IN Brazil live alone spider whose bite causes severe pain, intense sweating, tremors, convulsions, weakness, changes in heart rate and, in the most serious cases, death. Moreover, if its victim has a penis, it causes a permanent erection, which can be very painful. This does not sound pleasant at all, but it was the last symptom that attracted the attention of a group of scientists from Federal University of Minas Geraiswho decided to study it to get some kind of Viagra cream.

The arachnid in question, Phonetria nigriventer, known as Brazilian wandering spider or banana spider.. The latter is not for any obvious reason, but because it is often found in banana leaves. Well, maybe that’s obvious too.

What these scientists used was not everything spider venom. From what we saw, it would be very dangerous. They only isolated the substance that causes an erection and improved the dose, formula and method of administration so that the erection lasts as long as necessary. Something like Viagra, but much saferaccording to the first phase of clinical trials, which have already begun.

The Origins of Viagra

Sildenafil, better known as Viagra, was not intended to treat erectile dysfunction. It was developed in the late 80s to treat pulmonary hypertension. However, when clinical trials on patients began in 1991, it was noted that its side effects included involuntary erections. In fact, it seemed to be more effective in creating this effect than in treating possible angina pectoris.

So it was decided to change course and begin testing it again in 1993, this time targeting patients with erectile dysfunction. Thus Viagra was born. Since then, this medicine has been widely used throughout the world, but should be used with caution as it can cause many side effects. Softer and more common – it’s just something. headache, nausea or hot flashes. However, there are also people who suffer chest pain, vision loss, or seizures, among other serious side effects. This occurs in less than 1 in 1000 patients, but is something to look out for.

Additionally, this drug is not recommended for people with heart or liver problems, an eye disease called retinitis pigmentosa wave low blood pressure. It should not be taken by patients who have had a leak or take medicines for sore throat. After all, it would practically be an overdose, since that’s what Viagra was created for. This is why this new drug, derived from spider venom, is an ideal solution for people with erectile dysfunction.

There are many patients who are not recommended to take Viagra. Wikimedia Commons

Spider venom to improve erection

Brazilian scientists have isolated various components of banana spider venom in a search for a substance that causes long-lasting erections. This led to the discovery that this effect is caused by a protein called BZ371A. Once isolated, the authors of the just published study attempted to synthesize it in the laboratory, as this would be easier than extracting the venom from the spiders entirely and isolating the desired ingredient. They managed to reproduce its structure, so all that remained was to test it.

For the first time, tests were carried out on mice and gave very good results. Subsequently, the first phase of human clinical trials began, aimed at analyzing possible side effects. The drug is administered locallyas it is a cream that is applied to the penis before sexual intercourse.

brazilian spider
A spider can even cause death with its venom, so only the necessary protein is synthesized. Photo: Gionnorossi (Wikimedia Commons)

This minimizes side effects, so there are far fewer side effects than Viagra. It has been tested in a topical dosage that could be used if it were available in pharmacies. But, of course, these scientists also tested administer a higher dose. There were no side effects in any case, so the cream would be completely safe.

The next step for these researchers will be to test this Spider Viagra in patients with erectile dysfunction. If its effectiveness is equal to its safety, sildenafil’s days may be numbered. In the meantime, the little blue pill will continue to be a favorite for those looking for help with these problems.

Source: Hiper Textual

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