Plant-Derived Toxin Inhibitors as Potential Candidates to Complement Antivenom Treatment in Snakebite Envenomations

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Toxicology
• Ethnobotany

Background:

• Snakebite envenomations (SBEs) represent a significant neglected tropical disease, causing severe morbidity and mortality globally.
• Current treatment relies on antivenom, but challenges like accessibility and cost persist, necessitating complementary therapies.
• Natural products, particularly from medicinal plants, show promise in inhibiting snake venom toxins.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review plant metabolites with snake venom toxin-inhibiting properties.
• To explore the potential mechanisms of action for these natural compounds.
• To identify novel lead compounds for auxiliary SBE treatments.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature synthesis of studies on plant-derived toxin inhibitors.
• Analysis of reported mechanisms of action for identified compounds.
• Focus on compounds with potential for complementary SBE therapy.

Main Results:

• Numerous plant metabolites demonstrate snake venom toxin-inhibiting potential.
• Mechanisms include enzymatic inhibition, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects.
• Natural products offer a promising avenue for managing SBEs, especially pre-hospital.

Conclusions:

• Medicinal plants provide a rich source of compounds that can neutralize snake venom toxins.
• These natural products can serve as valuable adjuncts to conventional antivenom therapy.
• Further research into these compounds could lead to improved SBE management strategies.