Several peptides contained in scorpion fluids showed diverse array of biological activities with high specificities to their targeted sites. Many investigations outlined their potent effects against microbes and showed their potential to modulate various biological mechanisms that are involved in immune, nervous, cardiovascular, and neoplastic diseases. Because of their important structural and functional diversity, it is projected that scorpion-derived peptides could be used to develop new specific drugs. This review summarizes relevant findings improving their use as valuable tools for new drugs development.

Fighting against the emergent coronavirus disease (COVID-19) remains a big challenge at the front of the world communities. Recent research has outlined the potential of various medicinal herbs to counteract the infection. This study aimed to evaluate the interaction of artemisinin, a sesquiterpene lactone extracted from the Artemisia genus, and its derivatives with the SARS-CoV-2 main protease. To assess their potential use against COVID-19, the interactions of the main active principle of Artemisia with the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) main protease (Mpro) was investigated through in silico probing. Our results showed that artemesinin and its derivatives manifested good oral absorption and bioavailability scores (0.55). They potently bound to the Mpro site of action—specifically, to its Cys145 residue. The selected compounds established two to three conventional hydrogen bonds with binding affinities ranging between −5.2 and −8.1 kcal/mol. Furthermore, artemisinin interactions with angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) were dependent on the ACE2 allelic variants. The best score was recorded with rs961360700. A molecular dynamic simulation showed sufficient stability of the artemisinin–Mpro complex on the trajectory of 100 ns simulation frame. These binding interactions, together with drug-likeness and pharmacokinetic findings, confirmed that artemisinin might inhibit Mpro activity and explain the ethnopharmacological use of the herb and its possible antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 infection inducing COVID-19. Nevertheless, it interacted differently with the various ACE2 allelic variants reported to bind with the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein.

Background: Finding new effective substances to develop drugs against cancer or to prevent it remains a big challenge facing scientists and clinicians. Objectives: In such an issue, we tested the anti-tumoral effect of Scorzonera undulata extracts on MCF7 cells. Materials and Methods: Methanolic extracts of S. undulata roots (RSU) and aerial parts (ASU) from the Ha’il region were analyzed by HPLC. Their DPPH scavenging, ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and total antioxidant potentials were evaluated. The MTT test was used to determine their cytotoxic effects on MCF7 cells using different concentrations, and their potential to induce apoptosis was determined by measuring the mitochondrial transmembrane loss of potential by flow cytometry using the JC-1 fluorescent marker. Results: S. undulata was found to be rich in flavonoids, tannins, and polyphenols. ASU contains great amounts of apigenin and gallic acid, whereas RSU contains luteolin and chlorogenic acid as major components. The potential to scavenge DPPH and the total antioxidant activity of ASU were twofold greater than those of RSU. MCF7 cell viability was reduced by 50% at concentrations of 4.22 ± 0.06 and 5.89 ± 0.08 mg.mL⁻¹, respectively, for ASU and RSU at 24 h. In addition, S. undulata extracts induced MCF7 cells’ death through cell lysis and apoptosis. Conclusion: As an edible vegetable, S. undulata is worth further exploration in alternative and complementary medication as it possesses significant antioxidant and anti-cancer potentials.

Scorpion envenomation is common in many countries; however, its effects on pregnancy are still unclear. In the present paper, we described the effects of scorpion envenomation on pregnant patients. A retrospective study was carried out considering the clinical and laboratory exams of patients admitted to the emergency room of Habib Bourguiba Hospital, Sfax, Tunisia, from 1990 to 2004. Variability of these clinical and laboratory profiles according to maternal age, gestational age and number of previous parities was also discussed. Among 167 scorpion-envenomed women, age ranged from 17 to 42 years, 7.18% were pregnant. These presented symptoms similar to those of non-pregnant women envenomed by scorpions. Two pregnant patients developed intense pelvic pain and one manifested vaginal bleeding. Although the studied parameters showed non-significant differences, we could conclude that scorpion envenomation may lead to abnormal uterine contraction probably causing preterm delivery. Maternal disturbances induced by scorpion envenomation may influence the fetus development. The effects were more severe in the second trimester of pregnancy