The experimental method will stop pain and inflammation once and for all

Scientists from the Russian Academy of Sciences have found unique proteins in the venom of sea polyps-actinia. These proteins inhibit pain receptors and relieve inflammation.

What is important is that the proteins do not cause addiction in contrast to the components of standard painkillers. Actinia is one of the most primitive predatory creatures. It is believed that their ancestors appeared on Earth more than half a billion years ago. Some actiniae (in particular, Metridium senile and Urticina eques species) immobilize fish and other victims with their poison.

By special cells on the tentacles the poison is injected into the prey swimming next to polyp. As a result, the paralyzed victim becomes prey to the actinia. According to analysis, the substances released by Metridium senile and Urticina eques contain very interesting proteins - Ms9a-1 and Ueq 12-1. These proteins inhibit the work of TRPA1 receptors responsible for sensitivity to pain and a number of other sensations as well as the development of an inflammatory reaction.

According to the scientists painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs with local effect may be designed on the basis of these proteins. The proteins have already been tested in mice. The experiments have proven their effectiveness.

Source: MEDDaily