Scorpion and Frog Organ Lysates are Potential Source of Antitumour Activity

OBJECTIVES: It is noteworthy that several animal species are known to withstand high levels of radiation, and are exposed to heavy metals but rarely been reported to develop cancer. For example, the scorpion has been used as folk medicine in ancient civilizations of Iran and China, while amphibian skin is known to possess medicinal properties. Here, we elucidated the anti-tumour activity of the scorpion (Uropygi) and frog (Lithobates catesbeianus). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Animals were procured and their organ lysates and sera were prepared and tested against Michigan Cancer Foundation-7 breast cancer (MCF-7), prostate cancer (PC3), Henrietta Lacks cervical cancer (HeLa), and normal human keratinocyte cells. Exoskeleton, appendages and hepatopancreas were dissected from the scorpion, whereas liver, lungs, heart, oviduct, gastrointestinal tract, gall bladder, kidneys, eggs and sera were collected from frog and organ lysates/sera were prepared. Growth inhibition assays and cytotoxicity assays were performed. RESULTS: Appendages, exoskeleton lysates, and hepatopancreas from scorpion exhibited potent growth inhibition, and cytotoxic effects. Furthermore, lungs, liver, gastrointestinal tract, heart, oviduct, kidneys, eggs, and sera from frog displayed growth inhibition and cytotoxic effects. CONCLUSION: Organ lysates, sera of scorpion, and amphibians possess anti-tumour activities. This is a worthy area of research as the molecular identity of the active molecule(s) together with their mechanism of action will lead to the rational development of novel anticancer agent(s).