A Detailed Guide to Scorpion Venom Collection and Processing Methods

I. Scorpion Venom Collection

@#@257@#@When provoked, out of its instinct for defense or attack, it will release venom from its venom sac. Scorpion venom collection is carried out based on this principle. The commonly used methods for collecting scorpion venom include the tail-cutting method, the artificial stimulation method, and the electrical stimulation method.

(1) Tail-cutting method: With one hand, use tweezers to grip both sides of the fifth segment of the scorpion's posterior abdomen; with the other hand, use scissors to cut off the scorpion's tail segment. After crushing it, immerse it in physiological saline to extract the toxic portion. Collect the toxic liquid, place it in a container, and then make it into dried venom powder, which is stored at -5°C for later use. With this venom collection method, each scorpion can only have its venom collected once, and after venom collection the scorpion's medicinal function and economic value are reduced. The harm to the scorpion is too great, so this method is generally not used.

(2) Artificial stimulation method: Generally, tweezers are used to grip one of the scorpion's pincers and lift it to hang in a container for a moment. Most scorpions' tail stingers will then release venom, but a few scorpions do not release venom. For those that do not release venom, a thin wooden chopstick can be used to gently tap the scorpion's cephalothorax or anterior abdomen to stimulate the tail stinger to release venom.

(3) Electrical stimulation method: The electrical stimulation method is a method of collecting scorpion venom using an electronic pulse venom extraction device. This method yields a large amount of venom and is highly efficient. One person can operate it, and venom can be collected multiple times throughout the year without harming the scorpions. It is currently a relatively advanced and scientific venom collection method in our country.

1. Equipment and tools: one electronic venom extraction device, one wooden venom collection workbench (a two-drawer office desk can be used instead). On top of the workbench, lay a piece of glass 5 mm thick and similar in size to the workbench area, and place the venom extraction device on the glass. One 60-milliliter beaker, one hair dryer, one spray bottle, one pair of latex gloves, a small amount of talcum powder, one stainless steel needle, and one 20-mesh sieve (the inner wall of the sieve should be lined with wide transparent adhesive tape to make it smooth and prevent scorpions from escaping). Specifications: height 15 cm, length 60 cm, width 50 cm.

2. Venom collection method: Wash the beaker, disinfect it, drain the water, weigh it, and place it on the glass of the workbench. Place a sterilized stainless steel needle inside the beaker. The length of the steel needle should preferably be slightly higher than the rim of the beaker. Place the scorpions prepared for venom collection in the sieve and let them move around for 2 hours, allowing the scorpions to rub off the mud, sand, and attachments on their bodies. Then use a hair dryer to blow away dust and other matter from the scorpions' bodies, and then use a spray bottle to spray a small amount of physiological saline onto the surface of the scorpions' bodies for venom collection. During venom collection, workers should wear clean white work clothes and work hats, rub a small amount of talcum powder on both hands, and then put on latex gloves. Then connect the power supply of the electronic pulse device. Insert the plugs of two animal tweezers connected with wires, and place the foot pedal switch on the ground near the right foot. Pick up the two tweezers with the two hands respectively; use one tweezer to grip both sides of the fifth segment of the scorpion's posterior abdomen, and use the other tweezer to grip the first segment of the scorpion's tail, so that the scorpion's abdomen faces downward and the stinger faces the beaker, and move it close to the inside of the beaker. Press the foot switch to energize for 1-2 seconds, and the scorpion will automatically release venom. Immediately lift the foot to cut off the power. If venom hangs from the tip of the stinger, it should immediately be touched against the steel needle in the beaker to remove the venom hanging from the stinger.