Neutralization of pharmacological and toxic activities of Bothrops jararacussu snake venom and isolated myotoxins by Serjania erecta methanolic extract and its fractions

Fernandes RS (1), Costa TR (1), Marcussi S (3), Bernardes CP (1), Menaldo DL (1), Rodriguéz Gonzaléz II (1), Pereira PS (2), Soares AM (1)

(1) Department of Clinical, Toxicological and Bromatological Analysis, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, USP, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo State, Brazil; (2) Biotechnology Unit, University of Ribeirão Preto, UNAERP, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo State, Brazil; (3) Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Lavras, UFLA, Lavras, Minas Gerais State, Brazil.

Abstract: Most of the snakebites recorded in Brazil are caused by the Bothrops genus. Given that the local tissue damage caused by this genus cannot be treated by antivenom therapy, numerous studies are focusing on supplementary alternatives, such as the use of medicinal plants. Serjania erecta has already demonstrated anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and healing properties. In the current study, the aerial parts of S. erecta were extracted with methanol, then submitted to chromatographic fractionation on a Sephadex LH20 column and eluted with methanol, which resulted in four main fractions. The crude extract and fractions neutralized the toxic activities of Bothrops jararacussu snake venom and isolated myotoxins (BthTX-I and II). Results showed that phospholipase A2, fibrinogenolytic, myotoxic and hemorrhagic activities were inhibited by the extract. Moreover, the myotoxic and edematous activities induced by BthTX-I, and phospholipase A2 activity induced by BthTX-II, were inhibited by the extract of S. erecta and its fraction. The clotting time on bovine plasma was significantly prolonged by the inhibitory action of fractions SF3 and SF4. This extract is a promising source of natural inhibitors, such as flavonoids and tannins, which act by forming complexes with metal ions and proteins, inhibiting the action of serineproteases, metalloproteases and phospholipases A2.  

Key words: medicinal plants, antiophidian properties, Serjania erecta, Bothrops jararacussu snake venom, myotoxins.

Acknowledgements

The authors are grateful for the financial support provided by the Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel (CAPES), the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq) and the State of São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP); and for the technical assistance of all students and technicians (Fernanda Romano Suzano and Sarazate I. V. Pereira) who collaborated in this work. The authors also thank the University of Ribeirão Preto.

COPYRIGHT

© CEVAP 2011

SUBMISSION STATUS

Received: October 29, 2010.

Accepted: January 25, 2011.

Abstract published online: January 26, 2011.

Full paper published online: February 28, 2011.

CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

There is no conflict.

FINANCIAL SOURCE

The Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel (CAPES), the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq) and the State of São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP) provided the financial grants.

ETHICS COMMITTEE APPROVAL

The present study was approved by the Institutional Ethics Committee of the University of São Paulo (protocol number 07.1.202.53.1)

CORRESPONDENCE TO

RENATA S. FERNANDES, Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Toxicológicas e Bromatológicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brasil. Phone: +55 16 3602 4714. Email: renatarsf@usp.br.