Some research suggests that snake venom from Rattlesnakes may even be the key to treating pancreatic cancer, one of the most aggressive and lethal type of cancer that does not respond well to regular cancer treatments.

Inhibition of pancreatic tumoral cells by snake venom disintegrins - ScienceDirect
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0041010114005996

Snake Venom in Cancer Treatment.

Snake venom, known for its deadly effects on humans, has been found to have a surprising benefit in the fight against cancer. Scientists have been studying the venom of various venomous snake species to identify compounds that can target and kill cancer cells.

How Snake Venom Works

Snake venom contains a unique set of toxins that are designed to target specific receptors within its prey. These toxins can bind to these receptors, causing the prey to become paralyzed or die. Researchers have discovered that these same toxins can also bind to receptors on cancer cells, causing them to die or undergo programmed cell death.

Potential Uses

The potential uses of snake venom in cancer treatment are vast. Its been found that certain compounds in snake venom can:

-Kill cancer cells while leaving healthy cells intact
-Target specific types of cancer cells, such as breast and colon cancer
-Induce apoptosis (cell death) in cancer cells, reducing the risk of tumor growth and spread
-Be used in combination with other cancer treatments to enhance their effectiveness
-Inhibition of cancer cell proliferation
-Inhibition of angiogenesis (the formation of new blood vessels that feed tumors)
-Modulation of the immune response to cancer

Noteworthy Snakes

The snake species that are the most medically important come mainly from the Elapidae and Viperidae family. Here, I'll list some of the species of snakes who are of high interest in this field of study:

1. Bushmasters (SN: Lachesis muta)

The bushmaster, found in the tropical regions of Central and South America, has been studied for its venom’s potential to stop the spread of cancer. Researchers have isolated a compound from the venom that has shown promise in inhibiting the growth of cancer cells.

1. Various True Cobras (Genus Naja)

Cobra venom has been found to contain a protein that can induce apoptosis (cell death) in cancer cells. This protein, called cobrotoxin, has been shown to be effective against various types of cancer, including breast, lung, and colon cancer.

1. Various palaearctic and Eurasian Vipers (Genus Vipera)

Viper venom contains a compound which has been found to have anti-tumor properties. It has been shown to inhibit the growth of cancer cells and induce apoptosis in certain types of cancer, including breast and lung cancer.

1. Various Rattlesnakes (Genus Crotalus)

Rattlesnake venom contains a compound called crotalase, which has been found to have anti-tumor properties. Crotalase has been shown to inhibit the growth of cancer cells and induce apoptosis in certain types of cancer, including breast and lung cancer.

1. Levant Viper (SN: Macrovipera lebetinus)

The Levant viper, found in North Africa and the Middle East, has been studied for its venom’s potential to stop the spread of cancer. Researchers have isolated a compound from the venom that has shown promise in inhibiting the growth of cancer cells.

While the research is still in its early stages, the potential of snake venom in cancer treatment is promising. Work is being done to isolate and purify the active compounds from snake venom, as well as develop new methods for delivering these compounds to cancer cells.

SFEN

Common European adder, for anyone wondering.

The snake is an eclipse boa constrictor for anyone wondering.