Sao Paulo: Scientists have discovered a type of snake venom that can help humans with blood pressure problems.
According to a new study published in the journal 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 proper 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. Despite all available technology, there are many aspects of these toxins that have yet to be studied.
Experts say the discovery could pave 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.
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