Vampire bat venom could be the next miracle drug for hypertension and stroke after an international team of scientists led by Bryan Fry of Queensland University, Australia, discovered how bats can prevent blood clots.

Researchers identified three new types of anticoagulants and two new compounds that can help open up arteries to improve blood circulation. The compounds were discovered in a common vampire bat's venom. The vampire bat was from Central and South America.

According to Professor Fry, the discovery of the compounds is a scientific breakthrough as they show promising results for a future drug.

Researchers found the venom to possess many characteristics that could block blood clotting. They see potential in the venom as a blood thinner.

Professor Fry said he and the rest of the team were surprised to find many complexities in the venom. The vampire bat venom had one class of anti-platelet compounds with 50 versions. Such variety and diversity makes the vampire bat venom efficient. The vampire bat's prey will more than likely develop antibodies for 50 different versions if bitten repeatedly.

The results of the research are published in the Journal of Proteomics. Other novel compounds have also been identified but not yet completely understood. Professor Fry says it is always a good thing to preserve every discovery since no one can predict the coming of the next wonder drug. Drugs that can cure serious illnesses can come from unlikely creatures like the vampire bat.

Synthetic versions of the compounds found in vampire bat venom can be developed for further study and hopefully mass production. Professor Fry says some compounds may last long while some are more effective coagulants.

Although there are three types of vampire bats in existence, researchers focused on the common vampire bat because it is more evolved than its cousins.