Erectile dysfunction (ED) affects a large number of men, and it can have a big impact on their quality of life.
Oral medications like Viagra and Cialis are effective for many, but they don’t work for everyone. In fact, these medications are ineffective for about 30% of those who try them. For these men, a new treatment option may be on the horizon: a gel based on Brazilian wandering spider venom.
Keep reading to learn more about how the venom of the Brazilian wandering spider could offer a new approach to treating ED.
The Science Behind the Venom: How it Works
Scientists have been researching the potential uses of Brazilian wandering spider venom since at least 2008.
The venom contains a specific molecule that increases blood flow, similar to how an arginine vasodilator works, and that molecule can trigger an erection.
From venom to topical gel
Researchers have found a way to process the venom and formulate it into a gel that can be applied directly to the skin.
The advantage of using a topical treatment is that the gel works in a localized area. The treatment is designed to minimize the risk of side effects throughout the rest of your body.
Clinical Trial Results and Potential Benefits
A gel-based treatment derived from Brazilian wandering spider venom has successfully completed Phase 1 human trials in Brazil. The initial trials showed that the medication was both safe and effective.
This new gel could be helpful for people who can’t take oral medications for erectile dysfunction. For example, individuals who have contraindications that prevent them from using drugs like Viagra or Cialis might be able to use the gel instead.
The treatment may also be helpful for a wider range of people, including women. Researchers are exploring potential applications beyond traditional ED, and investigating other natural options that can spice boost your libido.
The next phase of trials will compare the new gel to existing ED medications to determine whether it’s as effective as the current options. Further studies are also needed to fully understand the long-term effects and determine the best dosage to use.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hallucinogenic spider venom?
I am unaware of any spider venom that is known to be hallucinogenic. Some spider bites may cause neurological symptoms, but these are generally not described as true hallucinations.
Should you squeeze the pus out of a spider bite?
No, you should not squeeze pus from a spider bite. Squeezing can introduce more bacteria into the wound, increasing the risk of infection. Instead, keep the area clean and covered.
What should you do if you get bit by a Brazilian wandering spider?
If you suspect you’ve been bitten by a Brazilian wandering spider, seek immediate medical attention. Try to safely photograph or capture the spider for identification, if possible. Stay calm and monitor your symptoms while waiting for medical help.
Do spiders feel pain?
The question of whether spiders feel pain is complex. Spiders have nociceptors, which detect potentially harmful stimuli, but whether this translates to a subjective experience of pain is still debated. Their nervous system is very different from mammals.
What is Brazilian wandering spider venom used for?
Brazilian wandering spider venom contains a complex mixture of toxins. Researchers are investigating the potential of one of these toxins, PnTx2-6, as a treatment for erectile dysfunction. Studies are ongoing.
Key Takeaways
Brazilian wandering spider venom holds promise as a treatment for erectile dysfunction. Delivered in a gel, it could offer a new approach to ED management.
This novel treatment could be a game-changer, addressing a real need for new options. There’s reason to be optimistic about future research and development.
One researcher has said that this treatment “has great potential to become an internationally recognized medicine.”