Aqueous leaf extract of Jatropha gossypiifolia L. (Euphorbiaceae) inhibits enzymatic and biological actions of Bothrops jararaca snake venom.

Snakebites are a serious public health problem due their high morbi-mortality. The main available specific treatment is the antivenom serum therapy, which has some disadvantages, such as poor neutralization of local effects, risk of immunological reactions, high cost and difficult access in some regions. In this context, the search for alternative therapies is relevant. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the antiophidic properties of Jatropha gossypiifolia, a medicinal plant used in folk medicine to treat snakebites. The aqueous leaf extract of the plant was prepared by decoction and phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of sugars, alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, terpenes and/or steroids and proteins. The extract was able to inhibit enzymatic and biologic activities induced by Bothrops jararaca snake venom in vitro and in vivo. The blood incoagulability was efficiently inhibited by the extract by oral route. The hemorrhagic and edematogenic local effects were also inhibited, the former by up to 56% and the latter by 100%, in animals treated with extract by oral and intraperitoneal routes, respectively. The inhibition of myotoxic action of B. jararaca reached almost 100%. According to enzymatic tests performed, it is possible to suggest that the antiophidic activity may be due an inhibitory action upon snake venom metalloproteinases (SVMPs) and/or serine proteinases (SVSPs), including fibrinogenolytic enzymes, clotting factors activators and thrombin like enzymes (SVTLEs), as well upon catalytically inactive phospholipases A2 (Lys49 PLA2). Anti-inflammatory activity, at least partially, could also be related to the inhibition of local effects. Additionally, protein precipitating and antioxidant activities may also be important features contributing to the activity presented. In conclusion, the results demonstrate the potential antiophidic activity of J. gossypiifolia extract, including its significant action upon local effects, suggesting that it may be used as a new source of bioactive molecules against bothropic venom.

Introduction

Snakebites are a serious public health problem in many regions around the world, particularly in tropical and subtropical countries [1], [2]. The high morbi-mortality rate still has a great impact on the population and on health-care systems, especially in Africa, Asia, Oceania and Latin America and, unfortunately, public health authorities have given little attention to this problem [1]. Thus, snake envenomation is included in the 2009 World Health Organization (WHO) list of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) [3]. Conservative estimates indicate that, worldwide, there are more than 5 million snakebites, leading to 25,000–125,000 deaths [2], [3]. In Brazil, data from Ministry of Health shows that there are more than 25,000 snakebites per year [4].

More than 90% of the snakebites reported every year in Latin America are caused by Bothrops species [5]. In Brazil, the major representatives of the genus are Bothrops jararaca, Bothrops alternatus, Bothrops atrox, Bothrops erythromelas, Bothrops jararacussu and Bothrops moojeni [4]. Despite the existence of evident intraspecific and interspecific variations in the composition and biological activities of their venoms, bothropic venom can induce a qualitatively similar pathophysiological picture, characterized by immediate and prominent local tissue damage (including myonecrosis, hemorrhage and edema), cardiovascular alterations (especially hemorrhage and hypovolemic shock), coagulation disorders (most frequently blood incoagulability) and renal alterations (which could evolve into acute kidney injury) [5]. The snake envenoming is a complex pathophysiological process involving the simultaneous action of different types of toxins, such as snake venom serine proteinases (SVSPs), snake venom metalloproteinases (SVMPs), hyaluronidases and phospholipases A2 (PLA2) [5], [6].

Currently, the only available specific treatment is the antivenom serum therapy, which consists of a pool of neutralizing antibodies taken from serum of animals hyperimmunized against toxins of snake venoms. Its effectiveness consists of its ability to provide to the patient antibodies with a high affinity to snake venom, aiming to eliminate the toxins responsible for toxicity of the envenoming [7]. However, the antivenom has some disadvantages, such as limited effectiveness against local effects, risk of immunological reactions (including “serum sickness”), high cost and difficult access in some regions [5], [7]. If antivenom administration is initiated rapidly after envenomation, neutralization of systemic effects is usually achieved successfully. However, neutralization of local tissue damage is more difficult. This poor effectiveness against local effects, as well the increased time between accident and treatment are related to the temporary or permanent disability observed in many victims. It is estimated that 400,000 people are left with permanent disabilities after snakebites [3], [5].

In this context, the search for new complementary therapies to treat snakebites is relevant and medicinal plants could be highlighted as a rich source of natural inhibitors and pharmacologically active compounds [8], [9]. There are several reports of the popular use of medicinal plants against snake bites around the world, especially in tropical and subtropical regions such as Asia, Africa and South America [10], [11]. The main advantages of antiophidic plants are their low cost, easy access, stability at room temperature and ability to neutralize a broad spectrum of toxins, including the local tissue damage [9], [11].

Jatropha gossypiifolia L. (Euphorbiaceae) () is a medicinal plant popularly known in Brazil as “pinhão-roxo” or worldwide as “bellyache-bush”. It is largely used in folk medicine for various purposes, namely its uses as antiophidic, anti-inflammatory, anti-hemorrhagic, hemostatic and healing, among others [12]–[14]. Additionally, this species is included in the National List of Medicinal Plants of Interest to Brazilian Public Health System (RENISUS), which is a report published by the Brazilian Health Ministry that includes 71 species of medicinal plants that have the potential to generate pharmaceutical products of interest in the Brazilian public health system [15].

However, despite the widespread popular use of J. gossypiifolia as an antidote for snakebites, to best of our knowledge, no study has been found in the literature evaluating its antiophidic properties. Therefore, this study was carried out aiming to evaluate the antiophidic properties of the aqueous leaf extract of J. gossypiifolia against the enzymatic and biological activities induced by B. jararaca snake venom, and thus to evaluate the potentiality of the plant to obtain new natural alternatives for snakebite treatment. An aqueous extract was selected for this study and oral route in vivo was tested with the intention to simulate the most popular use of the plant, which is as a tea. Additionally, particular emphasis is given to inhibition of local effects of the venom.

Materials and Methods

Chemicals and reagents

Luteolin, orientin, isoorientin, vitexin, isovitexin, D-glicose, gallic acid, bovine serum albumin, 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazoliumbromide (MTT), azocasein, bovine fibrinogen, hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide and o-dianisidine were purchased from Sigma-Aldrich (St. Louis, MO, USA). All reagents of sodium dodecilsuphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) were purchased from GE Healthcare (Piscataway, NJ, USA). All reagents used for cell culture procedures were purchased from Cultilab (Campinas, SP, Brazil). All other reagents and solvents used were of analytical grade. The water used was purified by reverse osmosis.

Plant material

Leaves of Jatropha gossypiifolia L. (Euphorbiaceae) were collected in Rio Grande do Norte State, Brazil, at coordinates 36.80°W 5.27°S, in April 2012. The botanical identification of the material was performed by Msc. Alan de Araújo Roque and a voucher specimen was deposited at the Herbarium from the Centro de Biociências da Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil (UFRN 12561). The leaves were dried at room temperature, triturated and stored in hermetically sealed bottles away from light and humidity until use for extract preparation. The collection of the plant material was conducted under authorization of Brazilian Authorization and Biodiversity Information System (SISBIO) (process number 35017) and Brazilian Access Authorization and Dispatch Component of Genetic Patrimony (CGEN) (Process 010844/2013-9).

Preparation of pool of plasma and red blood cell (RBC) suspension

After written informed consent had been obtained, blood from healthy adult volunteers who were free from medication for at least two weeks and fasted for 8 h was taken by venipuncture and collected into 0.105 M sodium citrate (9∶1 v/v, blood: citrate) or K3EDTA (1,5 mg EDTA: 1 mL blood) tubes (BD Vacutainer, Franklin Lakes, NJ, USA). A pool of plasma was prepared from the supernatants obtained after centrifugation at 800 g for 10 min at room temperature of the citrated blood and stored at −20°C until use. The plasma was used up to two weeks after being obtained.

For red blood cell (RBC) suspension preparation, blood collected with EDTA was centrifuged at 560 g for 10 min at room temperature and the red blood cell pellet was subsequently rinsed three times with phosphate buffer saline (PBS). A 20% (v/v) RBC suspension was obtained by dilution with PBS. The RBC was used immediately after preparation.

The procedures for human blood collection were approved by the Ethics Committee in Human Research from Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte (protocol no. 092/09).

Snake venom

The lyophilized B. jararaca snake venom was commercially purchased from Sigma-Aldrich (St. Louis, MO, USA) (product number V5625). The scientific use of the material was approved by the Brazilian Access Authorization and Dispatch Component of Genetic Patrimony (CGEN) (Process 010844/2013-9). The venom was weighed and dissolved in PBS.

Animals

Swiss albino mice (30–35 g, 6–8 weeks-old) maintained under standard environmental conditions and fed with food and water ad libitum were used. All the procedures requiring animals were performed in agreement with the recommendations of the National Council for the Control of Animal Experimentation of Brazil (CONCEA) and the International Guiding Principles for Biomedical Research Involving Animals of the Council of International Organizations of Medical Sciences (CIOMS). The experimental protocols were approved by the Ethics Committee on Animal Use from Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte (protocol no. 004/2013). On the day of the experiment, the animals were placed in the experimental room for at least one hour prior to tests for acclimation. The animals who received oral (p.o.) administration of extract were food fasted (only water ad libitum) 18 h prior to experiment. At the end of the experiments, the animals were euthanized by sodium thiopental overdose by intraperitoneal (i.p.) route.

Aqueous leaf extract of J. gossypiifolia preparation

Dried leaves were submitted to decoction (10% w/v, plant: water) for 15 min at a temperature of around 100°C to obtain the aqueous leaf extract of J. gossypiifolia (yield: 13.57% relative to dry plant). The aqueous extract obtained after vacuum filtration was freeze-dried and dissolved in PBS at adequate concentrations for the biological assays.

Phytochemical analysis of J. gossypiifolia aqueous leaf extract

For phytochemical analysis, the extract was fractionated by liquid-liquid partition with solvents of increasing polarity in order to obtain the dichloromethane (CH2Cl2), ethyl acetate (AcOEt), n-butanol (BuOH) and residual aqueous (RA) fractions. Then, the crude extract and fractions were analyzed by thin layer chromatography (TLC) using aluminum pre-coated sheets with silica gel F254 (Merck, Darmstadt, Germany) as adsorbent. Three different mobile phases were employed: (1) ethyl acetate: formic acid: water (8∶1∶1 v/v/v), (2) toluene: ethyl acetate: formic acid (5∶5∶0.5 v/v/v) and (3) n-butanol: acetic acid: water (3∶1∶1 v/v/v). The chromatograms were analyzed under 254 and 365 nm UV light and then sprayed with specific chromogenic agents according to the class of compounds investigated (sulfuric vanillin + heating, natural reagent A, ferric chloride, Dragendorff reagent and ninhindrin + heating). The retention factors (Rf), color and behavior of the spots were compared with chromatographic profiles of reference substances in the literature [16]. Standard samples of flavonoids were employed for co-TLC analysis.

Additionally, the total content of sugar, phenolic compounds and protein in the crude extract were quantified. Total sugar was estimated by Dubois method using D-glicose as standard [17]. Phenolic compounds were determined by Folin-Ciocalteu's colorimetric method using gallic acid as standard [18]. The Bradford method was used for protein quantification using albumin as standard [19].

Hemolytic assay

The hemolytic assay of aqueous leaf extract from J. gossypiifolia was performed as previously described in literature, with a few modifications [20]. Briefly, 5 µL of 20% (v/v) red blood cell (RBC) suspension were incubated at 37°C for 60 min with 500 µL of extract at different concentrations (0.1–2 µg/µL). The mixtures were then centrifuged at room temperature for 2 min at 8,600 g and the absorbance of the supernatant was measured at 540 nm in a microplate reader (Epoch-Biotek, Winooski, VT, USA). Water was used as positive control (100% RBC lysis) and PBS as negative control (absence of RBC lysis). The values of treated cells were calculated as a percentage of the positive control.

In vitro cytotoxicity assay

Human embryonic kidney 293 cells (HEK-293) (ATCC CRL-1573, Manassas, VA, USA) were cultured under standard conditions in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium (DMEM) supplemented with fetal bovine serum (FBS). Cells were maintained in cell culture flasks at 37°C in a humidified atmosphere containing 5% CO2 and were collected by treatment with trypsin. Cells (1×104 cells per well) were seeded in complete medium and cultured for 24 h in 96 well microplates to promote adhesion. The following day, the medium was removed and replaced with fresh medium free of FBS. Then the next day, the medium was replaced with fresh medium with FBS containing serial dilutions of the extract (3.9–500 µg/mL) previously sterilized in a 0.45 µm membrane. The negative control was exposed to the standard medium without sample. After 24 h, the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was performed as a marker of cell viability, as previously described in literature [21]. Briefly, medium containing extract was replaced with medium containing 1 mg/mL of MTT and incubated for 4 h at 37°C. After incubation, the supernatant was removed and the purple formazan crystal formed was solubilized in ethanol, stirred for 15 min at room temperature and the absorbance was measured at 570 nm in a microplate reader (Epoch-Biotek, Winooski, VT, USA). The absorbance of the negative control (no extract) was considered as 100% cell viability and the values of treated cells were calculated as a percentage of the negative control.

Inhibition of proteolytic activity upon azocasein

The proteolytic activity of B. jararaca venom was determined using azocasein (1% w/v, in 50 mM Tris-HCl pH 7.5) as substrate, as previously described in literature, with a few modifications [22]. Venom aliquots pre-incubated for 60 min at 37°C were mixed with 2.5 mM HCl and azocasein and incubated for 120 min at 37°C. The enzymatic reaction was stopped by adding trichloroacetic acid (20% w/v). After 30 min standing at room temperature, the tubes were centrifuged at 8,600 g for 10 min. The supernatant was removed and mixed with 2 M NaOH. 10 min later, tubes were read at 440 nm in an UV-VIS spectrophotometer (Evolution 60S, Waltham, MA, USA). Blanks for each concentration were prepared the same way, except by adding the substrate only after trichloroacetic acid addition. One Minimum Azocaseinolytic Concentration (MAC) was defined as the amount of venom able to produce a variation in absorbance of 0.200 at 440 nm. For inhibition assay, one MAC of venom was pre-incubated for 60 min at 37°C with different concentrations of J. gossypiifolia aqueous leaf extract (1∶1–1∶100 venom: extract, w/w), and then the proteolytic activity was measured, as described above. Venom alone was used as control (100% of proteolytic activity), as well as extract alone.

Inhibition of fibrinogenolytic activity

The fibrinogenolytic activity of B. jararaca venom was determined as previously described in literature, with a few modifications [23]. 10 µg of venom was pre-incubated for 60 min at 37°C with different concentrations of J. gossypiifolia aqueous leaf extract (1∶1–1∶100 venom: extract, w/w). Then, 50 µg of fibrinogen was added and incubated for 180 min at 37°C. The enzymatic reaction was stopped by adding 1.5 M Tris-HCl pH 8.8 containing 10% v/v glycerol, 10% v/v β-mercaptoetanol, 2% w/v SDS and 0.05% w/v bromophenol blue, followed by boiling for 5 min. The samples were then analyzed by 12% SDS-PAGE [24]. Venom alone was used as control (100% of proteolytic activity). Fibrinogen alone was also used as control, for visualization of the intact fibrinogen profile.

Additionally, the fibrinogenolytic activity of B. jararaca was tested by zymography, as previously described in literature, with a few modifications [25]. 12% SDS-PAGE were prepared and polymerized at final concentration of 1 mg/mL of fibrinogen. 5 µg of venom was pre-incubated for 60 min at 37°C with different concentrations of J. gossypiifolia aqueous leaf extract (1∶1–1∶25 venom: extract, w/w). Then, the samples were treated with Laemmli buffer in the absence of reducing agents, followed by room temperature incubation for 5 min. After electrophoresis, gels were washed 3 times for 30 min with Triton X-100 to remove SDS and then were washed one time, for 30 min, in 50 mM Tris-HCl pH 7.4 containing 200 mM NaCl and 5 mM CaCl2. After washing, the buffer was replaced with a fresh one and the gels were incubated for 24 h at 37°C in this buffer. After 3 washes with water for 5 min, the gels were stained with 0.5% Coomassie Brilliant Blue. Clear zones of substrate lysis against a blue background stain indicated presence of fibrinogenolytic enzymes. Venom alone was used as control (100% of proteolytic activity), as well as extract alone. Molecular mass marker was used to estimate the approximate molecular mass of the fibrinogenolytic enzymes.

Inhibition of procoagulant activity

The procoagulant activity of B. jararaca venom was determined on fibrinogen solution (6 mg/mL) and plasma, as previously described in literature, with a few modifications [26]. 100 µL of fibrinogen or plasma were incubated at 37°C for 2 min. Then, venom aliquots pre-incubated for 60 min at 37°C were added to fibrinogen or plasma and the clotting time recorded by a digital coagulometer (“Laser Sensor” Clotimer, CLOT, São Paulo, SP, Brazil). One Minimum Coagulant Concentration was defined as the amount of venom able to clot fibrinogen (MCC-F) or plasma (MCC-P) in 120 s. For inhibition assay, one MCC-F or MCC-P of venom was pre-incubated for 60 min at 37°C with different concentrations of J. gossypiifolia aqueous leaf extract (1∶0.5–1∶10 venom: extract, w/w), and then the clotting time was measured as described above. Venom alone was used as control (100% of coagulant activity), as well as extract alone.

Additionally, the anticoagulant activity of the extract, in absence of venom, was determined using the activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) and prothrombin time (PT) tests, as previously described in literature, with a few modifications [27]. The test was carried out using commercial reagent kits (CLOT Bios Diagnostica, São Paulo, SP, Brazil). For aPTT test, plasma (90 µL) was mixed with 10 µL of extract at different concentrations in PBS (0.1–2 µg/µL) and incubated at 37°C for 5 min at 37°C, before the addition of pre-warmed (37°C) aPTT reagent (rabbit brain extract and ellagic acid) and incubation at 37°C for 2 min. Pre-warmed (37°C) 25 mM calcium chloride was then added and the clotting time recorded by a digital coagulometer. For PT test, plasma (90 µL) was mixed with 10 µL of extract at different concentrations (0.1–2 µg/µL) and incubated at 37°C for 5 min. Then, 200 µL of PT assay reagent (rabbit brain extract and calcium chloride) pre-warmed at 37°C for 10 min was added and the clotting time was recorded. In both tests, plasma alone was used as control (absence of anticoagulant activity).

Antioxidant activity evaluation

The in vitro antioxidant activity of the aqueous leaf extract of J. gossypiifolia was performed using different models (total antioxidant capacity, copper and iron chelation, hydroxyl and superoxide radicals scavenging, and reducing power), as previously described in literature [28]. The IC50 (concentration that presented 50% of the referred activity) was calculated.

Inhibition of phospholipase activity

The phospholipase activity of B. jararaca venom was determined using an egg yolk suspension (1∶3 v/v, egg yolk: PBS) as substrate, as previously described in literature, with a few modifications [29]. Medium containing 1% (w/v) agarose, 10% (v/v) egg yolk suspension and 0.1 mM calcium chloride was prepared in PBS and placed in Petri dishes until solidification. After becoming solidified, holes of 0.5 mm were produced in the medium for application of samples. Venom aliquots pre-incubated for 60 min at 37°C were applied in the medium and incubated for 24 h at 50°C. Clear zones of substrate lysis (halos) against a yellow background indicated presence of phospholipase activity. The halo diameter was measured with a digital caliper (Digimess, São Paulo, SP, Brazil). One Minimum Phospholipase Concentration (MPC) was defined as the amount of venom able to produce a phospholipase halo of 25 mm. For inhibition assay, one MPC of venom was pre-incubated for 60 min at 37°C with different concentrations of J. gossypiifolia aqueous leaf extract (1∶1–1∶100 venom: extract, w/w), and then the phospholipase activity was measured as described above. Venom alone was used as control (100% of phospholipase activity), as well as extract alone.

Inhibition of defibrinogenating activity

The defibrinogenating activity of B. jararaca venom was performed using the in vivo model of blood incoagulability, as previously described in literature, with a few modifications [26]. Groups of 4 animals were treated with different doses of J. gossypiifolia extract (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg, in a volume of 10 mL/kg of body weight) by gavage (p.o.). After 60 min, the animals received by intraperitoneal (i.p.) route 10 µg of venom (200 µL). 4 h later, the animals were anesthetized with sodium thiopental and the blood was collected. The blood was placed in microtubes and left standing at room temperature for 60 min. The presence or absence of clotting formation after this period was registered. A group where animals received i.p. injection of venom and p.o. treatment of PBS was used as control and considered as 100% of defibrinogenating activity (absence of clot formation). Another group that received i.p. injection and p.o. treatment of PBS was used as negative control (absence of defibrinogenating activity, positive clot formation).

Inhibition of local hemorrhagic activity

The hemorrhagic activity of B. jararaca venom was performed using the in vivo model of local hemorrhage, as previously described in literature, with a few modifications [30]. Groups of 5 animals were treated with different doses of J. gossypiifolia extract (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg, in a volume of 10 mL/kg of body weight) p.o. After 60 min, the animals received a subcutaneous (s.c.) injection of 25 µg of venom (100 µL) in the dorsal region. 3 h later, the animals were sacrificed and had the inner surface of the skin exposed. After photo documentation of the hemorrhagic halos produced, the hemorrhagic skin was removed, weighted, fragmented and homogenized with water (1 mL of water for each 100 mg of tissue). The samples were sonicated for 30 min in ice bath and then incubated for 48 h at 4°C for hemoglobin extraction. The supernatant obtained after centrifugation at 800 g for 30 min was read at 540 nm in an UV-VIS spectrophotometer (Evolution 60S, Waltham, MA, USA) for hemoglobin content quantification, considered as a marker of hemorrhage. A group where animals received s.c. injection of venom and p.o. treatment of PBS was used as control and considered as 100% of hemorrhage activity. Another group that received s.c. injection and p.o. treatment of PBS was used as negative control (absence of hemorrhagic halo).

Inhibition of edematogenic activity

The edematogenic activity of B. jararaca venom was evaluated using the in vivo model of paw edema as previously described in literature with a few modifications [31]. Groups of 5 animals were treated with different doses of J. gossypiifolia extract (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg, in a volume of 10 mL/kg of body weight) p.o. or i.p. route. After 60 min, the animals received an intraplantar (i.pl.) injection of 3 µg of venom (50 µL) in the right hind paw. The individual right hind paw thickness was further measured at 0, 30, 60, 90 and 120 min post injection with a digital caliper (Digimess, São Paulo, SP, Brazil). Edema was expressed as the percentage difference between the thickness of the paw after (at respective times) and before (basal values) venom injection. A group of animals that received i.pl. injection of venom and p.o. or i.p. treatment of PBS was used as control and considered as 100% of edematogenic activity. Another group that received i.pl. injection and p.o. or i.p. treatment of PBS was used as negative control (absence of edematogenic activity).

Moreover, at the end of the experiment, the animals were sacrificed and their right hind paws were removed and analyzed for myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, as previously described in literature, with a few modifications [32]. Tissues were homogenated in 0.5% hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide buffer (1 mL of buffer for each 50 mg of tissue), sonicated in ice bath for 3 min, submitted at 3 cycles of freeze-thaw and finally sonicated for 3 min once more, for MPO enzyme extraction. 10 µL of the supernatant obtained after centrifugation at 1,400 g for 15 min at 4°C was mixed with 50 mM potassium phosphate pH 6.0 containing 0.0005% hydrogen peroxide and 0.167 mg/mL o-dianisidine. The MPO activity was colorimetrically determined using a microplate reader (Epoch-Biotek, Winooski, VT, USA), analyzing changes in absorbance at 460 nm for 5 min. The left hind paws (which did not received any treatment) from venom control group were used as control (basal values). The right paws of groups that received i.pl. injection of venom and p.o. or i.p. treatment of PBS were used as control and considered as 100% of MPO activity.

Inhibition of myotoxic activity

The myotoxic activity of B. jararaca venom was performed using the serum creatine kinase (CK) level as a quantitative marker of miotoxicity, as previously described in literature, with a few modifications [33]. Groups of 5 animals were treated with different doses of J. gossypiifolia extract (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg, in a volume of 10 mL/kg of body weight) p.o. or i.p. route. After 60 min, all the animals received an intramuscular (i.m.) injection of 50 µg of venom (50 µL) in the left thigh. 3 h later, the animals were anesthetized with sodium thiopental and the blood was collected. The blood samples were incubated for 10 min at 37°C and then centrifuged at 8,600 g for 10 min to obtain the serum. The serum CK activity was determined using a commercial kit (Bioclin, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil) according to manufacturer's protocol adapted for reading in microplate reader (Epoch-Biotek, Winooski, VT, USA). A group of animals received i.m. injection of venom and p.o. or i.p. treatment of PBS was used as control and considered as 100% of myotoxic activity. Another group that received i.m. injection and p.o. or i.p. treatment of PBS was used as negative control (absence of miotoxicity).

Interaction between extract and proteins

The proteolytic action of the aqueous leaf extract from J. gossypiifolia was assessed on albumin and B. jararaca venom proteins, as previously described in literature, with a few modifications [34]. Fixed amount of albumin or venom, with different concentrations of extract (1∶1–1∶100 albumin or venom: extract, w/w), were incubated for 60 min at 37°C and analyzed by SDS-PAGE 12% under reducing and non-reducing conditions [24], for comparison with the proteins alone to analyze possible changes in electrophoretic pattern (e.g., vanishing of bands with appearance of degradation products).

Additionally, the protein precipitating action of the extract was evaluated using the Bradford dye-protein binding assay, as previously described in literature, with a few modifications [35]. Briefly, a fixed amount of albumin or venom was incubated with different concentrations of extract for 60 min at 37°C. The supernatant obtained after centrifugation at 5,000 g for 15 min was mixed with Bradford reagent (0.01% Coomassie Brilliant Blue, 4.7% ethanol and 8.5% phosphoric acid) and read at 595 nm after 5 min of standing (“ABS test”) in an UV-VIS spectrophotometer (Evolution 60S, Waltham, MA, USA). The absorbances obtained were compared with tubes containing only protein (“ABS control”). Tubes containing the same amount of extract, in absence of protein, were used as blanks (“ABS blank”). The percentage of protein precipitation (%PPT) was calculated as follows:

Statistical analysis

All results are presented as mean ± standard error of mean (SEM). One-way ANOVA with Tukey's post test and regression analysis were performed using GraphPad Prism version 5.00 (San Diego, CA, USA). p values less than 0.05 were considered significant.

Results and Discussion

The phytochemical analysis of J. gossypiifolia aqueous leaf extract was performed by TLC. But first, the crude extract was fractionated by liquid-liquid partition to obtain fractions with different polarities and thus facilitating the chromatographic analysis of the compounds.

To the best of our knowledge, there are no phytochemical studies regarding the use of water as solvent for the extraction of J. gossypiifolia constituents. This is important to be noted since popular use occurs more frequently with infusions or decoctions, and thus, little is known about the constitution of this kind of extract. Additionally, more commonly, the studies found in the literature use solvents or mixtures of solvents with non polar characteristic, which could contribute to further characterization of non-polar compounds, such as terpenoids and lignoids. Isolation of polar compounds such as flavonoids, tannins and sugars are poorly described regarding the species so far [14], [36].

By TLC analysis with specific spray reagents, spots suggestive of the presence of alkaloids, terpenes and/or steroids, phenolic compounds, flavonoids, tannins and amines were observed. By co-TLC analysis, when considering the color developed by natural reagent A (flavonoid specific reagent), Rf and spot overlap with standard, it was possible to suggest the presence of the flavonoids orientin, isoorientin, luteolin, vitexin and isovitexin in the extract. With the exception of luteolin, the other flavonoids have already been identified in the leaves of J. gossypiifolia [37], [38]. For the genus Jatropha, luteolin was described previously only for the species Jatropha unicostata [39].

Additionally, the content of sugar, phenolic compounds and proteins quantified were 20.0±0.3, 18.7±1.5 and 2.4±0.4%, respectively. So, the presence of phenolic compounds and sugars could be confirmed and it could be visualized that proteins represent only a small percentage of the crude extract composition.

The presence of flavonoids and tannins could be especially interesting in antiophidic plants since flavonoids are able to promote strong hydrogen bonds with amides of protein chains and exhibit metal chelating activity and tannins have the ability to precipitate proteins [8]. The flavonoid luteolin, for example, as previously described in literature, presents inhibitory action against hyaluronidases from Crotalus adamenteus snake venom [40].

Cytotoxicity assays of J. gossypiifolia aqueous leaf extract

Keeping in mind that Jatropha species are known to be toxic [41] and considering previous studies that showed that ethanol extracts from J. gossypiifolia aerial parts exhibited noticeable toxicity, in vitro cytotoxicity studies were performed as a preliminary way to evaluate the potential toxicity of the aqueous leaf extract of J. gossypiifolia employed in the present work.

In both cytotoxicity models used (hemolytic activity and cytotoxicity against HEK-293 cells), the extract did not show cytotoxicity (results not shown), in any concentration tested (concentrations up to 2 µg/µL). It is important to note that both RBC and HEK-293 are human cells, which can reinforce the present observation. These results may suggest that the aqueous extract of the leaves, compared to the ethanol extract of the aerial parts tested by Mariz et al. [42], may be less toxic possibly due to an eventual difference in chemical composition that may have occurred, taking into account both the different plant parts and extractor solvent used for the different preparations of the extracts. In fact, a study investigating the acute oral toxicity of an aqueous leaf extract of J. gossypiifolia showed no sign of toxicity in rats in doses up to 2,000 mg/kg [43]. However, it is important to note that the toxicity of the aqueous leaf extract of J. gossypiifolia should not be entirely discarded and further studies are still needed to ensure its safety.

Antiophidic activity evaluation of J. gossypiifolia aqueous leaf extract

Plants from Jatropha genus are frequently associated with antiophidic properties [44]. However, studies that evaluate the antiophidic activity of Jatropha species are very scarce in the literature. Only some studies have shown the antiophidic properties of Jatropha elliptica and Jatropha mollissima, with interesting results, according to the venom tested [45], [46]. However, studies showing the antiophidic activity of J. gossypiifolia were not found. In view of this and the popular use of the plant, this species was chosen as object of this study.

SVSPs and SVMPs are key pieces in Bothrops poisoning, especially regarding the hemostatic effects [5], [47]. Thus, inhibition of proteolytic enzymes is important when thinking about molecules with antiophidic activity. Snake venoms are rich in several proteolytic enzymes that degrade a wide variety of natural substrates, such as casein, fibrinogen and collagen, among others. It is known that several hemorrhagic and defibrinogenating toxins in snake venoms show significant activity against these substrates [48].

Consequently, one of the first tests performed in this study was the inhibition of proteolytic activity of B. jararaca venom. The results obtained in this study revealed that the extract efficiently inhibited the venom proteolytic activity on azocasein, inhibiting completely the activity at higher concentrations ( ). This result indicates a significant inhibitory action upon SVSPs and/or SVMPs.

Figure 1

Inhibition of azocaseinolytic activity of B. jararaca by aqueous leaf extract of J. gossypiifolia.

B. jararaca (Bja) venom, pre-incubated for 60 min at 37°C alone (control) or with different ratios of aqueous leaf extract of J. gossypiifolia (Jg) (w/w) (test), was incubated with azocasein for 2 h at 37°C. The reaction was stopped with tricloroacetic acid and the supernatant (product of reaction) obtained mixed with equal volume of NaOH was read at 440 nm. Blanks for each concentration were prepared the same way, except by adding azocasein only after trichloroacetic acid addition. The percentage of activity was calculated as: [(ABStest – ABSblank) ÷ ABScontrol]×100. Values expressed as mean±SEM with n = 3. **p<0.01 and ***p<0.001 when compared to control (1∶0 w/w, Bja:Jg) by Tukey's test (ANOVA).

The blood incoagulability produced by Bothrops envenomation is associated with the combined action of diverse toxins, such as fibrinogenolytic enzymes, snake venom thrombin like enzymes (SVTLEs) and clotting factors activators, which are all proteases [47], [49]. The inhibition of these toxins could contribute for the inhibition of the blood incoagulability scenario. So, in view of the anti-proteolytic activity presented by the extract, the possible inhibitory role in blood incoagulability was investigated.

Fibrinogenolytic enzymes are toxins that directly split off fragments mostly from the C terminal regions of Aα, Bβ and γ chains of fibrinogen molecule, rendering it unclottable by thrombin. These enzymes do not convert fibrinogen to fibrin and the produced fibrinogen degradation products usually differ from those produced by plasmin. Fibrinogenolytic enzymes exert defibrinogenating action in vivo by consuming the circulant fibrinogen, contributing to the consumption coagulopathy. Since the fibrinogen levels are rapidly reduced, the patient tends to present blood incoagulability and prolonged clotting time [49], [50]. As could be observed in , the aqueous leaf extract of J. gossypiifolia was able to inhibit fibrinogenolytic enzymes from B. jararaca. The extract, at higher concentrations, protected the fibrinogen from the proteolytic action from venom, protecting its Aα and Bβ chains. In presence of crescent amount of extract, can be observed a gradual reappearance of the fibrinogen chains (especially the Bβ chain), as well as a progressive disappearing of the fibrinogen degradation products produced by the venom proteolytic action. By zymography experiments using fibrinogen as substrate, the inhibition of fibrinogenolytic activity was confirmed and it could be observed that the extract inhibits, preferentially, different B. jararaca fibrinogenolytic enzymes of about 26 and 28 kDa (results not shown).

Figure 2

Inhibition of fibrinogenolytic activity of B. jararaca by aqueous leaf extract of J. gossypiifolia.

B. jararaca (Bja) venom, pre-incubated for 60 min at 37°C alone (control) or with different ratios of aqueous leaf extract of J. gossypiifolia (Jg) (w/w), was incubated with fibrinogen for 3 h at 37°C. The reaction was stopped with appropriate buffer followed by boiling for 5 min. The samples were then analyzed by SDS-PAGE 12% and stained with Coomassie Brilliant Blue G-250. A: SDS-PAGE gel. FIB: fibrinogen alone (control). B: densitography analysis of the respective SDS-PAGE gel lines presented in A.

SVTLEs are SVSPs that clot fibrinogen in vitro, converting fibrinogen into fibrin. However, in vivo, these toxins cause a consumption coagulopathy similar to disseminated intravascular coagulation, leading to blood incoagulability. These toxins, unlike thrombin, did not activate FXIII (clotting factor fibrin stabilizer), which results in formation of abnormal fibrin clots composed of short polymers not stabilized by transglutaminase-catalyzed crosslinking. So, the fibrinolytic system quickly degrades such clots, contributing to the defibrinogenating action observed [49]-[51]. According to our results, based on the inhibition of procoagulant activity of B. jararaca venom upon fibrinogen by the aqueous leaf extract of J. gossypiifolia ( ), an inhibition of SVTLEs could be suggested.

Table 1

Inhibition of procoagulant activity of B. jararaca by aqueous leaf extract of J. gossypiifolia.

Bja:Jg (w/w)	Clotting time (s)
	Upon fibrinogen	Upon plasma
0∶0 (PBS)	>240	>240
1∶0	123.8±1.1	121.4±1.7
1∶0.5	128.7±0.3	235.0±5.0***
1∶1	144.9±1.8**	227.3±12.7**
1∶2	150.2±5.5***	NT
1∶10	NT	>240***

Bja: B. jararaca venom. Jg: aqueous leaf extract of J. gossypiifolia. NT: not tested.

Values expressed as mean±SEM with n = 3. **p<0.01 and ***p<0.001 when compared to control (1∶0 w/w, Bja:Jg) by Tukey's test (ANOVA).

The inhibition of procoagulant activity of B. jararaca venom upon plasma was also evaluated, since this test, along with SVTLEs, also evaluates the action of clotting factor activators toxins. These toxins also present procoagulant activity in vitro, but acting on the activation of some clotting factors, such as FX and prothrombin [47]. As can be observed in , the extract efficiently inhibited the procoagulant action of the venom upon plasma too. Although inhibition of clotting activity on fibrinogen was not complete, it was observed that the anticoagulant activity of the plasma was maintained for up to 10 min after the addition of the venom. This could suggest that the extract could also inhibit the effect of other procoagulant toxins rather than only SVTLEs.

In view to analyze if the anticoagulant activity observed in the extract was due to inhibition of toxins or if there was also an anticoagulant action upon endogenous factors, aPTT and PT tests with the extract were performed, in absence of venom. As can be observed in , the extract presented significant anticoagulant activity, prolonging the clotting time in aPTT test almost 3 times, showing that the extract could act on both ophidic and endogenous thrombin. Prolongation of aPTT indicates the inhibition of the intrinsic and/or common pathway [27]. No effect was observed in PT, as shown in . Considering that the clotting factors activators induce the production of endogenous thrombin as well as the fact that heparin (anticoagulant drug) is able to inhibit the blood incoagulability produced by FX activators toxins from B. jararaca, a hypothesis that could be raised is that the extract, indirectly, also inhibits the procoagulant effects produced by clotting factors activators, decreasing the endogenous thrombin produced and thus attenuating the consumption coagulopathy.

Figure 3

Anticoagulant activity of aqueous leaf extract of J. gossypiifolia.

Different concentrations of aqueous leaf extract of J. gossypiifolia (Jg) were incubated with human citrated plasma for 5 min. After that, activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) and prothrombin time (PT) tests were performed using commercial kits according to manufacturer's protocol. Values expressed as mean±SEM with n = 3. *p<0.05 and ***p<0.001 when compared to control (absence of Jg) by Tukey's test (ANOVA).

In fact, the aqueous leaf extract of J. gossypiifolia, in both doses tested (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg), was able to inhibit the defibrinogenating action of B. jararaca venom in vivo ( ), corroborating with the results obtained in vitro. It was observed that the animals that received only venom presented incoagulable blood even after 60 min of the blood collection. On the other hand, the animals that received venom but were treated with extract by oral route restored the clot capacity, showing results similar to control animals (which received only PBS), thus showing the inhibitory effect of the extract.

Table 2

Inhibition of defibrinogenant activity of B. jararaca by aqueous leaf extract of J. gossypiifolia.

Extract (p.o.)	Venom (i.p.)	Clot formation after 60 min from collection
0 mg/kg (PBS)	0 µg (PBS)	Present
0 mg/kg (PBS)	10 µg	Absence (blood incoagulability)
Jg 50 mg/kg	10 µg	Present
Jg 100 mg/kg	10 µg	Present
Jg 200 mg/kg	10 µg	Present

Results (presence or absence of clot formation) observed in all animals from each group (n = 4/group).

In addition to investigation of systemic effects inhibition after envenomation, the local effects were also studied. The inhibition of local hemorrhagic effect of B. jararaca venom by aqueous leaf extract of J. gossypiifolia was evaluated by quantification of hemoglobin content in the skin injected with venom. As shown in , the extract, by oral route, clearly attenuated the level of hemorrhage produced by venom. In fact, the hemoglobin content was significantly decreased in treated groups. The local hemorrhage is associated with the action of hemorrhagic SVMPs (hemorrhagins) that causes proteolysis of basal lamina components of microvessels, with loss of vascular wall integrity, leading to blood extravasation to skin [5], [52]. So, the present result could indicate an inhibitory action upon SVMPs action.

Figure 4

Inhibition of hemorrhagic activity of B. jararaca by aqueous leaf extract of J. gossypiifolia.

B. jararaca venom (Bja) was injected s.c. in the dorsal region of animals treated with different p.o. doses of aqueous leaf extract of J. gossypiifolia (Jg). 3 h later, the inner surface skin was exposed, photo documented and processed for hemoglobin extraction. A group that received Bja s.c. and PBS p.o. was used as venom control (Bja). Another group that received PBS s.c. and p.o was used as negative control (PBS). In the upper panel, the percentage of activity presented was calculated as: [(Hemoglobin content from treated animals ÷ Hemoglobin content from Bja control animals) ×100]. Values expressed as mean±SEM with n = 5. ***p<0.001 when compared to Bja control (100% of activity) by Tukey's test (ANOVA). In the lower panel, the respective skin aspect from the groups is presented.

PLA2s represent a superfamily of lipolytic enzymes which specifically catalyze the hydrolysis of the ester bond at the sn-2 position of glycerophospholipids, resulting in the generation of fatty acids (arachidonate) and lysophospholipids [53], [54]. Apart from their primary catalytic function, snake venom PLA2s often display additional pharmacological activities that may be independent of catalytic activity. Hemorrhagic, myotoxic, hemolytic, edematogenic and neurotoxic activities, among others, are described for PLA2, implicating the action of PLA2s in many of the pharmacological effects seen in snake envenomation [53]. Several studies have demonstrated that the PLA2 from Bothrops venoms are involved in inflammatory responses such as edema, pain, leukocyte migration, necrosis and myotoxicity [5], [55]. PLA2 may be classified as Asp49 or Lys49 PLA2, depending on the residue at position 49 in the amino acid sequence. Asp49 PLA2s are enzymatically active whereas Lys49 PLA2s show little or no enzyme activity, although both types are biologically active [54], [55].

In the phospholipase activity tested in the present study, obviously, only the function of Asp49 PLA2s were evaluated. In the experiment, the aqueous leaf extract of J. gossypiifolia was inactive (results not shown). In the higher concentration tested (1∶200 w/w, venom: extract), the extract inhibited the phospholipase activity at about 15%, however, this inhibition was not statistically significant (p>0.05). One possible hypothesis is that the extract could present more affinity to enzymatically inactive phospholipases, i.e., Lys49 PLA2. So, the in vivo edematogenic and myotoxic activities were also investigated.

Bothropic envenomation is characterized by the rapid development of edema and inflammation at the site of venom inoculation [5]. The intraplantar injection of B. jararaca venom induces an edematogenic response that appears to be mediated primarily by cyclooxygenase and lypoxygenase eicosanoid products and, in minor extent, evolves the participation of histamine, serotonin and platelet-activating factor (PAF) [56]. Leucocytes exert an important role in the inflammatory response produced in paw edema, being capable of secreting endogenous pro-inflammatory mediators relevant to the acute inflammation development [57]. However, in contrast with other local effects that are produced by direct action of specific toxins, the edematogenic activity is, apparently, a result of a combined action of diverse toxins (Asp49 or Lys49 PLA2 and hemorrhagic or non-hemorrhagic SVMPs), rapidly inducing the release of endogenous inflammatory mediators [58], [59]. In fact, their modulation by endogenous mediators often reduces the effectiveness of antivenom, since it is capable of neutralizing the toxins, but cannot reduce inflammation caused by chemical mediators released by these toxins [5].

Regarding our results with J. gossypiifolia extract, it was observed that the extract, by p.o. route, inhibited the edematogenic response by about 40% after 120 min of the venom injection ( ). As can be observed in , the extract was active at 100 and 200 mg/kg, with the inhibitory effect starting from 90 min after venom injection. Regarding MPO activity, in the same way, the extract was active at 100 and 200 mg/kg, showing about 20% inhibition of the MPO activity ( ). With i.p. treatment, even better results were obtained by the extract, as could be observed by the complete inhibition of the edematogenic activity after 120 min of venom injection ( ). By i.p. route, the extract was able to reduce the MPO activity by about 50% ( ). The different activity of the extract in both routes used is expected, since they have different biodisponibility profiles. This significant inhibition of MPO activity could indicate that the antiedematogenic effect presented by the extract could be related to an inhibition of cell migration, since this enzyme is a quantitative marker of inflammatory cell influx to paw tissue injected with venom [32]. Regarding the possible mechanism by which the extract could be acting in this model, some hypothesis could be taken into account based on the experimental results obtained. Once the extract was inactive against Asp49 PLA2, a possible inhibition upon Lys49 PLA2 could be pointed out. Another possibility may be an inhibitory action upon SVMPs, since the extract also presented anti-hemorrhagic effect, as discussed previously. Additionally, another plausible hypothesis is that the extract could present potent anti-inflammatory activity and, so, may be able to reduce the inflammation produced by endogenous chemical mediators released by toxins. In fact, some studies have shown that anti-inflammatory drugs could inhibit the edematogenic response induced by B. jararaca venom [60]. Additionally, some studies have shown the anti-inflammatory activity of J. gossypiifolia leaf and aerial parts extracts in various models on inflammation [61]–[63].

Figure 5

Inhibition of edematogenic activity of B. jararaca by aqueous leaf extract of J. gossypiifolia.

B. jararaca venom (Bja) was injected i.pl. in the right hind paw of animals treated with different p.o. or i.p. doses of aqueous leaf extract of J. gossypiifolia (Jg). The right hind paw thickness was further measured at 0, 30, 60, 90 and 120 min after injection. A group that received Bja i.pl. and PBS p.o. or i.p. was used as venom control (Bja). Another group that received PBS i.pl. and p.o. or i.p. was used as negative control (PBS). Edema was expressed as the difference between the thickness of the paw after (at respective time) and before (basal values) venom injection, calculated as follows: [(thickness time “t” – thickness before injection) ÷ thickness before injection] ×100 and is presented in A (p.o.) and C (i.p.). At the end of the experiment, the paws were processed for myeloproxidase (MPO) enzyme extraction. The MPO activity was calculated as: [(MPO from treated animals ÷ MPO from Bja control animals) ×100] and is presented in B (p.o.) and D (i.p.). Values expressed as mean±SEM with n = 5. *p<0.05 and ***p<0.001 when compared to Bja control (100% of activity) by Tukey's test (ANOVA).

Muscle necrosis is a relevant local effect induced by bothropic venom, as it may lead to permanent tissue loss, disability and amputation [55]. The myotoxicity may occur due to a direct rupture action to muscle cells (PLA2 toxins) or to an indirect action, which involve the development of ischemia resulting from drastic alteration induced by SVMPs hemorrhagic toxins on both microvasculature and intramuscular arteries [5]. The muscle damage results in cellular membrane rupture, leading to rapid release of cytosolic markers, such as creatine kinase (CK) [5], [55]. In the present work, as can be observed in , the aqueous leaf extract of J. gossypiifolia, by both p.o. and i.p. routes, was able to decrease the CK levels of animals injected with B. jararaca venom, which indicates an anti-myotoxic action. Interestingly, by i.p. route, the anti-myotoxic effect reached almost 100%, since the lowest dose. An inhibitory action against Lys49 PLA2 could be suggested. Another hypothesis, maybe the most likely according to our results, is that alternatively or complementarily to an action upon Lys49 PLA2, the extract while inhibiting the hemorrhagic activity, could reduce the indirect myotoxic activity produced by hemorrhagic SVMPs. In fact, animals from treated groups, when compared with control (treated with PBS), showed in the muscle region, where the venom was injected, a highly significant reduction of hemorrhage (results not shown), which could support the idea that inhibition of hemorrhagic activity was important to reduce muscle damage.

Figure 6

Inhibition of myotoxic activity of B. jararaca by aqueous leaf extract of J. gossypiifolia.

B. jararaca venom (Bja) was injected i.m. in the left thigh of animals treated with different p.o. (A) or i.p. (B) doses of aqueous leaf extract of J. gossypiifolia (Jg). 3 h later, the blood was collected for creatine kinase (CK) determination. A group that received Bja i.m. and PBS p.o. or i.p. was used as venom control (Bja). Another group that received PBS i.m. and p.o. or i.p. was used as negative control (PBS). The percentage of activity was calculated as: [(CK from treated animals ÷ CK from Bja control animals) × 100]. Values expressed as mean±SEM with n = 5. *p<0.05 and ***p<0.001 when compared to Bja control (100% of activity) by Tukey's test (ANOVA).

In summary, the obtained results show the potentiality of aqueous leaf extract of J. gossypiifolia in the treatment of systemic and also local effects produced by B. jararaca, which, in turn, is not efficiently inhibited by conventional antivenom serum therapy. summarizes the inhibition percentage of the extract in the hemorrhagic, edematogenic and myotoxic activities induced by B. jararaca injection.

Table 3

Maximum percentage of inhibition of J. gossypiifolia against local effects produced by B. jararaca.

Activity	Dose, route	Inhibition (%)
Hemorrhagic	100 mg/kg, p.o.	56.1
Edematogenic*	200 mg/kg, i.p.	99.9
Myotoxic	50 mg/kg, i.p.	96.5

Percentage of inhibition was calculated as: [1 – (%activity of test mean –%activity of PBS control mean) ÷ (%activity of Bja control mean –%activity of PBS control mean)] ×100. *In the case of edematogenic activity, the last time point (120 min) of the paw thickness was considered.

In general, the mechanism by which medicinal plants neutralize the toxic effects of snake venoms is still unknown, but many hypothesis have been proposed, such as protein precipitation, proteolytic degradation, enzyme inactivation, metal chelation, antioxidant action or a combination of these mechanisms [11].

According to our results, it could be observed that the extract did not present proteolytic action upon proteins, including the venom, since no change was observed in the electrophoretic pattern of these proteins, except for the gradual vanishing of the bands with the increasing concentrations of extract, which could suggest a protein precipitating action (results not shown). Accordingly, the Bradford dye-protein binding assay was performed to analyze this possible protein precipitating action of the extract. As can be observed in , the aqueous leaf extract of J. gossypiifolia was able to precipitate both albumin and B. jararaca venom proteins, in both tested concentrations. The precipitating percentage reached was almost 100% upon venom proteins. Thus, the obtained results could explain, at least partially, the inhibitory effects presented by aqueous leaf extract of J. gossypiifolia.

Table 4

Precipitating activity of aqueous leaf extract of J. gossypiifolia.

Albumin/Bja: Jg (w/w)	% Protein precipitation
	Upon albumin	Upon B. jararaca venom
1∶1	67.5±0.9	78.2±1.4
1∶50	74.5±1.6	97.1±0.3
1∶100	82.4±0.8	99.0±0.6

Bja: B. jararaca venom. Jg: aqueous leaf extract of J. gossypiifolia.

Values expressed as mean±SEM with n = 3.

Another activity investigated in aqueous leaf extract of J. gossypiifolia was its antioxidant potential. The snake venom causes intense inflammation and local tissue damage, inducing macrophages and neutrophils to generate reactive oxygen species such as superoxide radicals, which act by forming lipid peroxides which could cause necrosis [64]. It is considered, in general, that lipid peroxidation inhibition could be beneficial against toxic effects produced by snake venom and that the antioxidant process could be an important mechanism by which antiophidic molecules could act [11], [64]. In the present work, the aqueous leaf extract of J. gossypiifolia presented significant antioxidant activity in all tested in vitro models ( ). The extract was able to chelate metal ions (copper and iron), scavenge free radicals (hydroxyl and superoxide) and presented reducing power. Therefore, a possible hypothesis is that the antiophidic activity presented by the extract could be related, at least in part, to its ability to inhibit the oxidative stress induced by envenomation and consequently indirectly inhibit the necrosis process. Similar observations have been made by other authors when evaluating the antiophidic and antioxidant activities of an extract from the plant Crinum jagus [65].

Table 5

Antioxidant effects of aqueous leaf extract of J. gossypiifolia.

Activity	Jg	Standard
Total antioxidant capacity *	155.2±13.36 AAE/g	-
Copper chelation	IC50 = 0.111 µg/µL	IC50 = 0.017 µg/µL (EDTA)
Iron chelation	IC50 = 1.104 µg/µL	IC50 = 0.011 µg/µL (EDTA)
Hydroxyl radical scavenging	IC50 = 1.205 µg/µL	IC50 = 0.293 µg/µL (gallic acid)
Superoxide radical scavenging	IC50 = 0.118 µg/µL	IC50 = 0.003 µg/µL (gallic acid)
Reducing power * #	Concentration producing equivalent activity to 0.2 µg/µL ascorbic acid = 0.581 µg/µL	-

Jg: aqueous leaf extract of J. gossypiifolia. AAE/g: mg ascorbic acid equivalent per gram of extract.

*Value expressed as mean±SEM with n = 3.

The chelating action presented by the extract in antioxidant assays is very interesting, since several toxins need metals as essential cofactors for their enzymatic activity, as for example SVMPs, which are metalloproteinases zinc-dependent. Metal chelating agents, such as EDTA or o-phenanthroline, inhibit the action of these toxins [66]. So, a hypothesis that could be pointed out is that one possible mechanism of the SVMPs inhibition presented by J. gossypiifolia aqueous leaf extract is metal chelation. In fact, a recent study showed that glycolic acid, a potent antioxidant and metal chelator agent, was able to inhibit the enzymatic and biological effects of the SVMP BaP1, a metalloproteinase isolated from Bothrops asper snake venom [67].

In summary, the results presented in this paper demonstrate the potentiality of aqueous leaf extract of J. gossypiifolia as an antiophidic agent, with inhibitory action upon hemostatic and inflammatory effects induced by B. jararaca venom. It is important to note that the administration route used (oral route) simulates the popular use of the plant as a tea, showing that this product could be, at least, a good palliative to snakebite until the specific treatment can be started, considering that the antivenom, in many cases, can be hard to access. Another point of view is that the tea of the leaves of J. gossypiifolia could be utilized as an adjuvant to antivenom serum therapy. In either case, the use of the plant could be advantageous in view of its ability to reverse systemic and local effects and its easy availability and low cost inherent to its preparation. An overview of the results obtained in the present paper is summarized in .

Further studies aiming the isolation of the biological active compounds of the crude extract, especially flavonoids, are underway in our research group. Additionally, as a future perspective to better understand the inhibitory effect shown by aqueous leaf extract of J. gossypiifolia, we intend to study thoroughly the interaction between bioactive compounds isolated from the extract with toxins isolated from B. jararaca venom, e.g. SVMPs and Lys49 PLA2.

In conclusion, the results demonstrate the potential antiophidic activity of J. gossypiifolia aqueous leaf extract, including its significant action upon local effects, suggesting that this species may be used as a new source of bioactive molecules against bothropic venom, especially for the treatment of venom local effects.

L. (Euphorbiaceae) plant. Photography by Juliana Félix-Silva.

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Overview of antiophidic activity of aqueous leaf extract of against venom. Bothrops jararaca snake venom induces systemic and local effects in victim of envenoming. As could be observed by the inhibition of azocaseinolytic, fibrinogenolytic and defibrinogenating activity inhibition, as well as by the anticoagulant activity presented in activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) test, the aqueous leaf extract of Jatropha gossypiifolia was able to inhibit the systemic effect of blood incoagulability produced by B. jararaca venom. Besides inhibiting this systemic effect, the extract was able to efficiently inhibit the local effects produced, as could be observed by the inhibition of edematogenic, hemorrhagic and myotoxic activities in vivo. It is important to note that the in vivo inhibitory actions was achieved by intraperitoneal and oral administration of the extract, which is interesting to be pointed since the oral route simulates the popular use of the plant as a tea. Regarding possible toxicity, the extract was evaluated by in vitro methods of cytotoxicity, using human embryonic kidney cells (HEK-293) and red blood cells (RBC) and absence of toxicity was observed, suggesting a possible low toxicity of the extract. The phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of alkaloids, terpenes and/or steroids, phenolic compounds, flavonoids, tannins and amines.

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