**Summary:**
A study conducted by scientists at the Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology (IASST), Guwahati, a Department of Science and Technology (DST) autonomous institute, has decoded the venom composition of the Heterometrus bengalensis (HB), a black scorpion species native to eastern and southern India. Led by Prof. Ashis K. Mukherjee, Director of IASST, and research scholar Ms. Susmita Nath, the research identified 25 distinct toxins from eight protein families within the venom. The research was released by the Press Information Bureau (PIB) Delhi on August 5, 2025.
Pharmacological analysis on Swiss albino mice revealed that the venom induces systemic toxicity, elevated liver enzymes indicative of hepatic distress, organ damage, and a pronounced pro-inflammatory response, suggesting potential shock or severe allergic reactions. This comprehensive analysis, published in the International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, addresses a gap in scorpion venom research and establishes a foundation for future investigations into venom composition, toxicity mechanisms, and management strategies. The study highlights the need for further research on this neglected public health concern, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions where scorpion envenomation poses a significant threat. Release ID: 2152479.
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of Science Technology: Indian government ministry responsible for science and technology policies and initiatives.
Eastern and Southern India: Geographical region in India where the black scorpion (Heterometrus bengalensis) is found.
Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology IASST, Guwahati: Autonomous research institute in Guwahati, Assam, India, under the Department of Science and Technology (DST).
Department of Science and Technology DST: A department under the Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India.
Heterometrus bengalensis HB: Scientific name of the black scorpion species whose venom was analyzed in the study.
Prof. Ashis K. Mukherjee: Director of IASST and lead researcher in the scorpion venom study.
Susmita Nath: Research scholar involved in the scorpion venom study at IASST.
Swiss albino mice: Animal model used in the study to test the pharmacological effects of the scorpion venom.
Ministry of Science & Technology
Mystery behind the sting of the black scorpion
decoded
Posted On: 05 AUG 2025 3:18PM by PIB Delhi
Researchers have cracked the secret behind the dangerous sting of the glossy black scorpion that quietly
slithers through the under bushes of Eastern and Southern India forests.
Scorpion envenomation constitutes a critical worldwide health concern, given its considerable mortality and
morbidity, particularly in tropical and subtropical areas. Despite its ubiquity and significant impact, it has
garnered minimal scientific scrutiny, leading to a deficient comprehension of its venom composition, toxicity
mechanisms, and overall biological significance.
To bridge this gap, a recent investigation by scientists of the Institute of Advanced Study in Science and
Technology (IASST), Guwahati, an autonomous institute of the Department of Science and Technology
(DST), conducted the inaugural comprehensive analysis of the venom profile of Heterometrus bengalensis
(HB), a relatively obscure species indigenous to eastern and southern India.
The study, spearheaded by Prof. Ashis K. Mukherjee, Director of IASST, and Ms. Susmita Nath, research
scholar, among others, found that the secret behind the danger of the sting lies in 25 distinct toxins spanning
eight different protein families packed in the venom that the scorpion injects.
Fig: Graphical abstract: Integrated in vitro and in vivo workflow for the biochemical, proteomic, and
pharmacological characterization of Heterometrus bengalensis venom
Spectrometry and biochemical analyses identified the 25 key toxins from 8 protein families in HBV. The
researchers carried out pharmacological effects in Swiss albino mice and found that the chemicals lead to
systemic toxicity, increased liver enzymes, organ damage, and a pronounced proinflammatory response.
Once the venom entered the mice's systems triggered a systemic toxic storm. Liver enzyme levels
skyrocketed, signalling hepatic distress. Organs showed signs of damage, and most telling of all, the immune
system went into overdrive—mounting a proinflammatory response that hinted at potential shock or severe
allergic reactions in real-world stings.
This study, published in the International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, addresses a significantdeficiency in scorpion research by examining a lesser-known species and establishes a basis for future
investigations into venom and its management.
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NKR/PSM/AV
(Release ID: 2152479)