Antimicrobial activities of the identified compounds were reported against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites, that possibly explain centipede's survival in harsh and polluted environments.

[6][7] The venom of the Chinese red-headed centipede contains a small peptide toxin called RhTx, which increases activation of the TRPV1 ion channel, causing a localized burning pain.

[6] In January 2018, Chinese scientists found an antidote to the painful venom of centipede in the drug retigabine, used to treat epilepsy.

[7] Venoms of S. mutilans contain a diverse range of neurotoxins, including 26 neurotoxin-like peptides that belong to 10 different groups.

Most of the 26 identified neurotoxin-like peptides have a different molecular structure compared to the neurotoxins found in spiders, snakes, scorpions, marine cone snails, and sea anemones.

[6] The functional mechanism of these peptides are similar to the neurotoxins of the mention venomous animals, yet their primary structures remain unique.

[17] This species mainly feeds on live animals; plant materials are occasionally consumed but its consumption is considered negligible.

Returning to their normal attack rate after venom extraction takes more time when facing larger prey.

[19] Research on these behaviours has suggested that the reason for centipedes to reposition their prey is to enhance the speed where neurotoxins in the venom arrive at the thoracic ganglia, where it controls limb movement or the brain.

Apart from establishing a warning position and stabbing for defence, the ultimate legs are also used for grasping during mating, and acting as a hook to hang themselves.

The centipedes are used whole to treat various medical issues, including joint problems (which is its major use), alopecia areata, stroke, convulsions, lymphangitis, lumps or masses, neoplasm, poisonous tumours, carbuncles, and snake bites.

The study also suggested both centipede species can be used in relatively large doses, as they were both low in acute and genetic toxicities.

Through proteomics, researchers had found that the venoms of S. monjiangica and S. mutilans are different in the number of overlapping sequences and precursors for proteins and peptides.

[30] Arthropod medicines were found to have a high level of antitumour effect in modern studies, and centipede is one of the major constituents of such medication.

The mechanism by which the centipede extract alleviates liver cancer is related to the regulation of PI3/AKT, STA3, and MAPK signalling pathways.

[31] Water extracts from the dried whole body of this species were reported to have antitumour properties, and would lead to enhanced immune responses.

SPPC is a polysaccharide-protein complex that can be extracted from the centipede by pouring hot water over the powdered, dried body of the organism.

Both scolopin 1 and 2 were reported to show intense antimicrobial activities, which includes both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and fungi.

[36] A study by Kim et al. investigated the nutritional value of S. mutilans hoping to extend the application of this species from traditional medicine only.