Emerging therapeutic applications of scorpion venom peptides in the Middle East and North Africa: A comprehensive review

IF 2.6 4区医学 Q2 PHARMACOLOGY & PHARMACY

Toxicon Pub Date : 2025-01-31 DOI:10.1016/j.toxicon.2025.108270

Ayoub Lafnoune , Bouchra Darkaoui , Asmaa Chbel , Imane Nait Irahal

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Abstract

The predominantly arid and semi-arid climate, with high temperatures and vast desert areas in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, creates a favorable environment for scorpions, resulting in diversity of species of different genera. Animal venom, particularly scorpion venom, poses a health risk to victims who are envenomed. However, its abundance of bioactive protein molecules also makes it a promising source for new drug development. Numerous studies worldwide have revealed that venom-based molecules exhibit diverse therapeutic activities, including anticancer, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, anti-hypertensive, immunomodulatory, and analgesic properties. Researchers from MENA region are also actively contributing to this global challenge. In this review, we will explore the abundance and diversity of scorpions in the MENA region and examine recent studies on the therapeutic activities of molecules extracted from their venom. Nonetheless, additional research is needed to address the challenges of developing effective natural drugs from scorpion venom.

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来源期刊

Toxicon 医学-毒理学

CiteScore

4.80

自引率

10.70%

发文量

358

审稿时长

68 days

期刊介绍： Toxicon has an open access mirror Toxicon: X, sharing the same aims and scope, editorial team, submission system and rigorous peer review. An introductory offer Toxicon: X - full waiver of the Open Access fee. Toxicon''s "aims and scope" are to publish: -articles containing the results of original research on problems related to toxins derived from animals, plants and microorganisms -papers on novel findings related to the chemical, pharmacological, toxicological, and immunological properties of natural toxins -molecular biological studies of toxins and other genes from poisonous and venomous organisms that advance understanding of the role or function of toxins -clinical observations on poisoning and envenoming where a new therapeutic principle has been proposed or a decidedly superior clinical result has been obtained. -material on the use of toxins as tools in studying biological processes and material on subjects related to venom and antivenom problems. -articles on the translational application of toxins, for example as drugs and insecticides -epidemiological studies on envenoming or poisoning, so long as they highlight a previously unrecognised medical problem or provide insight into the prevention or medical treatment of envenoming or poisoning. Retrospective surveys of hospital records, especially those lacking species identification, will not be considered for publication. Properly designed prospective community-based surveys are strongly encouraged. -articles describing well-known activities of venoms, such as antibacterial, anticancer, and analgesic activities of arachnid venoms, without any attempt to define the mechanism of action or purify the active component, will not be considered for publication in Toxicon. -review articles on problems related to toxinology. To encourage the exchange of ideas, sections of the journal may be devoted to Short Communications, Letters to the Editor and activities of the affiliated societies.