The komodo dragon isn't exactly known for something that can heal. Its bite is one of the most lethal, as it has a saliva with thousands of bacteria that can kill anything it bites. However, komodo dragon blood possibly has antimicrobial properties in it.
The komodo dragon has blood that can fight bacteria. It has been analyzed by scientists and has been found to have 48 compounds that can be used against bacteria. An irony, considering that the komodo dragon has saliva that is lined with so many bacteria which could kill anything that is bitten.
The komodo dragon is the largest lizard today. It is found in Indonesia and can grow to as much as three meters long. It can weigh as much as 136 kg. or more. It is known to be fierce, though what makes it dangerous is its bite.
Researchers from the George Mason University (GMU) in Virginia have shown interest on the komodo dragon because of its lethal bite. 48 substances in the komodo dragon's blood have been identified as cationic antimicrobial peptides (CAMPs). These are chains of amino acids that are vital in fighting against bacteria.
Bioprospecting has been used to identify the CAMPs in the komodo dragon's blood, according to New Atlas. The Komodo dragon's blood has been incubated along with negatively charged hydrogel particles. The CAMPs attached to these particles since they are positively charged.
The komodo dragon blood could be used to create new treatment against bacteria that have become resistant to current medication, as UPI reports. While the komodo dragon has saliva which can kill, it is immune to its own bite. A saliva serum developed from it can have antibacterial activity on similar dragon specimens.
A peptide is also being created that could be used to heal wounds. More potent medicine can be made with the discovery, as it has been found that komodo dragon blood possibly has antimicrobial properties. Soy has been found to have benefits for the heart.
