Sea anemone Bartholomea annulata venom inhibits voltage-gated Na channels and activates GABA receptors from mammals.

Toxin production in nematocysts by Cnidaria phylum represents an important source of bioactive compounds. Using electrophysiology and, heterologous expression of mammalian ion channels in the Xenopus oocyte membrane, we identified two main effects produced by the sea anemone Bartholomea annulata venom. Nematocysts isolation and controlled discharge of their content, revealed that venom had potent effects on both voltage-dependent Na (Na) channels and GABA type A channel receptors (GABAR), two essential proteins in central nervous system signaling.