Vaccinium myrtillus is a species of shrub with edible fruit of blue color, commonly called 'bilberry', 'wimberry', 'whortleberry', or European blueberry. It has much in common with the American blueberry (Vaccinium cyanococcus). It is more precisely called common bilberry or blue whortleberry, to distinguish it from other Vaccinium relatives. Regional names include blaeberry, urts or hurts (Cornwall & Devon ), hurtleberry, huckleberry, myrtleberry, wimberry, whinberry, winberry, blueberry, and fraughan. ...

vaccinium myrtillus

_-1_0

Excessive-Thirst-(Polydipsia)

1. Excessive Thirst (Polydipsia)

Excessive-Thirst-(Polydipsia)_0_0

The initial symptom of type 2 diabetes often manifests as excessive thirst, scientifically known as polydipsia. High blood sugar levels trigger increased urination, resulting in dehydration. Research suggests that Gymnema sylvestre, an herb renowned for its blood sugar regulation properties, may offer relief. You can prepare Gymnema tea by steeping 1-2 teaspoons of dried Gymnema leaves in hot water for 5-10 minutes.

Frequent-Urination-(Polyuria)

2. Frequent Urination (Polyuria)

Frequent-Urination-(Polyuria)_1_0

Frequent urination, or polyuria, is another hallmark of uncontrolled blood sugar levels. Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum) has garnered attention for its potential to enhance insulin sensitivity and mitigate polyuria. Incorporate cinnamon into your diet by sprinkling it on oatmeal or brewing cinnamon-spiced tea.

Frequent-Urination-(Polyuria)_1_1

Unexplained-Weight-Loss

3. Unexplained Weight Loss

Unexplained-Weight-Loss_2_0

Sudden, unexplained weight loss may signal undiagnosed type 2 diabetes. The body resorts to burning fat for energy when it cannot utilize sugar properly. Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) seeds have demonstrated the ability to regulate blood sugar levels and reduce appetite. Try infusing fenugreek seeds in coconut oil for a versatile, diabetes-friendly oil suitable for cooking or topical application.

Fatigue-and-Weakness

4. Fatigue and Weakness

Fatigue-and-Weakness_3_0

Chronic fatigue and weakness can severely impact daily life for those with diabetes. Bitter melon (Momordica charantia) offers potential relief, thanks to compounds that enhance insulin sensitivity and lower blood sugar. Incorporate this vegetable into your diet by stir-frying it with garlic and soy sauce.

Blurry-Vision

5. Blurry Vision

Blurry-Vision_4_0

High blood sugar levels can cause blurry vision due to changes in the eye's lens. To support eye health, consider Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) extract, rich in antioxidants that protect the eyes. Create a bilberry smoothie by blending frozen bilberries with yogurt and honey.

Blurry-Vision_4_1

Slow-Wound-Healing

6. Slow Wound Healing

Slow-Wound-Healing_5_0

Impaired wound healing is a common complication of diabetes. Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis miller) gel, with its natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, can promote faster healing when applied topically.

Numbness-or-Tingling-(Neuropathy)

7. Numbness or Tingling (Neuropathy)

Numbness-or-Tingling-(Neuropathy)_6_0

Diabetic neuropathy can cause numbness or tingling in extremities. Alpha-lipoic acid, found in foods like spinach and broccoli, may alleviate neuropathic symptoms due to its antioxidant properties.

Photo by Tyrrell Fitness And Nutrition on Unsplash

Numbness-or-Tingling-(Neuropathy)_6_1

Increased-Hunger-(Polyphagia)

8. Increased Hunger (Polyphagia)

Increased-Hunger-(Polyphagia)_7_0

Polyphagia, or increased hunger, results from the body's inability to utilize glucose efficiently. Fenugreek can help control appetite and regulate blood sugar levels when integrated into your diet.

Anticancer-Properties

Anticancer Properties

Anticancer-Properties_8_0

Several natural remedies mentioned earlier, such as cinnamon and bitter melon, are also associated with potential anticancer properties. These compounds can inhibit cancer cell growth, providing an additional health benefit.

Questions-and-Answers

Questions and Answers

Questions-and-Answers_9_0

Q: Is it possible to reverse type 2 diabetes with natural remedies?

Questions-and-Answers_9_1

A: While natural remedies can aid in managing type 2 diabetes, complete reversal may not be guaranteed for everyone. Lifestyle changes, including diet and exercise, are integral to diabetes management.

Questions-and-Answers_9_2

Questions-and-Answers_9_3

Q: What foods should individuals with type 2 diabetes avoid?

Questions-and-Answers_9_4

A: Limit foods high in sugar, refined carbohydrates, and saturated fats. Focus on a balanced diet rich in vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.

Questions-and-Answers_9_5

Questions-and-Answers_9_6

Q: Can herbal remedies interact with diabetes medications?

Questions-and-Answers_9_7

A: Yes, some herbs may interact with diabetes medications. Consult a healthcare provider before incorporating herbal remedies into your regimen, especially if taking medications.

Questions-and-Answers_9_8

Questions-and-Answers_9_9

Q: Are there lifestyle changes that can prevent type 2 diabetes?

Questions-and-Answers_9_10

A: Maintaining a healthy weight, regular physical activity, and a balanced diet can significantly reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Questions-and-Answers_9_11

Questions-and-Answers_9_12

Q: How often should individuals with diabetes monitor their blood sugar levels?

Questions-and-Answers_9_13

A: Monitoring frequency varies based on individual circumstances. Generally, follow healthcare provider recommendations, which may include daily or less frequent checks depending on control and treatment type.

References

References_9_0

<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20152047/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Effect of Gymnema sylvestre on glucose metabolism in rats.</a><a href="https://chat.openai.com/?model=text-davinci-002-render-sha#user-content-fnref-1%5E" target="_blank" rel="noopener">&nbsp;</a></li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14633804/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Cinnamon improves glucose and lipids of people with type 2 diabetes.</a><a href="https://chat.openai.com/?model=text-davinci-002-render-sha#user-content-fnref-2%5E" target="_blank" rel="noopener">&nbsp;</a></li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18395607/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Effect of fenugreek seeds on blood glucose and lipid profiles in type 2 diabetic patients.</a><a href="https://chat.openai.com/?model=text-davinci-002-render-sha#user-content-fnref-3%5E" target="_blank" rel="noopener">&nbsp;</a></li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26445061/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Momordica charantia: A Review of its Ethno-medicinal, Phytochemical, Pharmacological, and Toxicological Properties.</a><a href="https://chat.openai.com/?model=text-davinci-002-render-sha#user-content-fnref-4%5E" target="_blank" rel="noopener">&nbsp;</a></li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24605810/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.)</a><a href="https://chat.openai.com/?model=text-davinci-002-render-sha#user-content-fnref-5%5E" target="_blank" rel="noopener">&nbsp;</a></li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27761023/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Aloe vera: A Short Review.</a><a href="https://chat.openai.com/?model=text-davinci-002-render-sha#user-content-fnref-6%5E" target="_blank" rel="noopener">&nbsp;</a></li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17434844/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Alpha-lipoic acid in the treatment of diabetic peripheral and cardiac autonomic neuropathy.</a><a href="https://chat.openai.com/?model=text-davinci-002-render-sha#user-content-fnref-7%5E" target="_blank" rel="noopener">&nbsp;</a></li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31945784/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Anticancer Potential of Bitter Melon Extract: Current Updates.</a><a href="https://chat.openai.com/?model=text-davinci-002-render-sha#user-content-fnref-8%5E" target="_blank" rel="noopener">&nbsp;</a></li></ul>

Early recognition of type 2 diabetes symptoms is paramount for effective management. Natural remedies like Gymnema, Cinnamon, Fenugreek, Bitter melon, Bilberry, Aloe vera, and Alpha-lipoic acid can complement lifestyle modifications and dietary adjustments. Always consult with healthcare professionals for personalized guidance.

8 Symptoms for Understanding Type 2 Diabetes

https://sanatio.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/e1eb70cb-4139-4843-ba93-393a54275394_middle.jpg

Екипът на Санацио

Memory-Loss-That-Disrupts-Daily-Life

1. Memory Loss That Disrupts Daily Life

Memory-Loss-That-Disrupts-Daily-Life_0_0

One of the most commonly recognized early signs of Alzheimer's is frequent memory loss, particularly involving recently learned information. Forgetfulness becomes more noticeable over time, potentially disrupting daily activities.

Memory-Loss-That-Disrupts-Daily-Life_0_1

Bacopa Monnieri, known as Brahmi, has been used traditionally in Ayurvedic medicine to enhance memory and cognitive function. This small, creeping herb is native to the wetlands of India, Australia, Europe, Africa, Asia, and North and South America.

Memory-Loss-That-Disrupts-Daily-Life_0_2

You can make a simple Bacopa tea by steeping 2 teaspoons of dried Bacopa in a cup of boiling water for 10 minutes. Drink this once or twice a day for best results.

Difficulty-Completing-Familiar-Tasks

2. Difficulty Completing Familiar Tasks

Difficulty-Completing-Familiar-Tasks_1_0

Another indicator of Alzheimer's is a sudden difficulty in completing routine tasks, like driving to familiar locations or managing budgets at work.

Difficulty-Completing-Familiar-Tasks_1_1

Gingko Biloba (Maidenhair tree), native to China, has been widely used for its potential to improve cognitive function. Gingko Biloba leaves can be prepared as a tea or taken as a supplement.

Difficulty-Completing-Familiar-Tasks_1_2

To prepare a Gingko Biloba tea, steep 1 teaspoon of dried leaves in boiling water for about 10 minutes. Take this tea once or twice daily.

Difficulty-Completing-Familiar-Tasks_1_3

Confusion-with-Time-or-Place

3. Confusion with Time or Place

Confusion-with-Time-or-Place_2_0

People with Alzheimer's often lose track of dates, seasons, or the passage of time. They may also forget where they are or how they got there.

Confusion-with-Time-or-Place_2_1

The herb Salvia officinalis (common sage), native to the Mediterranean region, has been reported to improve cognitive function and may assist in alleviating this symptom. A simple sage tea can be prepared by adding 1 teaspoon of dried sage to boiling water, let it steep for 10 minutes, then strain and drink.

Trouble-Understanding-Visual-Images-and-Spatial-Relationships

4. Trouble Understanding Visual Images and Spatial Relationships

Trouble-Understanding-Visual-Images-and-Spatial-Relationships_3_0

Vision problems are another sign of Alzheimer's. Some people may experience difficulty reading, judging distance, and determining color or contrast.

Trouble-Understanding-Visual-Images-and-Spatial-Relationships_3_1

While there are no specific herbs known to treat this Alzheimer's symptom directly, maintaining overall eye health is crucial. Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) is often used to support eye health.

Trouble-Understanding-Visual-Images-and-Spatial-Relationships_3_2

To make Bilberry tea, add 2 teaspoons of dried Bilberries to a cup of boiling water, let it steep for 10 minutes, then strain and enjoy.

Problems-with-Words-in-Speaking-or-Writing

5. Problems with Words in Speaking or Writing

Problems-with-Words-in-Speaking-or-Writing_4_0

People with Alzheimer's may have trouble following or joining a conversation. They may stop in the middle of a conversation and have no idea how to continue.

Problems-with-Words-in-Speaking-or-Writing_4_1

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), also known as Indian Ginseng, has been used in traditional medicine to enhance cognitive function. Ashwagandha tea can be made by boiling 1 teaspoon of dried Ashwagandha root in water for 15 minutes.

Problems-with-Words-in-Speaking-or-Writing_4_2

Misplacing-Things-and-Losing-the-Ability-to-Retrace-Steps

6. Misplacing Things and Losing the Ability to Retrace Steps

Misplacing-Things-and-Losing-the-Ability-to-Retrace-Steps_5_0

A person with Alzheimer's disease may put things in unusual places and be unable to retrace their steps to find lost items.

Misplacing-Things-and-Losing-the-Ability-to-Retrace-Steps_5_1

Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis), native to southern Europe and the Mediterranean, may help improve cognitive function and reduce agitation in people with Alzheimer's. You can make a tea by steeping 1 teaspoon of dried Lemon Balm leaves in boiling water for 10 minutes.

Decreased-or-Poor-Judgement

7. Decreased or Poor Judgement

Decreased-or-Poor-Judgement_6_0

People with Alzheimer's may experience changes in judgement or decision-making.

Decreased-or-Poor-Judgement_6_1

While not a specific treatment for this symptom, the consumption of Turmeric (Curcuma longa), specifically its active compound curcumin, is associated with overall cognitive health. A simple way to consume turmeric is by adding it to your meals, or you can prepare a warm 'Golden Milk' by mixing 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder with a cup of milk and heating it gently.

Anticancer-Properties-of-Discussed-Herbs

Anticancer Properties of Discussed Herbs

Anticancer-Properties-of-Discussed-Herbs_7_0

Interestingly, several of the herbs mentioned above, namely Bacopa Monnieri, Ginkgo Biloba, and Turmeric, have shown potential anticancer properties in various studies. However, more extensive research is required to fully understand and apply their therapeutic potential in this context.

References_7_0

<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/10_signs" target="_blank" rel="noopener">"10 Early Signs and Symptoms of Alzheimer's"</a></li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12093601/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">"An alternative medicine treatment for Parkinson's disease: results of a multicenter clinical trial"</a><a href="https://chat.openai.com/?model=gpt-4#user-content-fnref-2%5E" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> </a></li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23440785/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">"Ginkgo biloba for cognitive impairment and dementia"</a><a href="https://chat.openai.com/?model=gpt-4#user-content-fnref-3%5E" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> </a></li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19821815/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">"Salvia for dementia therapy: review of pharmacological activity and pilot tolerability clinical trial"</a><a href="https://chat.openai.com/?model=gpt-4#user-content-fnref-4%5E" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> </a></li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23626761/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">"Bilberry extract supplementation for preventing eye fatigue in video display terminal workers"</a><a href="https://chat.openai.com/?model=gpt-4#user-content-fnref-5%5E" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> </a></li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28471731/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">"Efficacy and Safety of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) Root Extract in Improving Memory and Cognitive Functions"</a><a href="https://chat.openai.com/?model=gpt-4#user-content-fnref-6%5E" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> </a></li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12810768/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">"Aromatherapy as a safe and effective treatment for the management of agitation in severe dementia"</a><a href="https://chat.openai.com/?model=gpt-4#user-content-fnref-7%5E" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> </a></li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29246725/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">"Effects of Turmeric (Curcuma longa) on Skin Health: A Systematic Review of the Clinical Evidence"</a><a href="https://chat.openai.com/?model=gpt-4#user-content-fnref-8%5E" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> </a></li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23682780/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">"Chemopreventive effects of Bacopa monnieri and its triterpenoid constituent bacopaside I."</a><a href="https://chat.openai.com/?model=gpt-4#user-content-fnref-9%5E" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> </a></li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19515245/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">"Ginkgo biloba extract EGb 761&reg;: clinical data in dementia"</a><a href="https://chat.openai.com/?model=gpt-4#user-content-fnref-10%5E" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> </a></li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27557335/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">"Role of Curcumin in Disease Prevention and Treatment"</a><a href="https://chat.openai.com/?model=gpt-4#user-content-fnref-11%5E" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> </a></li></ul>

Alzheimer's is a complex disease that requires early detection for optimal management. The key indicators discussed are memory loss, difficulty in completing familiar tasks, confusion with time or place, trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships, problems with words in speaking or writing, misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps, and decreased or poor judgement. A variety of herbs, such as Bacopa Monnieri, Gingko Biloba, Sage, Bilberry.

 7 Key Indicators for Early Alzheimer's Diagnosis

https://sanatio.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/5d6caaec-8a97-4c96-9acc-dc6972b90151_middle.jpg

Medicinal-products-from-very-toxic-animals

Medicinal products from very toxic animals

Medicinal-products-from-very-toxic-animals_0_0

You would never voluntarily ingest snake venom or smear your skin with insect venom, would you? Well, before you disavow anything like this, you should know that there is actually a long history of transforming some of the most toxic substances on Earth into useful and even sometimes life-saving drugs.

Medicinal-products-from-very-toxic-animals_0_1

Scientists are increasingly looking at the deadliest corners of the animal world for drugs, as the poisons of some animals are full of molecules that evolved to perform very specific activities in small quantities. In other words, they are ideal pharmaceuticals.

Botulinum-toxin

Botulinum toxin 

Botulinum-toxin_0_0

Botulinum toxin is a neurotoxic protein that is produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum and other similar species, causing mild injection site paralysis. Also known as Botox, it won't bring you back from the brink of death. In fact, one gram would be enough to kill a million people, but by paralyzing the muscles of the face in very small doses, you can deprive yourself of several wrinkles. However, with this result comes some serious risks for cosmetic use, including dysphagia, muscle weakness and allergic reactions. 1

Botulinum-toxin_0_1

Botox was originally used as a treatment for ophthalmic conditions such as strabismus (crossed eyes) and twitching eyelids. Today, it is also used to prevent migraines and is just one of many terrible substances that are successfully used.

Captopril

Captopril_0_0

Captopril_0_1

The oldest toxic-inspired pharmaceutical product, and indeed the one that started looking for others, is captopril. It appeared in pharmacies in 1981 and almost instantly became popular because it treated hypertension or high blood pressure, which is a prerequisite to develop heart or kidney disease and get a heart attack, stroke or aneurysm, and all thanks to the poison of a South American viper.

Captopril_0_2

One of the great effects of this snake venom is the alarmingly rapid drop in blood pressure. This drop is useful for snakes, because the brain and muscles from which their food (other animals) have to escape do not work so well without blood. Because snakes hunt mammals, scientists believe that if they could understand how the poison works, they could better understand how our bodies regulate blood pressure.&nbsp;

Captopril_0_3

It turns out that the blood pressure regulation system is quite complex, but one major way our bodies raise blood pressure is by activating a protein called angiotensin. One of the important things angiotensin does in its active form is to make the muscle cells lining the blood vessels constrict. This means higher pressure.&nbsp;

Captopril_0_4

Scientists discovered that snake venom contains a molecule that blocks the enzyme that makes angiotensin active angiotensin the converting enzyme, or ACE. With few chemical changes, they create captopril, the first ACE inhibitor, and although captopril itself is no longer widely prescribed, ACE inhibitors are still administered every day.

Ziconotide

Ziconotide_0_0

Here in focus is the amazing and deadly marble cone snail. These slow-moving snails can eat fast-moving fish because their venom quickly paralyzes prey and is very strong. However, the advantage is that their sting does not hurt, and this is because some of the hundreds of conotoxins, the small protein toxins that cone snails produce, target the nerves that signal pain.

Ziconotide_0_1

Almost 40 years ago, a student who had just graduated from high school discovered that one of these toxins reduced pain about 1,000% more strongly than morphine without causing addiction. This is because it kills pain more directly and specifically than morphine and other opioids. Opioids reduce pain by binding to opioid receptors, which triggers a cascade that, among other things, reduces the activity of calcium channels that nerve cells in the spinal cord need to communicate with the brain.&nbsp;

Ziconotide_0_2

The toxin from the cone snails simply blocks these channels directly, and this means that there are not so many adverse effects. Your body can't develop a tolerance to it like it can to opioids, and it works in cases where opioids don't. However, this is not a perfect medicine, as it has side effects, such as difficulty walking or psychiatric symptoms, and should be given in specific places and with specific doses.

Ziconotide_0_3

Ziconotide is in turn a newer, intrathecal analgesic drug used to treat chronic pain. His indication, according to the FDA, is for the treatment of chronic severe pain in patients with intolerance or refractoriness to systemic analgesics or intrathecal morphine. 2

Exenatide

Exenatide_0_0

Exenatide_0_1

There is a frighteningly impressive creature that you can read that they call it "the monster Gila". The poison of this poisonous lizard can lower blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes.

Exenatide_0_2

The so-called Gila monsters are lizards that live in the deserts of North America. Their poison is not so dangerous for humans, but it is extremely painful the bite itself, and one of the ingredients looks a lot like a hormone that our bodies naturally produce after we eat food. This hormone, called glucagon-like peptide 1, triggers the release of insulin, and because insulin is a hormone that tells cells to take in more sugar from the blood, it lowers blood sugar.

Exenatide_0_3

We can't just give humans more of human protein to lower their blood sugar because it breaks down too quickly by enzymes, but the protein in the poison of Gila lizards has a superpower: it's extremely stable. Its action lasts more than 70 times longer in the blood than in the human species, which means that it is much easier to use.&nbsp;

Exenatide_0_4

It's not clear why monsters have this super stable sugar-lowering hormone. Scientists only discovered it because they systematically study the poison to see what the different components do, but a synthetic version of the Gila hormone has been on the market for more than a decade. In addition to helping control blood sugar, it also supports insulin it produces healthy beta cells in the pancreas and makes people feel fuller. 3

Linaclotide-and-Plecanatide

Linaclotide and Plecanatide

Linaclotide-and-Plecanatide_0_0

These drugs work by binding to and activating receptors on the cells that line your gut, telling them to release water and salt. This, in turn, softens the stool, facilitating bowel movements. Scientists aren't entirely sure how, but animal studies suggest that these drugs also trigger pain-relieving nerve pathways in the colon.&nbsp;

Cantharidin

Cantharidin_0_0

The next toxin named cantharidin comes from a type of beetle. If you lubricate one of these beetles, the cantharidin in the blood and other tissues of the beetle will burn your skin, creating blisters. If you swallow too many of these beetles, you will have a lot of problems. According to some estimates, just seven drops of the substance are enough to kill you. In small, controlled doses, cantharidin can remove warts and treat a condition known as molluscum contagiosum.

Cantharidin_0_1

Biologists believe that male beetles produce this thing as a defensive weapon, as it protects them from being eaten by predators and they can also splash it out at threat. A fun fact is that they also pass on some of it to females during mating with a so-called wedding gift to protect the next generation.&nbsp;

Cantharidin_0_2

However, instead of leaving these beetles alone, people have been trying to use their toxins for centuries to treat a host of health conditions, as well as a strong aphrodisiac. 4

Stichodactyla-toxin

Stichodactyla toxin

Stichodactyla-toxin_0_0

Stichodactyla-toxin_0_1

Stichodactyla helianthus is a tropical anemony known as the "solar anemone" and part of the order Actiniaria. The Caribbean solar anemone is armed with poison-filled stinging cells that can stun prey and repel predators. It is likely that its paralytic poison could revolutionize the treatment of autoimmune diseases.&nbsp;

Stichodactyla-toxin_0_2

Back in the 1990s, a scientist discovered that one of the paralysis-inducing peptides in anemone venom was special. Called stichodactyl toxin, it does its job by blocking a certain type of potassium channel one that in us happens to be involved in activating a specific set of immune cells.

Stichodactyla-toxin_0_3

These cells are the older T cells that have already encountered potential pathogens, but remain in the tissues as a form of immunological memory. They also end up the cells behind many autoimmune diseases, such as lupus and multiple sclerosis, because they sometimes target parts of the body instead of foreign substances. So finding something that selectively damages these cells could lead to relatively effective and targeted therapies for autoimmune conditions, but it has proven to be a real challenge at this stage.

People are facing a huge range of diseases of different origins and innovative approaches to develop applicable therapies and new methods of treatment are constantly being sought. In this regard, one of the most suitable places to look for remedies is nature in the face of herbs, plants and some poisonous animal species.
One of the best ways to make sure we have the next generation of drugs is to protect all animal species, even those that can kill you, because they may also hold the key to curing diseases, such as autoimmune diseases or cancer.