Pharmacological and therapeutic applications of scorpion venom peptides: A Review

Abstract

Introduction: In recent years, scorpion venom and its peptide compounds have attracted growing scientific interest. A remarkable biological diversity and strong therapeutic potential characterize these compounds. Aims:  to provide a comprehensive review of the therapeutic properties of scorpion venoms. Methods: This analysis is based on a collection of 53 studies published between 2020 and 2025, all of which have strict inclusion criteria and are drawn from reliable sources, including specialized platforms such as PubMed, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and Google Scholar. The studies reviewed focus on the pharmacological effects of scorpion venom and chemical components. Results: The collected data highlight the increased interest in scorpion-derived peptides as pharmacological tools in biomedical research, attributed to their diverse biological actions, including anticancer, antimicrobial, antiviral, antiparasitic, analgesic, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and neuroprotective. Among the described mechanisms of action are the induction of apoptosis, disruption of cell membranes, modulation of intracellular signalling pathways, and inhibition of ion channels. Most studies on the subject demonstrate significant efficacy, with low toxicity observed in both in vitro cell cultures and in vivo murine models. Conclusions: This review confirms the promising potential of scorpion venom peptides for developing novel therapeutic and biotechnological applications. However, it also emphasizes the necessity of further clinical research and standardized experimental protocols to fully harness their benefits