Inhibition of the inflammatory and coagulant action of Bothrops atrox venom by the plant species Marsypianthes chamaedrys.

Aim Of The Study: This study investigated the efficacy of Marsypianthes chamaedrys Vahl (Lamiaceae) inflorescence and leaf extracts in inhibiting the inflammatory and coagulant actions of Bothrops atrox venom.

Materials And Methods: Marsypianthes chamaedrys, which is used in Brazil as a folk medicine to treat snakebites and local inflammatory reactions, was tested in vitro to determine its ability to block indirect phospholipase A(2) and direct coagulant activities and in vivo to determine its ability to inhibit leukocyte migration and cytokine release.

Results: In vitro, Marsypianthes chamaedrys showed antiphospholipase A(2) and anticoagulant activities; the latter activity was also confirmed by prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) in the absence of venom.