Snake Venom Components as Emerging Therapeutic Agents for Cardiovascular Diseases

Abstract

Of over 4,000 snake species globally, around 600 (15-17%) are venomous, and approximately 200 of these are medically significant, posing both public health risks. Snakes, belonging to the Phylum Chordata and Class Reptilia, are among the most evolutionarily adaptable and biologically diverse vertebrates. Venomous snakes possess specialised salivary glands that produce and store venom, a complex mixture of biologically active proteins, polypeptides, and non-protein components. This review explores the therapeutic potential of snake venom components in addressing cardiovascular diseases. These venom components exhibit dominant bioactivities such as neurotoxicity, haemotoxicity, and cytotoxicity, which disrupt fundamental physiological systems in envenomed victims. If left untreated, snake envenomation can lead to severe morbidity or death. Snake envenomation is a significant global health challenge, with an estimated 4.5–5.4 million bites annually, resulting in tens of thousands of fatalities and numerous cases of chronic disabilities due to tissue damage and systemic complications. Despite this, snake venoms have garnered increasing attention for their therapeutic potential. Their biologically active toxin mixtures exhibit diverse pharmacological properties, making them valuable in drug discovery and development. The success of captopril, the first drug derived from the bradykinin-potentiating peptide of Bothrops jararaca venom, highlights the potential of snake venom components as lead compounds for novel therapeutic agents. Significant progress has been made in developing drugs targeting cardiovascular diseases, including treatments for coagulopathies, hemostasis, and stroke prevention. It focuses on the mechanisms through which these components influence blood pressure regulation and clotting pathways, underscoring their importance in the continuous search for innovative medical treatments. Future venom research should prioritise the exploration of unstudied snake species to uncover novel bioactive compounds for drug development and diagnostic applications. Advances in ultrasensitive analytical techniques are essential to investigate components present in minute quantities, which may hold significant therapeutic potential.