Plant-derived secondary metabolites against Bothrops envenomation: A review

Abstract

Snakebites from the Bothrops genus are a public health issue in Brazil, particularly in the most affected rural areas. Traditional medicinal plants offer potential complementary therapies for mitigating the damages caused by Bothrops envenomation. This review summarizes current research on the antiophidic potential in medicinal plants and its secondary metabolites to neutralize Bothrops venom effects. A comprehensive literature search was conducted to identify studies detailing the biochemical mechanisms and pharmacological effects of plant-based secondary metabolites, including polyphenols, saponins, quinones, sulfated polysaccharides, steroids, coumarins, alkaloids, and coumestans, on venom-induced pathologies. Polyphenols, particularly flavonoids, exhibit significant inhibitory activity against the proteolytic, hemorrhagic, and myotoxic effects of Bothrops venom by binding to active sites of metalloproteinases and phospholipase A₂ (PLA₂) Saponins and quinones demonstrated anti-inflammatory and anti-myotoxic effects through protein precipitation and ion chelation. Sulfated polysaccharides from marine algae showed anticoagulant and anti-edematous properties. Additionally, plant-derived steroids and coumarins inhibited venom-induced coagulation and tissue necrosis. Alkaloids and coumestans, such as wedelolactone, effectively reduced hemorrhagic and neurotoxic damage. Medicinal plants and their secondary metabolites have substantial potential to neutralize the biological responses of bothropic venom. Further research and clinical validation are needed to establish safety, efficacy, and standardized use in snakebite management protocols.

Keywords: Bothrops; Envenomation; Folk medicine; Medicinal plants; Secondary metabolites.