Belonging to the reptile class, the lizards have been known for many medicinal uses. Their healing and preventive capacities have been recorded throughout the world. Although most of them lack scientific studies, their names have grown popular with their distinctive medicinal uses. Used as a cure for many ailments and diseases, the following are the most popular lizards of today – ranging from those who have undergone laboratory studies to types that possess no scientific evidence.
Gila monster (Heloderma suspectum)
The Gila monster is a type of venomous lizard that grows up to 24 inches long. It is found in southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico.
The Gila monsters venom contains the protein named exendin-4 that can regulate blood glucose. In 2005, the drug Exenatide marketed as Byetta was approved by the FDA for type 2 diabetes. Exenatide is the synthetic version of exendin-4 that was obtained from the Gila monster’s saliva.
Beaded lizard (Heloderma horridum)
The beaded lizard is a close relative of Gila monster which is another venomous lizard. It is a native of Mexico and southern Guatemala. The beaded is larger than the Gila monster as the former ranges from 24 to 36 inches.
Like the Gila monster, the saliva of the beaded lizard also contains an enzyme that can control the blood sugar. An endocrinologist, Dr. John Eng named this protein exendin-3. Unfortunately, the study has also revealed that this protein can also dilate the blood vessels.
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