Abstract
Background:Accidents caused by spiders of the genus Loxosceles constitute an important public health problem in Brazil. The venom of Loxosceles sp induces dermonecrosis at the bite site and systemic disease in severe cases. Traditional medicine based on plant-derived products has been proven to reduce the local effects of envenomation. The present study verified the healing effects of copaiba oil on lesions induced by the venom of L. intermedia. Methods:Cutaneous lesions were induced on the backs of rabbits by intradermal injection of L. intermedia venom. Copaiba oil was applied topically 6 hours after injection; the treatment was repeated for 30 days, after which animal skins were removed and processed for histopathological analysis. Blood samples were also collected before and 24 hours after venom inoculation to measure the hematological parameters.Results:Compared to the control group, the platelet count was reduced significantly in all groups inoculated with venom, accompanied by a decreased number of heterophils in the blood. The minimum necrotic dose (MND) was defined as 2.4 μg/kg. Topical treatment with copaiba oil demonstrated a differentiated healing profile: large skin lesions were observed 10 days after venom inoculation, whereas formation of a thick crust, without scarring was observed 30 days after venom inoculation. Histopathological analysis showed no significant difference after treatment. Nevertheless, the copaiba oil treatment induced a collagen distribution similar to control skin, in marked contrast to the group that received only the spider venom injection.Conclusions:We conclude that copaiba oil may interfere in the healing process and thus propose it as a possible topical treatment for cutaneous lesions induced by L. intermedia venom.
Highlights
Accidents caused by spiders of the genus Loxosceles constitute an important public health problem in Brazil
We conclude that copaiba oil may interfere in the healing process and propose it as a possible topical treatment for cutaneous lesions induced by L
The increasing number of accidents caused by brown spider bites in recent years has become a major public health concern in Brazil
Summary
Accidents caused by spiders of the genus Loxosceles constitute an important public health problem in Brazil. The venom of Loxosceles sp induces dermonecrosis at the Loxosceles intermedia bite site and systemic disease in severe cases. The present study verified the healing effects of copaiba oil on lesions induced by the venom of L. intermedia. The main characteristic of envenomation is dermonecrosis at the bite site that is manifested initially by direct and degenerative effects of the venom components on the cell membrane, basement membrane, and extracellular matrix resulting in drastic tissue damage [7]. The early phase of loxoscelism is highlighted by local edema and erythema within 6 hours of the spider bite. The terminal evolution of loxoscelism can induce severe intravascular hemolysis associated with acute anemia, jaundice, and hemoglobinuria of varying degrees. Fatalities are rare, but frequently correlated with acute renal failure [8, 9]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
