Therapeutic applications of snake venoms: An invaluable potential of new drug candidates

Animal venoms and their chemical compounds have aroused both empirical and scientific attention for ages. However, there has been a significant increase in scientific investigations in recent decades, allowing the pro-duction of various formulations that are helping in the development of many important tools for biotechno-logical, diagnostic, or therapeutic use, both in human and animal health, as well as in plants. Venoms are composed of biomolecules and inorganic compounds that may have physiological and pharmacological activities that are not related to their principal actions (prey immobilization, digestion, and defense). Snake venom toxins, mainly enzymatic and non-enzymatic proteins, and peptides have been identified as potential prototypes for new drugs and/or models for the development of pharmacologically active structural domains for the treatment of cancer, cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative and autoimmune diseases, pain, and infectious-parasitic diseases. This minireview aims to provide an overview of the biotechnological potential of animal venoms, with a focus on snakes, and to introduce the reader to the fascinating world of Applied Toxinology, where animal biodiversity can be used to develop therapeutic and diagnostic applications for humans.

Automated summary

Animal venoms and their chemical compounds have attracted attention for their potential applications in biotechnology, diagnosis, and therapy. Snake venoms, containing proteins and peptides, offer opportunities for drug development in various fields, such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and infectious-parasitic diseases. This minireview provides an overview of the biotechnological potential of animal venoms, particularly snakes, and highlights the fascinating world of Applied Toxinology, where animal biodiversity can be harnessed for therapeutic and diagnostic applications.