Chemistry of Scorpion Venom and its Medicinal Potential

Scorpion venom comprises a unique mix of peptides, proteins, enzymes, and other compounds, showing great medical potential. This review examines its chemical composition, categorising toxins into groups like α-toxins, β- toxins, potassium channel toxins (KTxs), calcins, and antimicrobial peptides, each with distinct pharmacological effects. It also highlights potential therapeutic applications in cancer treatment and antimicrobial therapies. While using scorpion venom for medical purposes is promising, challenges such as toxicity and non-selectivity toward healthy cells remain. Continued research is crucial to fully harness its therapeutic potential and address these issues for innovative treatment developments.