Protective Effect of the Plant Extracts of Erythroxylum sp. against Toxic Effects Induced by the Venom of Lachesis muta Snake

Abstract

Snake venoms are composed of a complex mixture of active proteins that induce toxic effects, such as edema, hemorrhage, and death. Lachesis muta has the highest lethality indices in Brazil. In most cases, antivenom fails to neutralize local effects, leading to disabilities in victims. Thus, alternative treatments are under investigation, and plant extracts are promising candidates. The objective of this work was to investigate the ability of crude extracts, fractions, or isolated products of Erythroxylum ovalifolium and Erythroxylum subsessile to neutralize some toxic effects of L. muta venom. All samples were mixed with L. muta venom, then in vivo (hemorrhage and edema) and in vitro (proteolysis, coagulation, and hemolysis) assays were performed. Overall, crude extracts or fractions of Erythroxylum spp. inhibited (20%-100%) toxic effects of the venom, but products achieved an inhibition of 4%-30%. However, when venom was injected into mice before the plant extracts, hemorrhage and edema were not inhibited by the samples. On the other hand, an inhibition of 5%-40% was obtained when extracts or products were given before venom injection. These results indicate that the extracts or products of Erythroxylum spp. could be a promising source of molecules able to treat local toxic effects of envenomation by L. muta venom, aiding in the development of new strategies for antivenom treatment.

Advances in chemistry and bioactivity of the genus Erythroxylum

“…5 ; Table 5 ). Besides, recent studies reported five triterpenes ( 92–96 ) from E. ovalifolium [ 14 ], E. daphnites [ 48 ] or E. macrocalyx [ 49 ]. Interestingly, all the triterpenoids identified in this genus are pentacyclic triterpenes.…”

“… Compounds name Plant source Refs. 108 ombuin E. nummularia [ 44 ] 109 ombuin-3- O -rutinoside E. alaternifolium , E. campestre , E. barbatum , E. argentinum , E. tenue , E. daphnites , E. loefgrenii , E. engleri , E. cuneifolium , E. lucidum , E. pruinosum , E. pulchrum , E. squamatum , E. subracemosum , E. subrotundum , E. vacciniifolium , E. novogranatense [ 59 , 66 – 71 ] 110 ombuin-3- O -rutinoside-5- O -glucoside E. argentinum , E. cuneifolium , E. pulchrum , E. macrocalyx [ 49 , 67 , 70 , 71 ] 111 quercetin E. rimosum , E. lucidum , E. suberosum , E. ovalifolium [ 14 , 46 , 59 ] 112 quercetin-3- O -rutinoside E. argentinum , E. cambodianum , E. alaternifolium , E. engleri , E. loefgrenii , E. leal - costae , E. lucidum , E. pruinosum ...…”

“…To date, no comprehensive summary on chemical compositions found in Erythroxylum species and their bioactivities has been reported, though Oliveira et al [ 6 ] presented an excellent review focusing on structures of TAs isolated from this genus in 2010 and Dr. John D'Auria’ s group discussed application potentials of Erythroxylum species worldwide in mental health, nutrition, agriculture, and commercialization based on studies on representative compounds discovered in this genus [ 7 ]. Attracted by the diverse biological activity of compounds found in Erythroxylum , which included anaesthetic [ 8 ], antioxidative [ 9 , 10 ], anti-inflammatory [ 9 ], cytotoxic [ 11 ], anticancer [ 12 ], and insecticidal activities [ 13 ], as well as neutralization of snake venom [ 14 ], we therefore aimed to provide a comprehensive review of all compounds reported in Erythroxylum species from 1960 to 2021 and an update of alkaloids isolated after 2010 here, which is supposed to be essential for further effective development and utilization of plant resources in the genus in the future. Additionally, we also presented an overview of the biological activities of representative phytochemicals and crude extracts at the end of the review, providing medicinal and commercial application prospects of Erythroxylum species.…”

Erythroxylum in Focus: An Interdisciplinary Review of an Overlooked Genus

“…Along with other species in the genus, E. ovalifolium can produce tropane alkaloids. Medicinal triterpenoids, such as friedelin ( 6 ) and lupeol ( 7 ) Figure 4, and a host of flavonoids have also been detected in E. ovalifolium extracts [61].…”

“…The triterpenoids friedelin ( 6 ) and lupeol ( 7 ) isolated and described in E. ovalifolium extracts [61]. …”