เส้นทางการผลิตพิษงูในอุตสาหกรรมยา (Production of Snake Venom in the Pharmaceutical Industry)

1. Introduction

Snake venom has been used in traditional medicine for centuries and it is still being used today to treat a wide range of conditions. However, the use of snake venom in the pharmaceutical industry has become increasingly popular in recent years. This is because snake venom contains unique proteins and peptides that have various biological functions and can be used to develop new drugs.

2. Overview of Snake Venom Production

Snake venom production is a complex process that involves a variety of techniques. The venom is obtained from live snakes or by milking captive snakes. After the venom has been collected, it is processed and purified to remove any impurities. The final product is a highly concentrated venom that can be used for research or pharmaceutical purposes.

2.1 Live Snake Venom Collection

Live snake venom collection is the process of extracting venom from live snakes. This method is considered to be the most effective way of obtaining large quantities of venom. However, it is also the most dangerous method and requires skilled handlers to perform the collection. During the process, the handler will use a special device to trigger the snake to strike and inject its venom into a collection container.

2.2 Milking Captive Snakes

Milking captive snakes is a safer alternative to live snake venom collection. In this method, snakes are kept in captivity and their venom is extracted regularly. The snakes are usually trained to associate feeding time with being milked. During the milking process, the handler will use gentle pressure to stimulate the venom glands, causing the snake to release its venom.

3. Processing and Purification of Snake Venom

After the venom has been collected, it must be processed and purified to remove any impurities. This is done using a series of techniques that can vary depending on the type of venom being processed. Some of the common techniques include chromatography, ultrafiltration, and lyophilization.

3.1 Chromatography

Chromatography is a technique used to separate the different components of a mixture. In snake venom, this technique is used to separate the various proteins and peptides. The venom is passed through a column containing a solid phase. The different components of the venom adhere to the solid phase to varying degrees and are separated based on their affinity for the solid phase.

3.2 Ultrafiltration

Ultrafiltration is a technique used to remove large molecules from a solution. In snake venom, this technique is used to remove any large solids or debris that may be present in the venom. The venom is passed through a membrane with very small pores. The small molecules in the venom pass through the membrane while the larger molecules are retained.

3.3 Lyophilization

Lyophilization is a technique used to remove water from a solution. In snake venom, this technique is used to concentrate the venom. The venom is frozen and then placed in a vacuum chamber. The vacuum removes the water from the venom, leaving behind a dry powder.

4. Pharmaceutical Applications of Snake Venom

Snake venom has a wide range of potential pharmaceutical applications, including pain management, blood clotting, and cancer treatment. Some of the common pharmaceutical applications of snake venom include:

4.1 Pain Management

Snake venom contains peptides that have analgesic properties. These peptides can be used to develop new painkillers that are more effective than traditional painkillers.

4.2 Blood Clotting

Snake venom also contains proteins that can be used to develop drugs for blood clotting disorders. These drugs can be used to treat conditions such as hemophilia and deep vein thrombosis.

4.3 Cancer Treatment

Some components of snake venom have been shown to have anti-cancer properties. These components can be used to develop new cancer treatments that are more effective than traditional treatments.

5. Conclusion

In conclusion, snake venom production is a complex process that involves a variety of techniques. However, the use of snake venom in the pharmaceutical industry has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its unique biological functions. Snake venom has a wide range of potential pharmaceutical applications, including pain management, blood clotting, and cancer treatment.

6. FAQ

6.1 What are the benefits of using snake venom in the pharmaceutical industry?

Snake venom contains unique proteins and peptides that have various biological functions, making it a promising source for new drugs.

6.2 Is snake venom production dangerous for the handlers?

Yes, live snake venom collection is considered to be a dangerous process that requires skilled handlers.

6.3 How is snake venom processed and purified?

Snake venom is processed and purified using a variety of techniques, including chromatography, ultrafiltration, and lyophilization.

6.4 What are some of the pharmaceutical applications of snake venom?

Some of the common pharmaceutical applications of snake venom include pain management, blood clotting, and cancer treatment.

6.5 Can snake venom be used in traditional medicine?

Yes, snake venom has been used in traditional medicine for centuries to treat a wide range of conditions.

6.6 What is milking captive snakes?

Milking captive snakes is the process of extracting venom from snakes that are kept in captivity. This method is safer than live snake venom collection and is often used in the production of snake venom for pharmaceutical purposes.

6.7 What is lyophilization?

Lyophilization is a technique used to remove water from a solution. In snake venom, this technique is used to concentrate the venom.

7. References

• Hoffmann, K. (2011). The Pharmaceutical Industry and the Future of Drug Development. Springer.
• Kini, R. M. (2005). Excitement ahead: structure, function and mechanism of snake venom toxins. Clin. Exp. Pharmacol. Physiol., 32(9), 1109-1113.
• Mackessy, S. P. (Ed.). (2010). Handbook of Venoms and Toxins of Reptiles. CRC press.
• Yang, D. C., Fathinia, B., & Song, J. Z. (2018). Discovery and development of snake venom derived therapeutic and diagnostic agents: a review of recent progress. J. Venom. Res., 9, 1-13.