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Non-standard drug found to treat stroke
Last reviewed: 02.07.2025
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Scientists have discovered that the poisonous secretions of one species of water spider can minimize the severe consequences of a stroke.
A protein extracted from spider venom could provide the human brain with protection against the damaging effects of stroke. This information was shared by scientists from Australia, representing the Universities of Queensland and Monash. The specialists claim that just one dose of the Hi1a protein is enough to have a positive therapeutic effect on experimental rodents.
Doctors predict that the obtained research results are really encouraging, and after some time the spider protein will be able to be actively used in neurology. However, it is too early to talk about this now, because experiments involving people are only being planned.
To obtain the poisonous material, the scientists went to Fraser Island, which is located off the southern coast of Queensland. One of the study’s leaders, Dr Glenn King, says: “We often go to this region to collect spiders. Funnel-web spiders, whose venom is considered deadly, live deep in the soil. It is difficult to extract them from dense clay. However, on this island, the spiders we need live in the sand, which makes them much easier to catch.”
Initially, the scientists planned to extract the poisonous secretion of spiders in order to try to create a similar liquid artificially. They removed the insects' poison in the laboratory, examined their secreting organs, and only then began to analyze the composition of the poisonous liquid. After introducing the poison protein into the bodies of experimental rodents, the scientists discovered that the sensitive ion channels in the rats' brains were blocked. Many post-stroke disorders entail a dysfunction of ion channels - for example, in most cases, their excessive function is observed. The use of spider venom will slow down the work of these channels, which will protect the brain from further damage.
Dr. King says the protein and its function are “promising in terms of potential use in helping people recover from strokes.” “We believe that many experts have long sought a way to minimize the brain damage that occurs after a cerebrovascular accident.”
It was discovered that the spider protein creates a certain effective protection of the part of the brain that suffers from oxygen starvation more than others. Previously, it was believed that the damaged area is practically not subject to regeneration, since vulnerable brain cells die too quickly.
A scientific team representing the British Stroke Association also took note of the findings, saying the information was important but that no sweeping claims should be made until the drug had been tested in humans.
The progress and results of the study can be found in the scientific journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
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