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

Syafiq Zainal Abidin,Rakesh Naidu,Iekhsan Othman,Yee Lee

doi:10.3390/toxins11020075

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.

Highlights

Cancer is a major health problem that affects people all over the world
While there are numerous reviews focusing on the anticancer activities of snake venom in general, none have focused on the Malaysian common cobra species, i.e., Naja kaouthia, Naja sumatrana, and Ophiophagus hannah
While the anticancer activity of the crude venom of O. hannah and N. kaouthia has been well documented, to date, there is no available literature on N. sumatrana venom

Summary

Introduction

Cancer is a major health problem that affects people all over the world. Globally, 25% of human mortality is due to cancer. A novel peptide named Gonearrestide from scorpion venom showed the inhibition of primary colon cancer cells and solid tumor growth [14]. Commercialized drugs such as Captopril® and Enalpril® are two successful antihypertensive drugs developed based on bradykinin peptides derived from the venom of the snake Bothrops jararaca [15,16]. While there are numerous reviews focusing on the anticancer activities of snake venom in general, none have focused on the Malaysian common cobra species, i.e., Naja kaouthia, Naja sumatrana, and Ophiophagus hannah. The present review highlights the anticancer activity of the venom components of Malaysian cobra species

Malaysian Common Cobras

Potential AntiCancer Activity of Malaysian Cobra Venom

Ophiophagus Hannah

Naja Kaouthia

Naja Sumatrana

Future Directions and Conclusions