Brazilian researchers are investigating the potential of banana spider venom as a novel treatment for erectile dysfunction.
The Banana Spider’s venom, which is notorious for inducing painful, prolonged erections in its bite victims, is currently being employed to create a synthetic molecule that may provide relief for males who are affected by this condition.
Three decades ago, the Ezequiel Dias Foundation (FUNED) scientists initiated a study of the venom’s effects after observing that patients who were bitten by the arachnid frequently experienced priapism, a painful and persistent erection.
The molecule derived from the venom induces the release of nitric oxide, a critical chemical that enhances blood circulation and relaxes blood vessels, thereby enabling erections.
According to Maria Elena, a professor at the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), this discovery could be particularly advantageous for men who have recently undergone prostate removal, a procedure that frequently results in erectile dysfunction.
The wandering or armed spider, also known as the banana spider, is one of the most venomous arachnids in the world.
Researchers are meticulously extracting its venom for medical purposes at banana plantations in South America, as well as in urban and rural regions of Brazil’s Minas Gerais state.
Brazil’s regulatory agency, Anvisa, has authorized the initial phase of clinical trials, as the treatment has demonstrated substantial potential.
The term “banana spider” is employed to refer to a variety of spiders that are frequently observed on banana plants. These consist of the venomous Brazilian wandering spider and a few innocuous species from the genus Cupiennius.
Although it is feasible that either of these parasites could enter Canada via banana shipments, the Cupiennius variety is more prevalent.
Banana Spider North America
Numerous householders confuse them with Brazilian wandering spiders, which possess comparable characteristics and deliver highly lethal bites. It frequently necessitates the assistance of an expert to differentiate between the two spider species.
It may be challenging for homeowners to identify banana spiders in their residences, as they do not produce webs. While transporting fruit, pests may be present on the exterior of bananas or within the containers that contain them.
Safety is always the most prudent course of action, despite the low probability of encountering a Brazilian wandering spider or banana spider in North America. Avoid touching or attempting to eliminate pests from fruit.
South and Central America are the habitats of Brazilian wandering spiders. These spiders occasionally travel to other countries via produce shipments. For the most part, these parasites reside in the Amazon, where they encounter minimal human interaction.
Cupiennius banana spiders are more prevalent in Central America. While the likelihood of their exportation to North America on banana crops is minimal, it is not impossible. These pests remain concealed during the day and emerge at twilight. Banana spiders are most active during the initial three hours of the night.
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