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Malaysian Cobra Venom: A Potential Source of Anti-Cancer Therapeutic Agents

Syafiq Asnawi Zainal Abidin1,2, Yee Qian Lee3, Iekhsan Othman4,5

  • 1Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (LCMS) Platform, Monash University Malaysia, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, Bandar Sunway 47500, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia. syafiq.asnawi@monash.edu.

Toxins
|February 6, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Malaysian cobra venom shows potential as a source of natural anticancer agents. Further research into these snake venom proteins could lead to novel cancer therapies.

Area of Science:

  • Bioprospecting
  • Pharmacology
  • Toxicology

Background:

  • Cancer necessitates novel therapeutic agents.
  • Snake venom is a rich source of bioactive compounds with therapeutic potential.
  • Malaysian cobra species (Naja kaouthia, Naja sumatrana, Ophiophagus hannah) are medically significant.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the anticancer potential of venom and purified proteins from Malaysian cobras.
  • To highlight the therapeutic promise of snake venom in cancer treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on Malaysian cobra venom.
  • Analysis of research on purified venom proteins and their cytotoxic effects.
  • Compilation of data on anticancer activities observed in vitro and in vivo.

Main Results:

  • Venom and specific proteins from Naja kaouthia, Naja sumatrana, and Ophiophagus hannah exhibit anticancer properties.
  • Purified venom components demonstrate cytotoxic effects against various cancer cell lines.
  • Snake venom represents a promising natural resource for developing anti-cancer drugs.

Conclusions:

  • Malaysian cobra venom is a valuable resource for discovering novel anticancer compounds.
  • Further investigation into cobra venom's bioactive components is warranted for cancer therapy development.
  • This review underscores the importance of bioprospecting venomous snakes for pharmaceutical innovation.
Keywords:
Malaysian cobrasN. kaouthiaN. sumatranaO. hannahanticancersnake venom

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