Linear cationic alpha-helical peptide that acts as antimicrobial peptide (PubMed:17981364). Has antibacterial activity against the Gram-positive bacteria S.aureus CCT 6538 (MIC=40 uM), S.saprophyticus (MIC=40 um), B.subtilis CCT 2471 (MIC=40 uM), and B.thuringiensis (MIC=40 uM), and against the Gram-negative bacteria E.coli ATCC 25922 (MIC=80), E.coli CCT 1371 (MIC=160), K.pneumonia ATCC 13883 (MIC=80), and A.faecalis ATCC 8750 (MIC=40) (PubMed:17981364). Has antifungal activity against C.albicans (MIC=40 uM) (PubMed:17981364). At high concentrations exhibits activity in stimulating degranulation from rat peritoneal mast cells (PubMed:17981364). Has very weak hemolytic activity towards human and mouse erythrocytes (PubMed:17981364). In vitro, inhibits the growth of L.major promastigotes (IC(50)=72 uM) (PubMed:17981364). Forms an alpha-helical membrane channel in the prey. Expressed by the venom gland. The natural peptide is not C-terminally amidated. However, amidated synthetic analogs show a much more potent activity in all the biological assays.