Alexiteric Activity of Amazonian Plant Species (Phase 1)

This project addresses the need to scientifically validate the traditional use of Amazonian plants as antidotes against snake venom, a historically documented public health issue. The study focuses on determining the alexiteric activity of plant extracts against the venom of the Bothrops asper snake, whose venom is obtained via manual milking at the Quito Vivarium. The methodology includes the in vitro determination of the Minimum Hemolytic Dose (MIHD) of the venom. Subsequently, the ability of the plant extracts to inhibit or neutralize the toxic effects of the venom is evaluated by specifically measuring anticoagulant, hemolytic (lytic), and proteolytic activities. Biochemical techniques such as incubation with human plasma and determination of absorbance at 280 nm after casein digestion are employed. Furthermore, SDS-PAGE electrophoresis under denaturing conditions is used to analyze changes in the venom's protein profile after incubation with the extracts. Results will be statistically analyzed using SPSS 14.0, aiming to validate or refute the alexiteric activity, thereby contributing to the development of alternative and more accessible treatments.<br/><br/><b>Goal</b>: <br/>The main objective of this project is to determine the alexiteric activity (antidote against venoms) of extracts obtained from Amazonian plant species collected near the Sevilla Don Bosco biological station.<br/><br/><b>Research lines</b>: <br/>Bioprospecting of secondary metabolites