Peptides with Diverse Functions from Scorpion Venom: A Great Opportunity for the Treatment of a Wide Variety of Diseases

Abstract

Toxicology Research Center, Medical Basic Sciences Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran The venom glands are a rich source of biologically important peptides with pharmaceutical properties. Scorpion venoms have been identified as a reservoir for components that might be considered as great candidates for drug development. Pharmacological properties of the venom compounds have been confirmed in the treatment of different disorders. Ion channel blockers and AMPs are the main groups of scorpion venom components. Despite the existence of several studies about scorpion peptides, there are still valuable components to be discovered. Additionally, owing to the improvement of proteomics and transcriptomics, the number of peptide drugs is steadily increasing, which reflects the importance of these medications. This review evaluates available literatures on some important scorpion venom peptides with pharmaceutical activities. Given that the last three years have been dominated by the COVID-19 from the medical/pharmaceutical perspective, scorpion compounds with the potential against the coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) are discussed in this review.

The geographical distribution of scorpions, implication of venom toxins, envenomation, and potential therapeutics in Southern and Northern Africa

“…Since ancient cultures, scorpions have been used in traditional medicine for the treatment of many diseases in Africa, Asia, and India. 29 , 56 It was reported that scorpion venom is a rich source of biologically active peptides with therapeutic properties. Bioactive compounds can be found in natural resources, including fungi, plants, and bacteria, but biologically active peptides found in venomous species have shown a variable function, high selectivity, and specificity to human target cells.…”

“…Bioactive compounds can be found in natural resources, including fungi, plants, and bacteria, but biologically active peptides found in venomous species have shown a variable function, high selectivity, and specificity to human target cells. 56 Scorpion venom has been studied for more than two decades; with the help of novel proteomics methodologies, different components found within the scorpion venom have been identified and characterized. It is known that scorpion venom is made up of complex mixtures, as previously discussed.…”

“…Therefore, these toxins can be considered when designing drugs for cardiovascular diseases. 56 According to Ortiz et al. NDBPs found within the scorpion venom show multifunctional activities that can be used to treat various diseases.…”