Inhibitory and Enzyme-Kinetic Investigation of Chelerythrine and Lupeol Isolated fromZanthoxylum rhoifoliumAgainst Krait Snake Venom Acetylcholinesterase

Mustaq Ahmad,Ademir F Morel,Andréia D Weber,Luciana De C Tavares,Ionara I Dalcol,Graciane Zanon,Vinicius Ilha

doi:10.5935/0103-5053.20130274

Abstract

The in vitro activity of chelerythrine and lupeol, two metabolites isolated from Zanthoxylum rhoifolium were studied against the venom of the snake Bungarus sindanus (Elapidae). The venom, which is highly toxic to humans, consists mainly by the enzyme acetylcholinesterase (AChE). Both compounds showed activity against the venom, and the alkaloid chelerythrine presented higher activity than did triterpene lupeol.

Highlights

Natural phenomena such as insects, microbes and mutation can cause human illness
In a preliminary test of the anti-AChE activity with the crude methanol extract of Zanthoxylum rhoifolium using the bioautographic assay in thin layer chromatography (TLC) plates gave promising results.[19]
Chelerythrine and lupeol were found to modify the activity of the krait (Bungarus sindanus) venom acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in a dose-dependent response with the addition of 0.5 mmol L-1 acetylthiocholine (AcSCh) fixed substrate (Figure 1 A and B)

Summary

Introduction

Natural phenomena such as insects, microbes and mutation can cause human illness. nature itself remains our ally, providing remedies to treat various diseases that are more economically viable than industrialized pharmaceuticals. Medicinal plants with anti-snake venom AChE activities might be useful as first aid treatment for victims of krait (Bungarus sindanus) snake bite, as well as those from other species of the Elapidae family common in South America, such as the coral snake (Micrurus carallinus).

Results

Conclusion