The sight of a spider, whether standing still or scurrying around, often sends shivers down many people’s spines, especially women. In some countries, both men and women have a healthy respect for these eight-legged creatures, and for good reason. One such spider, the venomous banana spider found in the rainforests of Central and South America, can pose a serious health risk. Its bite can cause symptoms like excessive salivation, shortness of breath, tremors, and a persistent, painful erection that could lead to permanent tissue damage.
Interestingly, scientists have been intrigued by the spider’s venom for its ability to cause this prolonged erection, a condition known medically as priapism. They wondered if the venom’s components could potentially treat erectile dysfunction (ED). Research shows that around 50 million men worldwide suffer from ED, and about one-third don’t find relief from existing medications.
Dr. Kenia Nunes, a physiologist at the Medical College of Georgia, explains that the spider’s venom contains a mix of molecules that create various compounds, each causing different symptoms. Researchers in Brazil and the U.S. identified and isolated the peptide they believed to be behind the sustained erection, naming it PnTx2-6.
When scientists injected this peptide into elderly rats with hypertension and ED, the rats experienced sustained erections without any harmful effects. They discovered that PnTx2-6 works differently than current ED medications. While prescription drugs prevent the breakdown of an enzyme called cGMP, leading to vasodilation, PnTx2-6 directly increases levels of nitric oxide, which also helps with erections.
The next step for researchers is to get approval for human trials. Dr. Nunes is optimistic not only about treating male ED but also about exploring the potential of PnTx2-6 for treating female sexual dysfunction. If successful, this research could even boost the market for paternity testing kits.
The banana spider, scientifically named Phoneutria nigriventer, is known to hide in banana crates shipped around the world. The name Phoneutria means “murderess” in Greek, and this species is considered the most venomous spider. Although rare, its bite can be fatal due to respiratory paralysis and suffocation.
These spiders are quite large, with leg spans of about four to five inches and bodies measuring half an inch to nearly two inches in length. They are called banana spiders because they are often found wandering the jungle floor at night. During the daytime, they hide in banana plants, bromeliads, termite mounds, or other dark, moist places.