Scientists have discovered a type of snake venom that can
help humans with blood pressure problems
According to a new study published in Journal of Biochemistry,
scientists have found a protein in the venom of a species of South American
snake, Bothrops cotyara that has the ability to deal with the problem of low or
high blood pressure.
Researchers from the Medical School of the Federal
University of Sao Paulo in Brazil have discovered a protein called BC-7A in
snake venom that can lower blood pressure. This protein works exactly like the
proteins used to make the blood pressure medication Captopril.
According to scientists, this protein in venom, if used
in correct doses, could one day be used as a therapeutic treatment.
Captopril and other medicines work by blocking the
activity of an enzyme called angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), which is
important for controlling blood pressure in the body.
"Poisons never cease to surprise us," study
co-author Professor Alexander Tashima from the University said in a statement.
Even with so much information, new discoveries are possible. Regardless of all
available technology, there are many aspects of these toxins that have yet to
be studied.
Experts say the discovery could cover the way for new
types of ACE-preventing drugs that lower blood pressure.
The study reported that 197 types of proteins were
discovered in snake venom, of which 189 proteins were observed for the first
time.
