Ethnobotanic study of Randia aculeata (Rubiaceae) in Jamapa, Veracruz, Mexico, and its anti-snake venom effects on mouse tissue

Gallardo-Casas CA (1, 2), Guevara-Balcázar G (1), Morales-Ramos E (2), Tadeo-Jiménez Y (2), Gutiérrez-Flores O (2), Jiménez-Sánchez N (2), Valadez-Omaña MT (2), Valenzuela-Vargas MT (3), Castillo-Hernández MC (1)

(1) Section of Graduate Studies and Research, Higher School of Medicine, National Polytechnic Institute, Mexico City, Mexico; (2) Department of Research and Biology, Center of Scientific and Technological Studies 6 "Miguel Othón de Mendizábal", National Polytechnic Institute, Mexico City, Mexico; (3) Department of Morphology, National School of Biological Sciences, National Polytechnic Institute, Mexico City, Mexico.

Abstract: In Mexico, medicinal plants are widely used. The use of Randia aculeata by healers against snakebites has never been scientifically tested in relation to possible effects on blood parameters and muscle tissue damage. Interviews were carried out in Jamapa, Veracruz, Mexico, with local residents to collect information about the traditional use of Randia aculeata. In this locality, seven pieces of fruit from the plant are mixed in a liter of alcohol, and then administered orally against snakebites. By using histological techniques and a murine model, we explored its cytoprotective properties against the effects of Crotalus simus andBothrops asper venoms. Possible protections provided by the plant against tissue damage to skeletal and cardiac muscles and against the typical loss of red blood cells were analyzed. Randia aculeata caused an increase in microhematocrit and total hemoglobin, parameters that are often decremented in association with the loss of red blood cells, which is a characteristic effect of animal venom. Randia aculeata was also shown to protect against the lowering of platelet levels caused by Bothrops asper venom. Finally, Randia aculeata produced a partial inhibition of necrosis following administration of snake venom in skeletal and myocardial muscles. The present results provide solid evidence for the traditional use of Randia aculeata against snakebites, as demonstrated by protection against muscular tissue damage and the diminution of red blood cells.

Key words: Rubiaceae, antivenoms, Bothrops, Crotalus, cytoprotection.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

This study was partially supported by SIP-IPN 20110360, EDI, COFFA and CONACyT. Thanks to Abigail Aguilar-Contreras for identifying the plant and to geographer Carmen Alejandra Jimenez-Sanchez for making the location map. We also thank Carlos Castillo Henkel, PhD.

COPYRIGHT

© CEVAP 2012

SUBMISSION STATUS

Received: March 15, 2012.

Accepted: May 30, 2012.

Abstract published online: June 4, 2012.

Full paper published online: August 31, 2012.

CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

FINANCIAL SOURCE

EDI, COFFA and CONACyT provided the financial grants.

ETHICS COMMITTEE APPROVAL

The present study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Escuela Superior de Medicina-IPN. All experimental procedures described in the present study are in accordance with the guidelines established by the Secretary of Health in the Seventh Title of the Regulations of the General Law of Health Regarding Health Research and the Mexican Official Standard NOM-062-ZOO-1999, which stipulates technical specifications for production, care, and use of laboratory animals.

CORRESPONDENCE TO

María del Carmen Castillo-Hernández, Sección de Estudios de Posgrado e Investigación, Escuela Superior de Medicina, I.P.N., Plan de San Luis y Díaz Mirón, Col. Casco de Sto. Tomás México D.F., 11340, México. Phone: 525 729 6300 62827. Email: castillohernandezmc@gmail.com.