The toxic substance secreted by scorpions, surprisingly, has valuable properties for medicine and is also important for evolutionary research and the study of ecological conditions. Therefore, global scientific laboratories are willing to spend significantly even for a tiny amount of this venom.
It is noteworthy that the toxicity of the defensive secret varies among different species of scorpions. For example, the South African thick-tailed scorpion boasts a chemical weapon that is ten times more potent than that of the Israeli gold scorpion.
To produce the venom, these arachnids must also significantly accelerate their own metabolism. According to biologist Arie van der Meijden, this process is equivalent to running a marathon for them. For this reason, arthropods do not waste venom indiscriminately but conserve this resource for the most critical situations. Additionally, no more than 5% of the accumulated substance is used at one time, allowing them to sting multiple times. The exception occurs when a sleeping person accidentally falls on a scorpion: in that case, it releases all its venom.
Historically, to obtain venom for scientific and industrial purposes, scorpions had to be killed, then the corresponding gland was extracted and ground. However, in 2021, van der Meijden managed to create a more humane method—without the need to kill the creatures. Scientists began using an electric stimulator that delivers low voltage, activates nerve endings, and empties the gland. The scorpion remains unharmed.
The use of venom in the development and production of medicines varies. In some cases, the substance helps treat epilepsy, which has already been proven in mice. There are also cases of its application in the treatment of multiple sclerosis.
As for the high cost of the venom, while a dose of just hundreds of micrograms will cost about two hundred dollars, it is sufficient for scientific work for an entire year.
