The venom of one of the most poisonous scorpions in North America may be useful for more than just paralyzing its dinner. A preliminary scientific investigation suggests the Centruroides tecomanus scorpion of southwest Mexico packs cancer cell destroying peptides in its stinger.

The research comes from the Faculty of Chemistry at the University of Colima (UCOL). "We have identified a highly selective group of peptides, which indicates that they could specifically bind to cancer cells and cause their death," said Laura Leticia Valdez Velazquez, head researcher, in a statement.

"The venom toxins act on ion channels of the cancer cell, damaging them. Our interest is for the cell to be selectively removed. We have found these peptides have affinity with these cells, that is, they could specifically bind to them and induce cancer death."
Meanwhile, the team is also researching the effect of scorpion venom on Parkinson's disease.

"The idea is that this toxin works for the release of dopamine in Parkinson's, a condition where there is an absence of the substance. And for cancer we need to know what is the specific peptide, responsible for the effect that causes the death of these cells," said Velazquez. "The idea is to kill cancer cells; however, this doesn't occur in all types of cancer, there are very specific toxins, that is another task we have to review, see in which type of cancer the toxins have effect."

The highly evolved chemical compounds within scorpion venom have long been of medical interest. Elements of that venom taken on their own, could have clinical value in treating various disorders. In Chinese medicine, the therapeutic value of scorpion venom has long been recognized for its utility against neurological disease and other indications.

Perhaps paradoxically, some researchers have found evidence that scorpion poison can be used as a pain reliever.

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