Scientists may have discovered a bizarre new way to help treat erectile dysfunction in men.

According to research, a toxin from one of the world's most venomous spiders, could help men perform better in the bedroom.

The Brazilian Wandering Spider, which belongs to the genus Phoneutria, meaning 'murderess' in Greek, has a bite which can prove deadly to humans, especially children.

However experts claim the venom may actually have a very positive use - and it could end up helping millions of people.

A team of scientists from Brazil have created a gel based on the Brazilian Wandering Spider's venom, which they claim could cure erectile dysfunction, reports The Sun.

And they say it might even be "more effective than Viagra" in doing so.

The BZ371 gel was inspired by the priapism the spider's bite causes in men, which is a persistent and painful erection.

Instead of being painful, studies found that a very small amount of the toxin can actually double the blood flow to the penis.

This resulted in guys in the clinical trial achieving an erection in under half an hour - without experiencing any side-effects.

Experts claim the gel works by boosting the levels of nitric oxide in the male body, in turn widening blood vessels, allowing more blood to be pumped to the penis.

And it's not just men that it could help, with scientists suggesting the treatment could also be used to improve women's flagging libidos.

Speaking to the Journal of Sexual Medicine, one of the scientists on the study, Prof Maria Elena de Lima, said: "Without any stimulation, a swelling of the penis lasting about 60 minutes was seen 20 minutes later.

"This result suggests that it is able to induce erection, independently of sexual stimulation."

She added that the gel has the "potential to be a safe and effective option for erectile dysfunction patients."