Inhibition of the principal enzymatic and biological effects of the crude venom of Bothrops atrox by plant extracts

Abstract

This study analyzes the effectiveness of extracts from five plant species used for treating venomous snakebites in the region of Santarém, in central Brazilian Amazonia. The aqueous extracts of Bellucia dichotoma Cogn., Connarus favosus Planch., Aniba fragrans Ducke, Plathymenia reticulata Benth., and Philodendron megalophyllum Schott were prepared by decoction at 70°C and lyophilized. Inhibition of the enzymatic activity and biological effects of the crude venom of Bothrops atrox was tested by preincubating different concentrations (1:1 to 1:30 venom:extract, w/w) for 30 min at 37°C. These results confirm traditional local knowledge on the anti-toxin powers of the native plants of the Amazon basin and the potential of these extracts as toxin inhibitors and as an alternative or complement for the standard treatment of snakebite based on the application of antisera.

Exploring the Protective Effects of Bellucia dichotoma Cong. Aqueous Extract on Spleens Following Bothrops atrox Envenomation in Mice: A Stereological Investigation

“…In our study, the AeBd and AeBd/ABS treatments were effective in preserving splenic components. A possible explanation lies in the ability of the aqueous extract of the bark of B. dichotoma to block the activity of phospholipases A2 or PLA2 [10] and metalloproteinases Zn ++ /dependent [12]. The blocking action of the extract are believed to be related to the presence of polyphenolic compounds and tannins that precipitate the venom proteins and form a complex with Zn ++ and Ca ++ , which inhibits the enzymatic activity [12,10].…”

“…The population uses the bark to prepare a tea before entering the forest, as a preventive measure and it is also given to victims after snakebite. The main classes of substances found in the aqueous extract of B. dichotoma bark are fatty acids, flavonoids, terpenes, hydrolyzable and condensed tannins [10]. This extract has already been shown to be effective in inhibiting the hemorrhagic, phospholipasic, edematogenic and coagulant effects in rats after envenomation by Bothrops jararaca and B. atrox snakes [11,10].…”

“…The main classes of substances found in the aqueous extract of B. dichotoma bark are fatty acids, flavonoids, terpenes, hydrolyzable and condensed tannins [10]. This extract has already been shown to be effective in inhibiting the hemorrhagic, phospholipasic, edematogenic and coagulant effects in rats after envenomation by Bothrops jararaca and B. atrox snakes [11,10]. In mice, the aqueous extract of B. dichotoma, given orally as traditionally used, significantly reduced paw edema in the first 30 minutes after B. atrox envenomation and its full anti-edematogenic action was observed after 6 hours of treatment [12].…”