Aqueous leaf extract of Jatropha gossypiifolia L. inhibits enzymatic and biological actions of Bothrops jararaca snake venom
Research article published in PloS one (2014)
Abstract
Snakebites are a serious public health problem due their high morbi-mortality. The main available specific treatment is the antivenom serum therapy, which has some disadvantages, such as poor neutralization of local effects, risk of immunological reactions, high cost and difficult access in some regions. In this context, the search for alternative therapies is relevant. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the antiophidic properties of Jatropha gossypiifolia, a medicinal plant used in folk medicine to treat snakebites. The aqueous leaf extract of the plant was prepared by decoction and phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of sugars, alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, terpenes and/or steroids and proteins. The extract was able to inhibit enzymatic and biologic activities induced by Bothrops jararaca snake venom in vitro and in vivo. The blood incoagulability was efficiently inhibited by the extract by oral route. The hemorrhagic and edematogenic local effects were also inhibited, the former by up to 56% and the latter by 100%, in animals treated with extract by oral and intraperitoneal routes, respectively. The inhibition of myotoxic action of B. jararaca reached almost 100%. According to enzymatic tests performed, it is possible to suggest that the antiophidic activity may be due an inhibitory action upon snake venom metalloproteinases (SVMPs) and/or serine proteinases (SVSPs), including fibrinogenolytic enzymes, clotting factors activators and thrombin like enzymes (SVTLEs), as well upon catalytically inactive phospholipases A2 (Lys49 PLA2). Anti-inflammatory activity, at least partially, could also be related to the inhibition of local effects. Additionally, protein precipitating and antioxidant activities may also be important features contributing to the activity presented. In conclusion, the results demonstrate the potential antiophidic activity of J. gossypiifolia extract, including its significant action upon local effects, suggesting that it may be used as a new source of bioactive molecules against bothropic venom.
Abstract sourced from PubMed (NCBI) for the cited record. See the original publication for the authoritative version.
Резюме
Aqueous leaf extract of Jatropha gossypiifolia L. inhibits enzymatic and biological actions of Bothrops jararaca snake venom.
Почему это важно для гирудотерапии
This study evaluated the antiophidic properties of an aqueous leaf extract of Jatropha gossypiifolia (prepared by decoction) against Bothrops jararaca snake venom, finding inhibition of blood incoagulability (oral route), hemorrhagic effects (up to 56%), edema (100%), and myotoxicity (nearly 100%). Phytochemical analysis identified sugars, alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, terpenes/steroids, and proteins, and enzymatic testing suggested the antiophidic activity may stem from inhibition of snake venom metalloproteinases, serine proteinases (including thrombin-like enzymes), and catalytically inactive phospholipases A2. For ASH's domain, the relevance is very indirect: the study tangentially involves thrombin-like enzymes as one of several venom targets inhibited by a plant extract. No leeches, leech-derived molecules, or hirudotherapy concepts are involved. The study is preclinical (in-vitro and animal models) and concerns snakebite treatment, with no applicability to leech therapy.
Цитирование
Aqueous leaf extract of Jatropha gossypiifolia L. inhibits enzymatic and biological actions of Bothrops jararaca snake venom
Felix-Silva J et al. · PloS one, 2014
Связанный клинический контекст
Узнайте, как это исследование связано с клинической практикой
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