Antiophidic potential of plants used in traditional medicine in the municipality of Dolores (Tolima), Colombia

Introduction: In Colombia, the incidence of snakebite accidents is high due to its sociodemographic and environmental characteristics, as well as its high diversity of snakes. Bothrops asper is the species of greatest clinical importance in the country. The current treatment for snakebite envenomation is antivenom; however, this treatment has some limitations that have led communities to rely on the traditional use of plants. Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the antiophidic potential of plants used in traditional medicine in the municipality of Dolores-Tolima as a treatment for symptoms associated with snakebites. Methodology: To do this, semi-structured surveys were conducted with local traditional healers. The five most frequently mentioned plants were selected, and ethanolic extracts were prepared from them. Subsequently, the extracts' inhibitory capacity on the indirect hemolytic, proteolytic, and coagulant activities of B. asper venom were evaluated through in-vitro assays. Results: The species Manihot esculenta, Pseudelephantopus spiralis, Senna reticulata, Saccharum officinarum, and Bidens pilosa were selected from the 23 plants reported by the traditional healers. The study showed partial inhibition of proteolytic activity by the extracts of S. reticulata, P. spiralis, M. esculenta, and S. officinarum; coagulant activity was inhibited at the highest doses by P. spiralis, S. reticulata, M. esculenta, and S. reticulata; and indirect hemolytic activity was inhibited by M. esculenta and P. spiralis. No extract showed antimicrobial activity or changes in the venom's electrophoretic profile. Conclusion: The validation of plant use can contribute to the search for new therapies or adjuncts in the treatment of snakebites. The results of this study constitute the first ethno-botanical antiophidic study in the Tolima department and report for the first time the antiophidic potential of P. spiralis.