Venom of black mamba proves to be better painkiller than morphine
The black mamba is known to use neurotoxins to paralyze and kill animals
Health Daily Digest
PARIS — A new research states that the powerful venom of the black mamba snake could prove to be a better painkiller than morphine.
The researchers from the Institute of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology near Nice have come up with the claims based on their studies on the black mamba snake.
The painkiller under question has been found to be as powerful as morphine but devoid of the side-effects associated with morphine. The black mamba is known to use neurotoxins to paralyze and kill animals. Also, the black mamba snake is the fastest and the most dangerous snakes in Africa. The researchers claim to be astonished with the painkilling aspect of the black mamba's venom.
The experts claim to have analyzed venom from 50 species of snakes before finding the pain killing proteins of the black mamba snake called mambalgins.
After testing the venom on mice, the experts observed that the effects were as strong as morphine, but the side-effects were conspicuous by their absence. The researchers believe that human trials for this analgesia would be positive as well. However, they say that they still need to carry out follow up studies on animals.
Other independent researchers have termed this discovery as a remarkable step ahead.
The findings from the study are published in the journal Nature.
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Alfredo Del Valle Monday, October 08, 2012 5:56:37 PM Why not do the tests on humans? There are enough death-row inmates to go around. YES, I SAID IT! THe tests would be much more reliable thatn those on anomals and no innocent animals would be put through pain for the sake of humans. 
Denise R Lashley Monday, October 08, 2012 6:06:55 PM It's the proteins extracted from the neurotoxins so it's not killing them because as it states it's a paralytic. Duh 
Lynn Magnuson Wednesday, October 10, 2012 4:17:35 PM I'm going to bypass the discussion of pedophiles and death row inmates and get right to the point. If the Mamba's venom being an effective painkiller proves out... without the side affects of opiates, this is a major medical discovery. One thing about opium that's NOT good is it's incredibly addictive! 
Deborah Baldwin Phillips Thursday, October 11, 2012 11:43:13 PM The idea of a new way to manage pain without the side effects of opiates is fantastic. However, the process of research & development of this 'new' drug is going to be long. If everything goes with at any issue(s) the earliest we can see it is several years down the line. 
Brian Harris Saturday, October 13, 2012 6:08:58 PM you know at first I didn't agree with Alfredo Del Valle but I read it again and it makes alot of sense. I agree that's what they should do! 
