A systematic review of 171 studies found that peptides from arthropod venoms — including those from bees, scorpions, spiders, and crabs — have significant anti-inflammatory activity, primarily by reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines.
171 studies, 9 animal groupsAnti-inflammatory peptides have been documented across virtually all major arthropod groups, from insects to arachnids to crustaceans
What the researchers found
From 171 reviewed studies, arthropod-derived peptides from 9 animal groups demonstrated anti-inflammatory activity, primarily by decreasing pro-inflammatory cytokines in vitro and in vivo, with some also exhibiting anticancer properties.
Why it matters
Current anti-inflammatory drugs often have significant side effects. Arthropod venom peptides offer a diverse library of natural anti-inflammatory molecules that could lead to new, more targeted treatments with fewer adverse effects.
The numbers in context
171 studies; 9 peptide families; sources: ants, bees, wasps, shrimp, crabs, scorpions, spiders, ticks, centipedes
How the study worked
Systematic review following PRISMA guidelines. PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar searched with no publication date limit. 171 studies met inclusion/exclusion criteria for data extraction.
Who was studied
Published studies on anti-inflammatory peptides from insects, crustaceans, arachnids, and centipedes
What this study cannot tell us
Systematic review with no new experimental data. Most included studies used in vitro or animal models. Clinical translation of venom peptides faces significant challenges including toxicity, stability, and manufacturing. Human safety data is largely absent.
How to read the evidence
Not applicable (systematic review). Synthesizes primarily preclinical evidence from in vitro and animal studies.
When this study was published
Published in 2021. Venom peptide research continues to expand with improved synthetic and recombinant production methods.
The bigger picture
Venom-derived peptides are an expanding frontier in drug discovery. Nature has optimized these molecules over millions of years of evolution, creating potent and selective bioactive compounds. This review highlights their under-explored potential for treating inflammatory and neoplastic diseases.
Questions still open
- Which arthropod venom peptides are closest to clinical development as anti-inflammatory drugs?
- Can synthetic versions of these peptides retain anti-inflammatory activity while eliminating toxicity?
- Could venom peptides with dual anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties address inflammatory cancers?
Common questions
How can venomous animal peptides be anti-inflammatory?
Are any venom-based drugs already in use?
Read the original research
Anti-inflammatory activities of arthropod peptides: a systematic review.
The journal of venomous animals and toxins including tropical diseases, 27, e20200152
Citation
Dos Santos, Ariane Teixeira; Cruz, Gabriela Silva; Baptista, Gandhi Rádis. (2021). Anti-inflammatory activities of arthropod peptides: a systematic review.. The journal of venomous animals and toxins including tropical diseases, 27, e20200152. https://doi.org/10.1590/1678-9199-JVATITD-2020-0152