Snake venom: An emerging anticancer agent

Snake venom consists of different proteins, enzymes, carbohydrates and other bioactive molecules. They are highly toxic in nature and have been recognized for their lethal effects for a long back. However recent studies have revealed the enormous therapeutic potential of snake venom. The crude venom and its enzymatic components including PLA2, SVMP, SVSP, Lectin, LAAO and disintegrin, exhibit anticancer activity through cell lysis, gene expression modulation, cytotoxicity and apoptosis. This review discusses the anticancer properties of various components of snake venom. Although venom isolation, purification and safety concerns are a challenge, ongoing research shows that snake venom holds great promise for the development of innovative and effective anticancer treatments, requiring further research and clinical trials to combat this disease.