Toxinology

Toxinology is not to be confused with toxicology, which is the study of the harmful effects of any chemical (or even radiation) on living organisms. Toxins are naturally occurring molecules that cause harm to living organisms. Toxinology is a discipline of toxicology that deals with the scientific study of toxins. Venom is secreted by many animals and plants to either defend themselves or immobilise their prey. Venoms are complex combinations of compounds, including toxins, that when combined have a stronger effect than a single substance. The study of toxinology has grown significantly in recent years. On the one hand, it investigates the behaviour of venomous animals, plants, and microorganisms in order to better understand how they affect their targets. On the other hand, it investigates the biochemical composition, genomes, and proteomics of toxins and venoms in order to better understand their three interactions with living organisms (particularly humans), develop antidotes, and investigate their pharmaceutical potential. Toxinology is thus closely connected to biochemistry, molecular biology, anatomy, and pharmacology. Clinical toxinology, a fast-growing applied discipline, focuses on studying and managing the medical consequences of toxins on the human body. Given the global significance of toxin-related deaths and the promise of venom in the development of medications for diseases that are currently incurable (such as diabetes and chronic pain), the field will continue to expand and develop.