Malaysian Cobra Venom: A Potential Source of Anti-Cancer Therapeutic Agents

oleh: Syafiq Asnawi Zainal Abidin, Yee Qian Lee, Iekhsan Othman, Rakesh Naidu

Format: Article
Diterbitkan: MDPI AG 2019-02-01

Deskripsi

Cancer is a deadly disease and there is an urgent need for the development of effective and safe therapeutic agents to treat it. Snake venom is a complex mixture of bioactive proteins that represents an attractive source of novel and naturally-derived anticancer agents. Malaysia is one of the world&#8217;s most biodiverse countries and is home to various venomous snake species, including cobras. <i>Naja kaouthia</i>, <i>Naja sumatrana</i>, and <i>Ophiophagus hannah</i> are three of the most common cobra species in Malaysia and are of medical importance. Over the past decades, snake venom has been identified as a potential source of therapeutic agents, including anti-cancer agents. This present review highlights the potential anticancer activity of the venom and purified venom protein of <i>N. kaouthia, N. sumatrana</i>, and <i>O. hannah</i>. In conclusion, this review highlights the important role of the venom from Malaysian cobras as an important resource that researchers can exploit to further investigate its potential in cancer treatment.