Mexico, Nov 15 (EFE) .- The poison of the tarantula contains toxins that, used in the creation of drugs, can prevent cardiac arrhythmias, reduce intramuscular discomfort or improve capillary permeability, explained biotechnologist Herlinda Clement today.

The enzyme hyaluronidase present in the tarantula venom (Lycosa tarantula) has "medical importance" because "it increases the speed of absorption in medicines, decreases the discomfort of intramuscular complaints and improves capillary permeability", among other uses.

By participating in the Colloquium of Disclosure on Natural Wealth and Society held at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), the expert clarified that, contrary to what is thought, the poison of this Arachnid "is not toxic to humans", since it only causes a mild urticaria.

"Its venom is not toxic to humans, but they do have very important compounds that can serve as tools or the development of drugs, "he said.

Speaking to Efe, the researcher listed other possible uses of tarantula poisons, such as paralysis. that cause their toxins in the larva of the armyworm, an insect that usually harms corn crops.

"It would be a good alternative, instead of using pesticides that harm humans, use this compound that is more natural, "said the expert from the Institute of Biotechnology of the UNAM.

In addition, the poison of this spider has antibacterial activity that eliminates some bacteria harmful to humans.

Clement clarified that "for the moment" there are no drugs that use these properties.

To carry out this company, you need the support of companies that "are interested in producing drugs on an industrial level with the toxin or the peptide of this type of arachnids".

During his lecture, he related the experiments They carry out in the arachnoirium of the laboratory that Dr. Gerardo Costa directs in which she works.

"To extract this poison, what we do is to have a sponge, water, leagues, a cube and a device to give electric shocks, "he explained.

They make the spider bite a cannula and then apply" light electric touches "to the base of their fangs. get the poison, harvested in tiny cubes and stored from -20 to -70 degrees Celsius for study.

The poison is deposited in a gel that separates its components, in order to obtain concrete extracts.

With regard to arachnids, whose venom is harmful to humans, such as the violinist spider (Loxosceles laeta) or the black widow (Latrodectus mactans), the specialist indicated that "there are different degrees of paralysis depending on the person."

"An adult with a damaged immune system may experience much more poisoning severe, "or if the spider has just eaten, will also affect the amount of poison and, therefore, its effects.