Venomous Remedy for Brittle Bone

A research team from Kolkata has stumbled upon the antiosteoporosis activity of the Indian black scorpion (Heterometrus bengalensis). In studies with rats, the researchers found that scorpion venom significantly restored the osteoporosis changes of urine, blood and bone. The scorpion venom also restored the bone dimensions, morphology and histological changes. This study confirms that the Indian black scorpion venom may influence bone-remodeling process by stimulating bone formation and reducing bone resorption process of osteogenesis (formation of bone cells). The findings of the study have been published in the 19th October 2008 online issue of Toxicon.