Alexiteric Activity of Amazonian Plant Species (Phase 2)

This project addresses the need to scientifically validate the ethnomedical use of Amazonian plants as antidotes against snake venom, a historical and potentially fatal problem. 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 and anti-hemolytic activity. Furthermore, the inhibition of the venom's proteolytic activity is analyzed using colorimetric assays (absorbance at 280 nm) and the alteration of venom proteins is characterized via SDS-PAGE electrophoresis under denaturing conditions. The results will be statistically analyzed using SPSS 14.0 to identify significant differences (p < 0.05) and will culminate in the preparation of a final report and the publication of scientific articles, aiming to offer alternative and accessible treatments.<br/><br/><b>Goal</b>: <br/>The main objective of this project is to determine the alexiteric (antidote against poisons) activity 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