stimulants. It's possible that these froggy companions could eventually find their way into our medicine cabinets.
9. Sea Anemone
Most of us are somewhat familiar with sea anemones, largely due to Pixar’s Finding Nemo. In the film, both clownfish, Marlin and Nemo, take refuge in a sea anemone because they are immune to its venom, whereas their predators are not. While only 10 species of anemones share this symbiotic bond with clownfish, all of them are venomous. However, only a few have a delivery system strong enough to penetrate human skin.
Sea anemones already play a role in supporting other animals, but they could also have potential benefits for humans. Kineta, a biotech company based in Seattle, is currently conducting a Phase 2 clinical trial for a drug named dalazatide, which is derived from sea anemone venom. This drug aims to help individuals suffering from autoimmune conditions like psoriasis and multiple sclerosis by selectively blocking specific white blood cells.
Why does this matter?
Traditional treatments for autoimmune disorders, such as chemotherapy for Crohn’s disease, involve suppressing the entire immune system. This leaves patients vulnerable to secondary infections, and even common illnesses like a cold or the flu can be life-threatening when the immune system is compromised. In contrast, dalazatide targets only the disease-causing cells, preserving the healthy portion of the immune system to continue protecting the body.
8. Gila Monster
Despite being known as the only venomous lizard in the United States, the Gila monster is not lethal to humans. A bite may cause intense pain and bleeding, and removing the animal’s grip can be challenging, but the Gila (pronounced 'Hee-lah') monster’s venomous saliva is actually more beneficial to humans than dangerous.
One element of the venom, exendin-4, has formed the basis for a new class of medications aimed at treating type 2 diabetes. Naturally, we may wonder how lizard saliva can aid those struggling with insulin resistance. After all, they seem vastly different.
The answer lies in the Gila monster's distinct metabolism and survival techniques. In the wild, this species consumes food only 5–10 times per year.
Exendin-4 shares a close resemblance to a human protein, GLP-1, which plays a role in regulating insulin production in the body. The drug derived from this protein, Byetta, helps type 2 diabetics maintain stable glucose levels. It can also contribute to weight loss and reduced appetite. Byetta is FDA-approved and is administered as a self-injection.
7. Waxy Monkey Frog
The waxy monkey frog secretes several proteins through its skin, including the waxy oil that gives the frog its name and helps it minimize water loss through its skin. Additionally, it releases a hallucinogenic poison that causes symptoms like tachycardia, vomiting, and heightened sensory perception.
The composition of the poison is intricate, but one of the identified proteins, dermorphin, is 40 times stronger than morphine and significantly less addictive.
Alongside their pain-relieving properties, these proteins also possess the ability to inhibit blood vessel growth. While this might sound counterproductive, it turns out to be extremely beneficial in cancer research.
Once cancerous tumors grow beyond a certain size, they require blood vessels to supply them with nutrients and oxygen. By controlling the growth and size of the blood vessels feeding tumors, doctors could potentially starve the tumors to death.
6. Chilean Rose Tarantula
Muscular dystrophy is a genetic disorder with no known cure. Treatments focus solely on managing the symptoms of the disease, which causes the muscles to weaken progressively until the patient loses the ability to move and is eventually confined to a wheelchair. This debilitating condition is typically diagnosed in childhood and drastically shortens the patient’s life expectancy.
However, thanks to the pet tarantula of a group of researchers, a more promising treatment may be on the horizon. The researchers kept a Chilean rose tarantula named Rosie as their mascot, which led them to a groundbreaking discovery.
Grammostola spatulata’s venom contains a protein known as GsMTx4. Through their studies, the team found that this protein can prevent the body from breaking down its muscle tissue by blocking specific pathways to the affected cells.
In fact, a study on dystrophic mice showed that when treated with the protein, the mice’s strength actually improved. Additionally, the protein was found to be completely non-toxic to the mice.
This treatment is somewhat revolutionary because it is not a genetic therapy. Instead of targeting the cause of the disease, it focuses on alleviating the symptoms. While it isn’t a cure, it can significantly improve the quality of life for patients and help address the symptoms they endure.
5. Deathstalker
Under UV light, all scorpions emit a glowing light. However, one scorpion is illuminating a completely different realm: cancer treatment.
Known as the deathstalker scorpion, Leiurus quinquestriatus is being researched for the chlorotoxin present in its venom. This toxin stands out because it selectively binds to cancerous cells, sparing healthy cells.
But why does this matter?
Since chlorotoxin only binds to cancer cells, it can be used to enhance the visibility of tumors. Much like the scorpion’s glow under UV light, ‘tumor dye’ can be attached to the chlorotoxin, effectively illuminating cancerous cells.
This makes tumors much easier to spot for surgeons, who often operate without a clear view. Although infrared light is invisible to the human eye, surgeons still rely on a screen to view the highlighted tumors. This method is more effective than the traditional 2-D printed MRI images typically used.
The ‘tumor paint’ technique has already been successfully used in a few surgeries and is scheduled for additional testing. In a few years, we could all be shining as brightly as a scorpion.
4. Puffer Fish
Pain is a major issue. In 2016, Americans spent nearly $380 billion on prescription painkillers, many of which are opioids—medications that can lead to rapid addiction.
For those enduring chronic pain, such as individuals with arthritis or cancer, opioids can offer relief. However, they often come with the added challenge of dealing with addiction.
Cancer-related pain is particularly difficult to treat since its source can’t always be addressed. Unlike tension headaches, which can often be alleviated with massage or relaxation, cancer pain is usually the result of a tumor pressing on sensitive nerves. Without removal, the tumor continues to cause chronic pain.
So, where does the puffer fish come into play?
Puffer fish (Tetraodontidae) are a highly controlled delicacy in Japan, primarily due to their possession of a lethal neurotoxin called tetrodotoxin (TTX), responsible for several fatalities each year. TTX is a paralytic, meaning it attacks nerve tissue and eventually causes paralysis.
Nerve tissue is responsible for our ability to feel pain, and research shows that small doses of TTX can block pain signals from nerve tissue without causing any damage. Additionally, TTX is nonaddictive, offering hope for those suffering from chronic pain who don’t want to worry about long-term dependency.
Currently undergoing Phase 3 trials under the name Tectin, tetrodotoxin (TTX) is one step away from potential FDA approval.
3. Brazilian Wandering Spider
You’ve probably heard the warnings: seek medical help if your erection lasts more than four hours. This time, though, the warning is related to a spider and not a bottle of medication.
The Brazilian wandering spider, known for its intimidating leg span of up to 13 centimeters (5 in), can rear up on its hind legs when threatened, as if ready to strike. But the most alarming aspect of this spider’s bite is its potential effect on males: the venom can cause a four-hour erection, which could ultimately lead to death.
Due to this unusual side effect, researchers are investigating the spider’s venom as a potential treatment for erectile dysfunction, especially for those who are unresponsive to Viagra. While the spider may not be directly saving lives, it could soon be improving them.
2. Cone Snail
Our third marine creature packs a punch much worse than its appearance suggests. The cone snail wields a hypodermic-like stinger to inject venom into its prey, ranging from small marine worms to fish on the seafloor. The venom paralyzes its victim, allowing the snail to feast.
The venom of larger cone snails is so potent it can be fatal to humans. However, scientists have extracted a pain-relieving protein called ziconotide from the venom, which is 1,000 times stronger than morphine. A drug made from this protein, known as Prialt, is currently available on the market.
1. Brazilian Pit Viper
Our slithery companion is not on this list for its potential to save lives—it's already done that. However, unlike many creatures featured here, the Brazilian pit viper has medical value that doesn’t center around pain relief.
ACE inhibitors are widely prescribed to treat hypertension, a condition marked by abnormally high blood pressure that can harm the heart, arteries, and even be fatal. Before ACE inhibitors were discovered, hypertension treatments were rather unconventional, such as injecting patients with substances to induce a fever, which indirectly lowered blood pressure.
It turns out the Brazilian pit viper uses a particular compound in its venom to bring down the blood pressure of its prey rapidly, causing them to lose consciousness. This compound is an ACE inhibitor. When administered in small doses, it can dilate blood vessels and lower blood pressure.
The venom of the Brazilian pit viper, along with the insights gained from its study, made it possible to develop commercial drugs like captopril, which are now widely prescribed to help manage hypertension.
