Evaluation of the Antimicrobial Activity of the Decoction ofTropidurus hispidus(Spix, 1825) andTropidurus semitaeniatus(Spix, 1825) Used by the Traditional Medicine

Abstract

Tropidurus hispidus and Tropidurus semitaeniatus are two lizard species utilized in traditional medicine in Northeast Brazil. Their medicinal use includes diseases related with bacterial infections such as tonsillitis and pharyngitis. They are used in the form of teas (decoctions) for the treatment of illnesses. In this work, we evaluated the antimicrobial activity of the decoctions of T. hispidus (DTH) and T. semitaeniatus (DTS) against bacterial strains, namely, standard and multiresistant Escherichia coli, Staphylococus aureus, and Pseudomonas aureuginosa, alone and in combination with aminoglycoside antibiotics. The decoctions were prepared using the whole body of the dried lizards, and the filtrate was frozen and lyophilized. When tested alone, the samples did not demonstrate any substantial inhibition of bacterial growth. However, in combination with antibiotics as aminoglycosides, decoctions reduced the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the assayed antibiotics against multiresistant strains of S. aureus and P. aureuginosa. Chemical prospecting tests revealed the presence of alkaloids in DTS. This is the first study evaluating the medicinal efficacy of T. hispidus and T. semitaeniatus and contributes to the list of new sources of medicines from natural products of animal origin.

Topical Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Oil fromTropidurus hispidus(Spix, 1825)

“…Tropidurus hispidus can be, in a certain context, considered a substitute species in relation to those threatened, since their existence does not run the risk of extinction and its use in traditional medicine is relatively low. As observed in this study, such species shows significant topical anti-inflammatory activity, and Santos et al [ 14 ] have described its biological activity in combination with aminoglycosides against bacterial strains, thereby making it an alternative in management as a substitute species for those that show the same therapeutic indications and that are threatened.…”

“…Santos et al [ 14 ] performed tests to evaluate microbiological activity of extracts from T. hispidus and found that, in combination with aminoglycosides, these extracts produced a significant reduction in the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the antibiotics, demonstrating the presence of bioactive substances in this species of lizard. In the present work, we showed pharmacological activity of oil from T. hispidus (OTH) against experimental topical inflammation.…”

“…Tropidurus hispidus is one of the species of lizards utilized in Brazilian popular medicine [ 12 ] in the treatment of warts [ 13 ], sore throat, tonsillitis, and pharyngitis [ 12 ]. Santos et al [ 14 ] determined the biological activity of extracts of the skin and decoctions and found that T. hispidus showed antibacterial activity when combined with aminoglycosides. Additionally, prospecting studies revealed the presence of alkaloids [ 14 ].…”

“…Santos et al [ 14 ] determined the biological activity of extracts of the skin and decoctions and found that T. hispidus showed antibacterial activity when combined with aminoglycosides. Additionally, prospecting studies revealed the presence of alkaloids [ 14 ]. On the other hand, besides being used against illnesses of bacterial origin, these lizards are also used in treatment of diseases of inflammatory character [ 12 ], although studies analyzing their efficacy have not yet been done.…”

Anti-asthma potential of dried Draco Spilopterus Wieg. 1834 (Philippine Flying Dragon) using mesenteric mast cell count by atopic allergy method

“…Chemical analysis on the secondary metabolites D. spilopterus has never been conducted however, based on literature, chemical tests was performed on another lizard species, Tropidurus semitaeniatus, utilized in traditional medicine in Northeast Brazil which revealed that it contains alkaloids (Santos et al, 2012). A study also revealed that an alkaloid produced statistically significant protection against Tween 80 -induced degranulation, as also to sensitized mast cells challenged with an antigen (horse serum) (Ghosal et al, 1986).…”