Insulin-like effects of Bauhinia forficata aqueous extract upon Tityus serrulatus scorpion envenoming.

Scorpion envenoming causes an intense autonomic discharge, leading to a massive release of neurotransmitters, giving rise to several pathophysiological effects. In this work we report the effects of a Bauhinia forficata aqueous extract (BfAE) upon hyperglycemia, glycogenolysis, increase of plasma catecholamines, lethality and changes in serum insulin and plasma electrolytes induced by Tityus serrulatus scorpion venom (TSV). We compare them with the effects of the regular insulin therapy. The following treatments were performed: TSV (500 microg/kg, i.p.); BfAE (1g/kg, p.o.), 24, 12 and 1 h before and immediately after TSV or saline and insulin in a single dose (1.5 IU/kg, s.c.) after TSV. BfAE reduces the fast hyperglycemia induced by TSV, but it is deprived of hypoglycemic activity. The extract also did not reduce either the intense glycogenolysis or the release of catecholamines and did not stimulate the release of endogenous insulin, although causing changes in the electrolyte plasma levels similarly to insulin. Although BfAE and insulin antagonize some effects of TSV, they should be avoided in the treatment of Tityus serrulatus envenoming, since they enhance the lethality of the venom.