Estudo da capacidade neutralizante do extrato hidroalcoólico de sementes de Stryphnodendron fissuratum Mart. (Leguminosa Mimosoideae) sobre a toxicidade da peçonha de Bothrops leucurus

Abstract

Accidents involving venomous snakes represent a significant public health issue, with approximately 2.5 million cases reported annually worldwide. The conventional treatment for such accidents is the administration of antivenom serum, which effectively neutralizes tissue damage but can cause significant side effects. In search of alternatives, studies have investigated the potential of plants with antivenom properties, often used by rural workers, as a complementary or alternative option to conventional treatment. Among the studied plants, species of the genus Stryphnodendron have stood out, especially Stryphnodendron fissuratum, found exclusively in Brazil. However, phytochemical information and knowledge about its biological properties are scarce. In this context, this study evaluated the extract of S. fissuratum seeds, investigating its chemical composition, potential phytotoxic effects on seedlings, and its ability to neutralize the enzymatic activities of the venom of the snake Bothrops leucurus, one of the most common in Brazil. For the experiment, S. fissuratum seeds were dried, ground, and subjected to an extraction process using an ethanol/water solution. Subsequently, this extract was tested on lettuce seedlings (Lactuca sativa), which were exposed to B. leucurus venom to assess phytotoxic and neutralization effects. The results showed that venom treatment did not affect seed germination but significantly reduced seedling growth. The S. fissuratum extract, in turn, reduced the enzymatic activities of the venom, including total proteases, trypsin, chymotrypsin, and phospholipases. In summary, the study demonstrated that the extract of S. fissuratum seeds has antivenom potential, capable of reducing the toxicity of B. leucurus venom in lettuce seedlings. Additionally, the presence of bioactive compounds in the extract was identified, which could be explored in the development of new therapies against venomous snake accidents.