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

Authors :
Syafiq Asnawi Zainal Abidin
Yee Qian Lee
Iekhsan Othman
Rakesh Naidu
Source :
Toxins, Vol 11, Iss 2, p 75 (2019)
Publication Year :
2019
Publisher :
MDPI AG, 2019.

Abstract

Cancer is a deadly disease and there is an urgent need for the development of effective and safe therapeutic agents to treat it. Snake venom is a complex mixture of bioactive proteins that represents an attractive source of novel and naturally-derived anticancer agents. Malaysia is one of the world’s most biodiverse countries and is home to various venomous snake species, including cobras. Naja kaouthia, Naja sumatrana, and Ophiophagus hannah are three of the most common cobra species in Malaysia and are of medical importance. Over the past decades, snake venom has been identified as a potential source of therapeutic agents, including anti-cancer agents. This present review highlights the potential anticancer activity of the venom and purified venom protein of N. kaouthia, N. sumatrana, and O. hannah. In conclusion, this review highlights the important role of the venom from Malaysian cobras as an important resource that researchers can exploit to further investigate its potential in cancer treatment.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
20726651 and 11020075
Volume :
11
Issue :
2
Database :
Directory of Open Access Journals
Journal :
Toxins
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsdoj.5388b0a0ec5144fe9c7eb188641c6190
Document Type :
article
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.3390/toxins11020075