Researchers have discovered that the venom of the Chinese red-headed centipede contains alkaloids that may reduce inflammation and renal fibrosis, which are key contributors to kidney disease.
Although a venomous, 8-inch centipede might seem like a creature from a horror story, it could hold the key to treating kidney disease. A study published in thereveals that this centipede, traditionally used in Chinese medicine, contains alkaloids that can reduce inflammation and renal fibrosis, major contributors to kidney disease. The American Chemical Society and the American Society of Pharmacognosy jointly published this journal.
Reference: “Structurally Diverse Alkaloids with Anti-Renal-Fibrosis Activity from the Centipede Scolopendra subspinipes mutilans” by Bin-Yuan Hu, Wu-Mei Sun, Cheng-Tian Tao, Sheng-Hong Li, Qiang Gao, Yong-Ming Yan and Yong-Xian Cheng, 11 April 2024, SciTechDaily: Home of the best science and technology news since 1998. Keep up with the latest scitech news via email or social media.