• Submitted by: manso
• Society
• 09 / 22 / 2010

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Cuban researchers will present experiences on the extraction and management of scorpion venom in the 2010 Labiofam International Congress and the Symposium of Natural Products in Cancer Therapy, expected in late September.

Miguel Betancourt, a specialist of the Bio-Pharmaceutical Laboratories (LABIOFAM) from Ciego de Avila, told Prensa Latina they have spent several years investigating the properties of scorpion venom as a therapy against cancer.

He explained that the scorpion toxin, especially Rophalorus Junceus, endemic to Cuba, has benefited five hundred patients with cancer diseases, after its benefit was proved in the lungs, uterus, prostate and pancreas.

They have also confirmed the effectiveness of the venom as an analgesic and anti-inflammatory, he said.

The toxin is produced by electrical stimulation and each animal gives 0.02 ml of venom, equivalent to two or three drops, he stressed.

Ciego de Avila is among the provinces with outstanding results in the activity, because it has a scorpion farm with a sustained work and equipped with the necessary conditions for the scorpions' reproduction, and the experience has extended through Cuba.

Source: PL