Effects of Mikania glomerata leaf extract on experimental Bothropoides jararaca envenomation in Wistar rats

ABSTRACT

Background: Bothropic envenomation represents the most common ophidic accident worldwide, compared to other snakebites of medical interest. Bothropic venom has proteolytic, vasculotoxic, clotting and/or hemorrhagic actions in animals and humans. Mikania glomerata is a plant found in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest with interesting medical properties that may be useful in ameliorating the effects of ophidic venom, and thus, improving response and outcome. Although Mikania is known to act through inhibition of cytolysins in the venom, there is a lack of consistent research data. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of M. glomerata in bothropic envenomation treatment. Materials, Methods & Results: Clinical, hematological, biochemical, and histopathological evaluations were performed following Bothropoides jararaca experimental envenomation in three groups of 18 Wistar rats each. Group VS was inoculated in the pelvic limb via intramuscular injection of bothropic venom and received specific anti-venom serum via intraperitoneal injection. Group VSM was similarly inoculated; it received anti-venom serum and a 10% aqueous extract of the Mikania glomerata plant orally. Group C was the control group and received saline solution alone. Evaluations were performed at 0.5 h (M1), 6 h (M2), and 24 h (M3) after venom inoculation. Animals from both inoculated groups (VS and VSM) showed significant clinical alterations (P < 0.05) manifested as discomfort, uneasiness, pain, and severe edema compared to control animals. Animals from inoculated groups also exhibited statistically significant leukocytosis with neutrophilia, and elevation of blood urea nitrogen and creatine kinase until 6 h after inoculation (P < 0.05 compared to control animals). An acute drop in body temperature was observed 6 h after inoculation (P < 0.05). [...]