When we hear the word “venom,” the first thought that strikes most of us is snakes. However, the truth is far more fascinating — the world’s most expensive venom actually comes from a small scorpion, not a snake. These rare toxins are highly valued because they are not only dangerous but also used in life-saving medicines and antivenoms.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 5.5 million people suffer snakebites every year, and thousands lose their lives. The treatment of these bites depends on antidotes prepared using venom itself, which makes it one of the most expensive substances on Earth. Let’s take a look at the five costliest venoms in the world.
1. Desert Death Adder — $3,000 per Gram
Found in Australia, the Desert Death Adder is known for its striking red and yellow appearance.
- Price: Around $3,000 per gram (~₹2.5 lakh).
- Use: Mainly used in medical research and in the preparation of antivenom drugs.
2. Brown Snake — $4,000 per Gram
The brown snake is among the most dangerous reptiles on Earth.
- Price: Nearly $4,000 per gram (~₹3.3 lakh).
- Use: Widely used in the production of antivenom, which saves countless lives each year.
3. Coral Snake — $4,000 per Gram
This brightly colored snake produces venom with unique properties.
- Price: Around $4,000 per gram.
- Specialty: Rich in antibacterial and antiviral compounds, making it valuable for pharmaceutical research.
4. King Cobra — ₹70–90 Lakh per Milliliter
Often thought to have the costliest venom, the King Cobra is actually ranked second.
- Price: One milliliter can cost between ₹70–90 lakh.
- Strength: A single bite is strong enough to kill an elephant.
- Medical Value: Contains Ohanin, a protein under study for developing chronic pain treatments.
5. Deathstalker Scorpion — $39 Million per Gallon
The crown for the world’s most expensive venom goes to the tiny but deadly Deathstalker scorpion.
- Price: Up to $39 million per gallon (~₹3.9 crore).
- Quantity: Each scorpion produces only about 2 mg of venom at a time, making extraction highly difficult and costly.
- Medical Benefits: Used in research for cancer, malaria, autoimmune disorders like multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis, and even in arthritis treatments.
Why Are These Venoms So Valuable?
These venoms are difficult to extract, produced only in micro-quantities, and yet possess immense medicinal potential. From developing life-saving antivenoms to exploring treatments for cancer, arthritis, and chronic pain, venom has become one of the most valuable natural resources in medical science.
Final Takeaway
While many people assume the King Cobra’s venom tops the list, the reality is different — the Deathstalker scorpion produces the most expensive venom in the world, valued in crores. Its rarity, difficulty of extraction, and life-saving applications make it more precious than gold.