Antioxidant activity and phospholipase A2 Inhibition by lyophilized extracts of Piper aduncum and Plantago major

Chocas M.M.Y.; Amado R.R.; Borja N.A.; Chocas A.Y.; Bazán J.E.E.; Ruiz D.E.V.; Pescorán M.G.P.; Rojas M.C.C.; Oblitas C.E.P.S. · Anales de la Facultad de Medicina (2025) · DOI: 10.15381/anales.v86i3.30643

Resumen

Introduction. Snakebite envenomation is a public health problem worldwide and in Peru. Its current treatment relies on antivenoms produced in mammals; however, snake venom phospholipases A2 (PLA2) cause diverse and often irreversible toxic effects, highlighting the need for alternative therapies such as plant extracts. Objective. To evaluate the antioxidant capacity of lyophilized aqueous extracts of Piper aduncum(matico) and Plantago major (llantén), as well as their inhibitory action on the PLA2 from Lachesis muta venom. Methods. An in vitro experimental study was conducted with PLA2 purified by chromatography. Antioxidant activity was determined using DPPH and FRAP assays, and phenolic and flavonoid contents were quantified. Enzymatic inhibition was assessed with lyophilized aqueous extracts and fraction 4 from each sample. Results. Fractions inhibited purified PLA2 activity by 78.08% (P. aduncum) and 63.67% (P. major). Antioxidant capacity was higher in the original extracts compared to their fractions. Moreover, the original extracts inhibited PLA2 from the total L. muta venom by 86.59% (P. aduncum) and 76.42% (P. major). Conclusions. Lyophilized aqueous extracts of P. aduncum and P. major inhibited more than 60% of purified PLA2 from L. muta and exhibited high antioxidant capacity associated with their phenolic and flavonoid content. These findings support their potential as candidates to reduce inflammatory damage in snakebite envenomation.

Instituciones: Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos; Universidad Nacional Federico Villarreal