Detect unexpected effects from the venom of super-poisonous spiders

Scientists in Australia have achieved a significant breakthrough when using spider venom as an analgesic without causing side effects.

According to RT, Dr. Christina Schroeder and colleagues from the University of Queensland have created a new type of mini protein using the venom of a Chinese bird spider . The Chinese bird spider has long been known to be one of the most aggressive and venomous spiders in the world.

Spider venom can be turned into an analgesic. (Photo: Global Look Press).

This mini protein, called Huwentoxin-IV , is able to bind to pain receptors in the body.

The newly tested painkiller has proven to be highly effective in mouse experiments. The researchers hope to use it as an alternative to opioid analgesics, such as fentanyl and oxycodone, which are scarce in many countries around the world.

"Although opioids are effective in reducing pain, they have undesirable side effects such as nausea, constipation and the risk of addiction, causing a heavy burden on society," Dr. Schroeder said.

Ms. Schroeder adds that the new protein is powerful and requires only a small dose to produce an analgesic effect.

There are about 45,000 species of spiders in the world. This is a source of more than 9 million amino acids, but only about 0.01% is used by drug manufacturers.

A study has shown that the venom from giant spider Phoneutria nigriventer in Brazil can help cure impotence in men.

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