Morocco is known to harbor two of the world’s most dangerous scorpion species: the black Androctonus mauritanicus (Am) and the yellow Buthus occitanus (Bo), responsible for 83% and 14% of severe envenomation cases, respectively. Scorpion venom is a mixture of biological molecules of variable structures and activities, most of which are proteins of low molecular weights referred to as toxins. In addition to toxins, scorpion venoms also contain biogenic amines, polyamines, and enzymes. With the aim of investigating the composition of the Am and Bo venoms, we conducted an analysis of the venoms by mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) after separation by reversed-phase HPLC chromatography. Results from a total of 19 fractions obtained for the Am venom versus 22 fractions for the Bo venom allowed the identification of approximately 410 and 252 molecular masses, respectively. In both venoms, the most abundant toxins were found to range between 2–5 kDa and 6–8 kDa. This proteomic analysis not only allowed the drawing of an extensive mass fingerprint of the Androctonus mauritanicus and Buthus occitanus venoms but also provided a better insight into the nature of their toxins.

Scorpion venom possesses a lethal sting and potential medicinal properties, making it a captivating natural elixir. Our study aimed to unravel the composition of Androctonus scorpionvenoms in Morocco. Using electrospray mass spectrometry and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), we conducted a thorough analysis to gain detailed insights into venom composition. The data unveiled a wide range of molecular weights, influenced by factors such as species, genus, location, age, sex, and diet. Short toxins (2000–4000 Da) predominated in the venoms, effectively blocking K⁺ channels, while larger molecular weights (>4000 Da) corresponded to long toxins that modulate Na⁺ channels. Furthermore, we made intriguing discoveries of previously unidentified peptides (<2000 Da). This study provides valuable knowledge, shedding light on the intricate composition of scorpion venoms.