PARTIAL CHEMICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF THE Musa sp SAP (MUSACEA) AND ITS INTERACTION WITH SNAKE VENOM

Borges, M.H.(1), Grossi, A.C. (1), Raslan, D.S.(2), Piló-Veloso, D. (2), Alves, D.L.F. (3), De Lima, M.E. (1)

(1)Laboratório de Venenos e Toxinas Animais do Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, ICB, UFMG., (2)Departamento de Química ICEx, UFMG, (3)Departamento de Farmacologia ICB, UFMG.

Snake venoms are constituted by complex mix of toxins (enzymes or not) responsible for the main symptoms induced by venoms including hemorrhage, edema, myotoxicity, neurotoxicity and changes in blood coagulation. Many plants are used to treat snakebite and identification of effective substances to neutralize snake venoms is very important. The claim of this study was the partial chemical analysis of the Musa sp sap (MS), a plant from tropical areas and to verify their anti-snake venom action. Phytochemical and spectroscopic (IR and NMR) analysis of the MS showed the presence of sugar, saponins and tannins in high concentration. Thin layer chromatography using cellulose as support was performed with the MS and spots were developed in a presence of ninhidrin. For inhibition assays, venom solutions were mixed with MS at room temperature immediately before the test. MS inhibited 100% PLA₂ activity of Bothrops jararacussu and Crotalus durissus terrificus venoms at 1:1 ratio (venom: MS, w/w). The myotoxic activities of B. jararacussu(50mg) and B. neuwiedi (50mg) were neutralized when the MS was mixed with the venoms in a 1:5 ratio (venom:MS, w/w) prior the injection. MS neutralized about 88% of the hemorrhagic activity induced by B. jararacussu venom. We also observed that MS partially increased the time of plasma coagulation caused by B. jararacussu and C. d. terrificus venoms. Our results show that Musa sp sap was able to neutralize several activities of snake venoms such as PLA₂, myotoxicity, and plasma coagulation. These results suggest that compounds isolated from this extract are able to interact with animal venoms and could be useful tools for the elucidation of the action mechanisms of toxins.

Financial supported by: CAPES, CNPq and FAPEMIG.

CORRESPONDENCE TO:

MARCIA HELENA BORGES, Rua Guarda Custódio, 45, Belo Horizonte, MG, CEP: 31310-140, Brasil, Email: mhborges@mono.icb.ufmg.br