Efeito inibitório do extrato hidroetanólico das raízes da Harpalyce brasiliana no envenenamento local induzido pela peçonha da serpente Bothrops leucurus

Abstract

In northeastern Brazil the Bothrops leucurus is the main causative agent of snakebites. The symptoms of bothropic envenomation are severe pain, edema, hemorrhage, necrosis, amputations and even death. Antivenom serum is not accessible in many regions and present same limitations, requiring alternative therapies. The hydroethanolic extract from the roots of Harpalyce brasiliana has been used for decades as an alternative therapy for snakebites. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of the hydroethanolic extract of H. brasiliana to inhibit the local effects of B. leucurus snake venom. For this, the assays of inhibition of the enzymatic activity of the venom were carried out in vitro. The evaluation of the inhibition of edematogenic, hemorrhagic and myotoxic activity was performed using experimental models in vivo. The results showed in the enzyme inhibition assays that the extract was not able to decrease phospholipases activity, however it was efficient in hyaluronidase and proteolytic inhibition activities of the venom. In all the concentrations used (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg) the extract was able to significantly reduce the percentage of edema formed, slightly higher than the antivenom serum. Similarly, there was a reduction in myeloperoxidase and pro-inflammatory interleukins levels. Finally, the extract also significantly inhibited the parameters of hemorrhagic and myotoxic activities. These data indicate a potential antiophidic activity of H. brasiliana in poisoning by B. leucurus, especially to reduce local poison effects.