PHYTOTHERAPY AS NEW APPROACH TO TREAT SCORPION ENVENOMATION: EXPERIMENTAL STUDY

Citrullus colocynthis is a wild common plant in arid and semi arid areas of Algeria which are characterized by high incidence of scorpion envenomation. It is used in Algeria to treat many diseases. In order to optimize and develop new therapeutic strategies for scorpion envenoming, a phytotherapeutic approach has been investigated. Pharmacological properties of Citrullus colocynthis were evaluated as new approach based on their local and systemic beneficial effects after scorpion envenomation mainly Androctonus australis hector venom (Aah). Local action (paw edema) and systemic effects (inflammatory, metabolic parameters, oxidative stress and hyperglycemia) were studied in pretreated mice with Citrullus colocynthis (50 mg/kg), 30 min before injection of sublethal dose of Aah venom (10 µg/20 g). Obtainedresults showed thatinjected Citrullus colocynthis before envenomation is able to protect animals against the toxicity of the venom. It significantly reduced paw edema, cell migration, exudation, hyperglycemia, and MDA. Citrullus colocynthis decreased also some inflammatory markers (MPO and EPO activities, CRP and C3) and maintain the level of CPK, ASAT and ALAT. Citrullus colocynthis appears to be a potential tool that can reduce pathophysiological effects induced after envenomation (inflammation and oxidative stress). According to these properties, it could be proposed as a symptomatic treatment of scorpion envenomation.