A Review on Zootoxins in Vogue as a Drug Candidature

Abstract

Zoo-toxins are isolated from animals. These venomous creatures have specialized glands that generate venom. The toxins produced by these animals are for both defence and predation. They transmit it to their victims via specially designed venom devices. Encounters with these deadly creatures can endanger human life. However, venomous animals are pragmatic and irreplaceable assets for the enhancement of treatments. Animal venoms are essentially composed of enzymatic and nonenzymatic proteins and peptides, many of which can target different receptors, ion channels, along with membrane transporters. In comparison to conventional small molecule medicines, natural proteins and peptides found in venom have higher selectivity and efficacy to their targets. The review describes components and applications of animal toxins as potential drug candidates in curing human diseases such as neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, cardiovascular diseases (CVD), neuropathic pain, as well as autoimmune diseases.