Toxic spider venom could solve erectile dysfunction

A bite from the Brazilian Wandering Spider causes blood pressure and convulsions, but a lesser-known side effect of the venom is a "prolonged and painful erection" that can rot the flesh around the male reproductive organ.

However, scientists are convinced that they can extract a molecule found in the toxin and use it to help the millions of men who suffer from erectile dysfunction. Tests so far have shown it to be safe for humans, and it is hoped that it can enter the market as a new drug.

Maria Elena de Lima, a professor of biomedicine and medicine at the Santa Casa Belo Horizonte hospital in Brazil, said: "We synthesised this molecule and began testing it on mice and rats to check whether it would have the same effect as the original molecule, that is, the spider toxin.

"After in vitro tests, that is, in the corpus cavernosum isolated from mice, as well as in anaesthetised animals, we observed that this molecule, much smaller and non-toxic, caused erections in these animals."

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