Snail Power

Snails’ venom offer alternative treatment for chronic pain, a study has found.

18:15 23 February 2017

A recent study involving rats has found that protein from Conus Regius species of snail can ‘stun’ pain and keep it at bay. The discovery could offer fresh hope and alternative to standard opioids such as morphine.

 

Researchers from the University of Utah also found that the effects of the venom last for more than three days, sparking hope for a long-term relief option.

 

The study, which was published in the Proceeding of the National Academy of Sciences, found that the Rg1A compound uses different pathways in the brain and boosts the nervous system making it more resistant to developing chronic pain.

 

Professor Michael McIntosh, the author of the study, said: 'What is particularly exciting about these results is the aspect of prevention. Once chronic pain has developed, it is difficult to treat.

 

'This compound offers a potential new pathway to prevent pain from developing in the first place and offer a new therapy to patients who have run out of options.'

 

Chronic pain is a normal occurrence and is believed to affect four in five people at some point in their lifetime. Based on recent research, paracetamol, which is often given to sufferers, provides little benefit.