The largest fossil of the segmented spider Parvithele muelleri Wunderlich, 2017 (Mesothelae: Parvithelidae) from Cretaceous Burmese amber

Posted by
  The largest fossil of the segmented spider Parvithele muelleri Wunderlich, 2017 (Mesothelae: Parvithelidae) from Cretaceous Burmese amber Abstract A new specimen of the fossil spider Parvithele muelleri Wunderlich, 2017 (Araneae: Mesothelae) is described from the mid-Cretaceous (ca. 99 Ma) Burmese amber of Myanmar. Like the original holotype, the new specimen is a mature male, which clearly preserves a series of tibial macrospines, similar to the condition in the extant genus Liphistius Schiødte, 1849. Given that the single extant mesothele family, Liphistiidae, is predicted to have radiated ca. 39–58 million years ago, the occurrence of somewhat modern-looking male pedipalp spination in older fossil mesotheles is of considerable interest. The new specimen also shows spinnerets in a relatively posterior position, although variability observed in extant species suggests that this trait may be of limited systematic value. Of particular note is the presence of a large and well-dev...

Scorpion Venom as a Natural Peptide Source for Innovative Therapeutic Solutions: A Comprehensive Review of Its Potential in Emerging Medical Frontiers

Posted by

 


Scorpion Venom as a Natural Peptide Source for Innovative Therapeutic Solutions: A Comprehensive Review of Its Potential in Emerging Medical Frontiers

Abstract

Scorpion venom is a complex mixture and an abundant natural source of bioactive components, including peptides and other molecules that exhibit a wide range of therapeutic effects despite its notable neurotoxic effects. This review focuses on these bioactive components and their therapeutic potential. Among the most potent molecules in scorpion venom are peptides with high specificity and affinity for ion channels, making them excellent candidates in drug development. The most critical therapeutic application is scorpion venom as an anticancer agent. Several venom peptides have selectivity toward cancer cells by inducing disruption in tumor growth and metastasis. Moreover, scorpion venom can modulate the immune system and thus can provide treatments for autoimmune diseases through its action on ion channels in lymphocytes. Neurological effects, especially in neurological disorders caused by venom peptides, come through an action against sodium and potassium channels. In pain management, scorpion toxins act upon the sodium channels in sensory neurons and provide analgesic effects. Additionally, much attention has been paid to antimicrobial properties of scorpion venom. Peptides isolated from venom have demonstrated strong, broad-spectrum inhibitory activities against bacteria, fungi, and viruses, which have opened a new avenue to develop antimicrobial therapies. Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects extend the therapeutic possibilities of scorpion venom further. Venom peptides may reduce inflammation and oxidative stress and relieve diseases associated with inflammation and oxidative stress. This study aims to provide a comprehensive review of the therapeutic effects of scorpion venom, emphasizing its potential in drug development for a wide range of diseases.

Abdallnasser Amen, R., Atef Essmat, R., Farid, A., Abdel-Rahman, M. A., El-Sherif, A. A., & Zhang, Y. (2025). Scorpion Venom as a Natural Peptide Source for Innovative Therapeutic Solutions: A Comprehensive Review of Its Potential in Emerging Medical Frontiers. Toxicon, 108603. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.toxicon.2025.108603