Neutralizing Effects ofMimosa tenuifloraExtracts against Inflammation Caused byTityus serrulatusScorpion Venom

Abstract

Scorpion bite represents a significant and serious public health problem in certain regions of Brazil, as well as in other parts of the world. Inflammatory mediators are thought to be involved in the systemic and local immune response induced byTityus serrulatusscorpion envenomation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of extracts ofMimosa tenuifloraon model envenomation. In mice, the envenomation model is induced byTityus serrulatusvenom. Previous treatment of mice with fractions fromM. tenuiflorawas able to suppress the cell migration to the peritoneal cavity. The treatment of mice withM. tenuifloraextracts also decreased the levels of IL-6, IL-12, and IL-1β. We concluded that the administration of the extract and fractions resulted in a reduction in cell migration and showed a reduction in the level of proinflammatory cytokines. This study demonstrates, for the first time, the anti-inflammatory effect of aqueous extract from theMimosa tenuifloraplant onT. serrulatusvenom.