%0 Journal Article
%T Medical Science Turns Deadly Substances into Life Saving Ones: Snake Venom as a Treatment Option
%A Somia Gul
%A Nameera Ahmad
%A Urooba Iqbal
%A Bushra Rubab
%J Open Access Library Journal
%V 2
%N 3
%P 1-9
%@ 2333-9721
%D 2015
%I Open Access Library
%R 10.4236/oalib.1101323
%X Background: The word ¡°venom¡± has always been taken as the synonym for poison
or a vile liquid with catastrophic effects. Out of several different venomous creatures,
snakes have perked special interest of scientists
and researchers in this matter across the world. Many scientists and researchers
around the world are trying to explore and put forward the positive aspects of snake
venom and in the past years they have come to the conclusion that snake venom has
some potential effects against serious ailments like cancer, diabetes and hypertension.
Objective: The aim of current research is to make people realize that the snake
venom, despite being a deadly poison, may prove to be a treatment option in several
rather incurable diseases. Methodology: A survey was conducted that was based on
200 (n = 200) people including common public, medical students and health practitioners
to know their general opinion and to awake people regarding the beneficial aspects
of snake venom. Result: The study shows that about 48.5% of them think that snake
venom can be used for beneficial purposes, while 31% think of it only as a deadly
poison, whereas 20.5% of the people have absolutely no idea about it. The researchers
believe that proteins like ¡°eristostatin¡±
and ¡°contortrostatin¡± found in the venoms
of Asian sand viper and South American rattlesnake respectively have the ability
to fight against cancers. ¡°Mambalgins¡±
(from the venom of black mamba) are believed to have analgesic and anti-inflammatory
effects. Venoms are also being used in skin care products. Conclusion: We conclude
that medical practitioners should come forward and explore more on this topic, so
that maybe snake venom can prove to be another successful source of medication for
several serious diseases.
%K Snake Venom
%K Cancer
%K Hypertension
%K Diabetes
%K Medicines
%U http://www.oalib.com/paper/3137529