The Potential of Snake Venoms as Coagulation Agent for Hemorrhagic Trauma: A Review

Abstract

Snake venom contains a variety of proteins and enzymes that can affect blood coagulation and have been
investigated for their potential use as hemostatic agents to stop hemorrhage. Hemorrhage can be caused by
a variety of factors, including injury, surgery, and certain medical conditions, and can be life-threatening if
not controlled. Several components of snake venom have been identified as potential hemostatic agents.
One such component is Batroxobin, a metalloproteinase found in the venom of the Bothrops atrox snake.
Batroxobin has been shown to activate prothrombin to thrombin, which promotes clot formation and can
be used to stop bleeding. Ancrod is a serine protease that can cleave fibrinogen, reducing the concentration
of fibrinogen in the blood and preventing clot formation. Ancrod has been used as a hemostatic agent in the
past, but its use has been limited due to concerns about its safety and efficacy. Other components of snake
venom, such as those found in the venom of Russell's viper and the saw-scaled viper, have been found to
have potential as hemostatic agents. These components have been shown to activate factor X and have been
investigated as potential treatments for hemorrhage. The use of snake venom as a hemostatic agent is not
without its challenges. One of the main concerns is the potential for adverse reactions, including allergic
reactions, and the risk of complications such as thrombosis. Additionally, the availability of snake venom
is limited, and the production of synthetic versions of these compounds can be challenging. Despite these
challenges, the potential of snake venom as a hemostatic agent is promising, particularly in the development
of new, more targeted treatments for hemorrhage. Further research is needed to fully understand the
mechanisms of action of snake venom-derived hemostatic agents and to develop safe and effective
therapeutic agents. In conclusion, snake venom contains a variety of components that have the potential as
hemostatic agents to stop hemorrhage. While the use of snake venom-derived hemostatic agents is not
without its challenges, these agents have promising potential in the treatment of a range of medical
conditions.
Keywords: Snake venom, coagulation agent, hemorrhagic trauma