CROTAMINE: FROM RATTLESNAKE TOXIN TO A MULTITARGET THERAPEUTIC TOOL

Authors

  • Renata Proença da Silva Universidade de Sorocaba, Sorocaba, São Paulo, Brasil. Programa de Pós-Graduação em Animais Selvagens da Universidade Paulista “Júlio de Mesquita Filho” (UNESP - Botucatu), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brasil. https://orcid.org/0009-0009-4468-2107
  • Dra. Adélia Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2835-7581
  • Dr.º Rodrigo Universidade de Sorocaba, Sorocaba, São Paulo, Brasil. Programa de Pós-Graduação em Animais Selvagens da Universidade Paulista “Júlio de Mesquita Filho” (UNESP - Botucatu), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brasil. https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8219-0845
  • Dra. Yoko Universidade de Sorocaba, Sorocaba, São Paulo, Brasil. Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas da Universidade de Sorocaba (UNISO – Sorocaba, São Paulo). https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4972-8444

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14450/infarma.e202622

Keywords:

Therapeutic applications, biotechnology, Crotalus durissus terrificus, crotamine, bioactive peptides

Abstract

Crotamine is a cationic peptide found in the venom of the snake Crotalus durissus terrificus, extensively studied due to its biological properties and therapeutic potential. Structurally stable and capable of crossing cellular membranes, crotamine exhibits antimicrobial, antifungal, antiviral, antitumor, immunomodulatory, analgesic, and anti-obesogenic activities. Its ability to selectively penetrate highly proliferative cells, interact with DNA, and function as an intracellular delivery vehicle highlights its biotechnological value. This review compiles studies published over the last 15 years, addressing the structural characteristics, mechanisms of action, and potential applications of crotamine in the fields of biotechnology, pharmacology, and medicine. In total, 140 publications were identified, of which 56 were included. The findings indicate that crotamine represents a promising biomolecule for the development of new therapies and innovative clinical intervention strategies, reinforcing the importance of continued experimental and translational research.

Author Biographies

Renata Proença da Silva, Universidade de Sorocaba, Sorocaba, São Paulo, Brasil. Programa de Pós-Graduação em Animais Selvagens da Universidade Paulista “Júlio de Mesquita Filho” (UNESP - Botucatu), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brasil.

Graduated in Veterinary Medicine from the University of Sorocaba (UNISO) in 2023. Currently a Master’s student (2024–2026) in the Graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences.

Dra. Adélia, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto

Holds a degree in Biology from the Barão de Mauá School of Philosophy, Sciences and Letters (1983), a Master’s degree in Biochemistry from the University of São Paulo (1987), and a Ph.D. in Biochemistry from the University of São Paulo (1992). Currently serves as a senior technical specialist at the University of São Paulo. Has experience in the field of Biochemistry, with an emphasis on macromolecular biochemistry, working mainly on the isolation and functional and structural characterization of snake venom toxins and bioactive compounds with antiophidic activity obtained from plant extracts. She was the first researcher in Brazil to perform the complete sequencing of a protein. (Source: Lattes Curriculum)

Dr.º Rodrigo, Universidade de Sorocaba, Sorocaba, São Paulo, Brasil. Programa de Pós-Graduação em Animais Selvagens da Universidade Paulista “Júlio de Mesquita Filho” (UNESP - Botucatu), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brasil.

Graduação em Medicina Veterinária na Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro / UFRRJ, (1991), Mestre em Biologia Animal na Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro / UFFRJ, (2001), Doutor do Programa de Animais Selvagens da UNESP / Botucatu (2019), Médico veterinário da Prefeitura Municipal de Sorocaba, atuando no Zoológico da cidade (1994). Experiência na área de Medicina Veterinária de Animais Selvagens, com ênfase em parasitos. Professor do Curso de Graduação em Medicina Veterinária da Universidade de Sorocaba / UNISO (2015). Professor de Pós Graduação do Programa de Animais Selvagens da UNESP / Botucatu (2020), Professor em Cursos de Especialização. Professor de Educação Ambiental no Ensino Infantil e Fundamental.

Dra. Yoko, Universidade de Sorocaba, Sorocaba, São Paulo, Brasil. Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas da Universidade de Sorocaba (UNISO – Sorocaba, São Paulo).

Yoko Oshima Franco holds a degree in Pharmacy from the University of São Paulo (1982), a Master’s and PhD in Pharmacology from the State University of Campinas (1997 and 2001, respectively), and completed postdoctoral training at the State University of Campinas (2004–2006) and the University of Salamanca (2009). She is a full professor at the University of Sorocaba (40 hours/week). She is a permanent faculty member of the Graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences (Master’s and PhD) at the University of Sorocaba and served as Coordinator of the Pharmacy Program from 2010 to 2013. She has experience in the fields of Pharmacology and Toxicology, with research focused on neuropharmacology, with emphasis on toxinology (snake venoms) and medicinal plants. She also works in the research line of mutagenicity assessment (Salmonella/microsome assay) of natural and synthetic substances or mixtures, established in 2015. (Source: Lattes Curriculum)

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Published

2026-11-09

How to Cite

Proença da Silva, R., Cristina Oliveira Cintra, A., Hidalgo Friciello Teixeira, R., & Oshima-Franco, Y. (2026). CROTAMINE: FROM RATTLESNAKE TOXIN TO A MULTITARGET THERAPEUTIC TOOL . Infarma - Pharmaceutical Sciences, 38, e202622. https://doi.org/10.14450/infarma.e202622

Issue

Vol. 38 (2026)

Section

Review Article

License

Copyright (c) 2026 Renata Proença da Silva, Adelia Cristina Oliveira Cintra, Rodrigo Hidalgo Friciello Teixeira, Yoko Oshima-Franco

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