The widow spider Latrodectus tredecimguttatus: source of the remedy Tarentula hispanica?

Abstract

The European wolf spider, Lycosa tarentula, said to have caused the historical phenomenon of ‘tarantism’, is the official medicinal source of the homeopathic remedy Tarentula hispanica. Yet, scientific evidence links the spider's venomous effects with mild necrotic and minor systemic effects that contrast with the proving symptoms of Tarentula hispanica which show a cerebral and neural component. A comparative investigation by use of toxicological, clinical findings, supported by modern and antique biological texts, as well as homeopathic materia medica, traces the source of the remedy Tarentula hispanica to the Mediterranean widow spider Latrodectus tredecimguttatus, thus warranting a re-evaluation of pharmacological preparation.