Nature-derived products and peptides: emerging insights into the mechanisms of visceral pain

Naturally derived products, including plant- and venom-derived peptides, have played an instrumental role in identifying the ion channels, receptors and signalling pathways involved in visceral pain. Although crude venoms are traditionally known for their harmful effects, research into their molecular composition has uncovered a diverse array of peptide components with high specificity for particular ion channels and receptors. These peptide components exhibit potent excitatory and inhibitory properties, including the ability to alter neuronal excitability. This review highlights key naturally derived products and peptides that have been invaluable tools in advancing our understanding of both pro-nociceptive and anti-nociceptive mechanisms in visceral pain. Beyond their value as molecular tools, these compounds represent promising scaffolds for the development of novel therapeutics, with the potential to significantly transform the clinical management of visceral pain.