Cobra Venom: From Envenomation Syndromes to Therapeutic Innovations

Purpose of Review Snakebite envenomation, classified as a neglected tropical disease, represents a significant global health threat, particularly in Asia and Africa, where it causes between 57,000 and 100,000 deaths annually. Envenomation by cobras, especially those of the genus Naja , contributes s...

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Published inInternational journal of peptide research and therapeutics Vol. 30; no. 6; p. 71
Main Authors Lafnoune, Ayoub, Chbel, Asmaa, Darkaoui, Bouchra, Nait Irahal, Imane, Oukkache, Naoual
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Dordrecht Springer Netherlands 01.11.2024
Springer Nature B.V
Subjects
Animal Anatomy
Antivenom
Biochemistry
Biomedical and Life Sciences
Drug development
Histology
Life Sciences
Medical innovations
Molecular Medicine
Morphology
Neurotoxicity
Paralysis
Pharmaceutical Sciences/Technology
Pharmacology/Toxicology
Polymer Sciences
Public health
Reviews
Snake bites
Venom
Cobra
Toxin
Envenomation
Drug discovery
Peptides
Venom
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Summary:Purpose of Review Snakebite envenomation, classified as a neglected tropical disease, represents a significant global health threat, particularly in Asia and Africa, where it causes between 57,000 and 100,000 deaths annually. Envenomation by cobras, especially those of the genus Naja , contributes substantially to this burden. This review explores the complexities of cobra venom composition, its associated complications, and current treatment strategies, with a focus on venom-derived therapeutic prospects. Recent Findings Cobra venom is a complex mixture primarily composed of proteins and peptides that exert various toxic effects, including neurotoxicity, tissue damage, and systemic complications. Antivenom therapy remains the primary treatment for envenomation, successfully mitigating critical effects such as bleeding and paralysis. Recent research, however, has revealed that certain venom-derived molecules possess therapeutic potential, opening up new possibilities for drug development. Summary Despite the lethal nature of cobra envenomation, advances in antivenom therapy and emerging research into the medicinal properties of venom-derived molecules offer hope. This review highlights the dual nature of cobra venom—both as a source of severe pathology and as a potential reservoir for therapeutic agents—fostering the development of novel drugs.
ISSN:1573-3149
1573-3904
DOI:10.1007/s10989-024-10646-2