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PubMed1982

[Microflora in pasteurized fruit juices in Venezuela].

A total of 96 pasteurized fruit juice samples obtained at retail level and packed in pure-pak containers were analyzed, to determine their pH and mould yeasts counts. The isolated microflora were identified by macroscopic and microscopic techniques besides biochemical reactions. The pH rate values were the following: cocktail fruit, pH 2.3-4.3; orange, pH 2.8-3.7; passion fruit, pH 2.3-3.7; and tamarind, pH 2.5-3.7. The yeast and mould counts per ml were: cocktail fruit, 0-8.0 x 10(3), orange, 1.0 x 10(2)-4.5 x 10(3); passion fruit, 0-7.7 x 10(3), and tamarind, 0-6.0 x 10(2). The predominance of yeasts over the fungi in almost all the juices is evident; the only exception was tamarind juice. The genera of the yeasts commonly isolated were: Candida, Rhodotorula, Saccharomyces and Pichia, and among the fungi: Aspergillus, Penicillium and Cladosporium. Yeasts are probably the main cause of spoilage in these pasteurized fruit juices.

Beverages↗

PubMed2005

Influence of food acidulants on bioaccessibility of zinc and iron from selected food grains.

Four common acidulants in Indian dietary, i. e., citric acid, tamarind (Tamarindus indica), amchur (Mangifera indica), and kokum (Garcinia indica) were examined for a possible influence on the bioaccessibility of zinc from selected food grains. Among the four acidulants examined, amchur and citric acid generally enhanced the bioaccessibility of zinc and iron from all the food grains studied. The increase in zinc bioaccessibility produced by citric acid was around 40% in rice and chickpea, while amchur produced around 60% increase from decorticated green gram. This positive influence of acidulants on zinc bioaccessibility from food grains was seen both in the raw and cooked form. Tamarind and kokum, the other two acidulants tested, generally did not have a favourable influence on zinc and iron bioaccessibility. This lack of positive influence of these two acidulants on mineral availability could be attributable to the presence of significant amounts of tannin in them. Citric acid and amchur also generally enhanced the bioaccessibility of iron from these food grains.

Biological Availability↗

PubMed1996

Substrate subsite recognition of the xyloglucan endo-transglycosylase or xyloglucan-specific endo-(1-->4)-beta-D-glucanase from the cotyledons of germinated nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus L.) seeds.

We have investigated the substrate subsite recognition requirement of the xyloglucan endo-transglycosylase/xyloglucan-specific endo-(1-->4)-beta-D-glucanase (NXET) from the cotyledons of nasturtium seedlings. Seed xyloglucans are composed almost entirely of the Glc4 subunits XXXG, XLXG, XXLG and XLLG, where G represents an unsubstituted glucose residue, X a xylose-substituted glucose residue and L a galactosyl-xylose-substituted glucose residue. Thus in the xyloglucan sequence shown below, the xylose (Xyl) residues at the backbone glucose (Glc) residues numbered -3, -2, +2 and +3 may be galactose-substituted, and NXET cleaves between the unsubstituted glucose at -1 and the xylose-substituted glucose at +1, which never carries a galactosyl substituent. [formula: see text] We have isolated the xyloglucan oligosaccharides XXXGXXXG and XLLGXLLG from NXET digests of tamarind seed xyloglucan, have modified them enzymatically using a pure xyloglucan oligosaccharide-specific alpha-xylosidase from nasturtium seeds to give GXXGXXXG and GLLGXLLG, and have identified and compared the products of NXET action on XXXGXXXG, GXXGXXXG, XLLGXLLG and GLLGXLLG. We have also compared the molar proportions of XXXG, XLXG, XXLG and XLLG in native tamarind and nasturtium seed xyloglucans with those in NXET digests of these polysaccharides. Using these and existing data we have demonstrated that NXET action does not require xylose-substitution at glucose residues -4, -2, +1 and +3 and that xylose substitution at +2, is a requirement. There may also be a requirement for xylose substitution at -3. We have demonstrated also that galactosyl substitution of a xylose residue at +1 prevents, and at -2 modifies, chain-cleavage. A partial model for the minimum substrate binding requirement of NXET is proposed.

Binding Sites↗

PubMed1988

Fucosylation of exogenous xyloglucans by pea microsomal membranes.

Microsomal membrane preparations from growing regions of etiolated pea stems catalyzed the transfer of [14C]fucosyl units from GDP-[U-14C]-L-fucose into exogenously added xyloglucan acceptors, as well as into endogenous xyloglucan. The transfer was more effective using nonfucosylated tamarind seed xyloglucan than with pea wall xyloglucan in which almost all galactose units are already fucosylated. Hydrolysis of products by endo-1,4-beta-D-glucanase yielded in each case radioactive nonasaccharide as the main fucosylated product. UDP-galactose enhanced the fucosylation of endogenous primer but it had little effect on fucosyl transfer to exogenously added xyloglucans. Low-molecular-weight nonfucosylated oligosaccharide fragments up to the octasaccharide Glc4Xyl3Gal (obtained by endoglucanase action on tamarind seed xyloglucan) were ineffectual as fucosyl acceptors but inhibited the fucosylation of endogenous as well as of added xyloglucan. With octasaccharide, the inhibition was competitive in relation to the xyloglucan acceptor (Ki = 70 microM) and noncompetitive in relation to the donor GDP-fucose (Ki = 210 microM). It is concluded that fucosyltransferase acts independently and in a noncoordinated manner from other glycosyltransferases that are required to synthesize xyloglucan. Its active site recognizes a fragment longer than the galactosylated octasaccharide unit before transfucosylation will ensue.

Fabaceae↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Lectins in fruits having gastrointestinal activity: their participation in the hemagglutinating property of Escherichia coli O157:H7.

BACKGROUND: In fruits with therapeutic properties for antidiarrheal and laxative uses, the presence of lectins may be the bioactive properties that interfere with bacterial adhesion, thought to be competition for glycoside signal sites in the attachment. METHODS: This study identifies lectins in crude extracts from fruits such as Tamarindus indica (tamarind), Spontia vulgaris (plum), Psidium guava (guava), Mangifera indica (mango), Cydonia vulgaris (quince), and Crataegus mexicanus (tejocote). To verify the procedures, extracts from Ricinus communis (castor bean), Glycine max (soybean), Phaseolus vulgaris (beans), Vicia fava (fava bean), and Solanum tuberosum (potato) were used as controls for lectin activity. Both sources of lectins were analyzed to determine their participation in the host-parasite interaction, using as a model the hemagglutinating properties of Escherichia coli O157:H7 (EHA). RESULTS: All extracts showed hemagglutination to group O erythrocytes test (HA) with the exception of mango. Two new galactose-specific lectins were identified from tamarind and guava. When analyzed for participation in EHA, only guava lectins inhibited this, while soybean lectin induced hemolysis; as both lectins bind to galactose, it is probable that their recognition occurs in different domains. Sugars involved in the attachment between Escherichia coli O157:H7 and red cells were identified and again, galactose in addition to mannose was found to be related in EHA. On the other hand, guava lectins also agglutinated E. coli O157:H7, perhaps due to the same galactose-specific lectin or to another type of lectin. CONCLUSIONS: In summary, guava has a galactose-specific lectin that prevents adhesion of E. coli O157:H7 to red cells; this lectin is mediated by galactose. Prevention could also be due to their capacity of agglutinating E. coli by guava lectins. Soybean lectin induced hemolysis only when bacteria was present, but not with floating secretions. This finding showed that guava is a source of lectin that can be explored to prevent adhesion of E. coli to epithelial intestinal cells; contrariwise, soya must be studied to see its participation in the uremia caused during E. coli O157:H7 pathogenesis.

Bacterial Adhesion↗

PubMed1993

Action of a pure xyloglucan endo-transglycosylase (formerly called xyloglucan-specific endo-(1-->4)-beta-D-glucanase) from the cotyledons of germinated nasturtium seeds.

The action on tamarind seed xyloglucan of the pure, xyloglucan-specific endo-(1-->4)-beta-D-glucanase from nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus L.) cotyledons has been compared with that of a pure endo-(1-->)-beta-D-glucanase ('cellulase') of fungal origin. The fungal enzyme hydrolysed the polysaccharide almost completely to a mixture of the four xyloglucan oligosaccharides: [formula: see text] Exhaustive digestion with the nasturtium enzyme gave the same four oligosaccharides plus large amounts of higher oligosaccharides and higher-polymeric material. Five of the product oligosaccharides (D, E, F, G, H) were purified and shown to be dimers of oligosaccharides A to C. D (glc8xyl6) had the structure A-->A, H (glc8xyl6 gal4) was C-->C, whereas E (glc8xyl6gal), F (glc8xyl6gal2) and G (glc8xyl6gal3) were mixtures of structural isomers with the appropriate composition. For example, F contained B2-->B2 (30%), A-->C (30%), C-->A (20%), B2-->B1 (15%) and others (about 5%). At moderate concentration (about 3 mM) oligosaccharides D to H were not further hydrolysed by the nasturtium enzyme, but underwent transglycosylation to give oligosaccharides from the group A, B, C, plus higher oligomeric structures. At lower substrate concentrations, hydrolysis was observed. Similarly, tamarind seed xyloglucan was hydrolysed to a greater extent at lower concentrations. It is concluded that the xyloglucan-specific nasturtium-seed endo-(1-->4)-beta-D-glucanase has a powerful xyloglucan-xyloglucan endo-transglycosylase activity in addition to its known xyloglucan-specific hydrolytic action. It would be more appropriately classified as a xyloglucan endo-transglycosylase. The action and specificity of the nasturtium enzyme are discussed in the context of xyloglucan metabolism in the cell walls of seeds and in other plant tissues.

Carbohydrate Sequence↗

PubMed2004

Effect of maturity and processing on total, insoluble and soluble dietary fiber contents of Indian green leafy vegetables.

Vegetables are very important in the diet and provide minerals, vitamins, antioxidants and fiber. A beneficial role of dietary fiber in human nutrition is known but the data on the effect of maturity and processing of Indian vegetables on dietary fiber and its fractions are not available. Hence, the present study was undertaken to generate data on total (TDF), insoluble (IDF) and soluble (SDF) dietary fiber contents of green leafy vegetables (GLV) and to assess the effect of leaf maturity and cooking on these parameters. Sixteen GLV (namely, agathi, alternanthera, amaranth, basella, cabbage, colocasia, coriander, curry leaves, drumstick, fenugreek, hibiscus, mint, portulaca, rumex, spinach and tender tamarind leaves) were analysed for TDF, IDF and SDF by the enzymatic and gravimetric method of the Association of Official Analytical Chemists. Among the GLV analysed, the TDF and IDF contents were the lowest (2.5 g% and 1.6 g%) in basella and were the highest (16.3 g% and 13.4 g%) in curry leaves. The SDF content ranged from 0.7 g% in spinach to 2.9 g% in curry leaves. The SDF as a percentage of the TDF ranged from 11.3% in tender tamarind leaves to 36.0% in basella, but the majority of GLV had around 25% of the TDF as SDF. Significant (P < 0.01) variation was observed between inter-species and intra-species in TDF, IDF and SDF contents of all the GLV. As the leaf matured from tender to mature and to coarse stage, the TDF and IDF contents of amaranth, basella, hibiscus, rumex and spinach increased significantly (P < 0.05), The SDF content significantly (P < 0.05) increased from tender to mature stage in all five GLV, but there was no further increase from mature to coarse stage except in rumex, where a significant (P < 0.01) increase (25%) was observed. Processing/cooking of GLV had no significant effect on their TDF, IDF and SDF contents.

Dietary Fiber↗

PubMed2000

Xyloglucan as a novel vehicle for timolol: pharmacokinetics and pressure lowering activity in rabbits.

This study was aimed at verifying the performances of a mucoadhesive polysaccharide from tamarind seed (xyloglucan or TSP, tamarind seed polysaccharide) as an adjuvant for ophthalmic vehicles containing timolol. Three formulations (one experimental vehicle based on TSP and two reference commercial eye drops) containing 5 mg/ml timolol base equivalents were administered to the eyes of pigmented rabbits. Drug concentrations in tear fluid, cornea, iris-ciliary body, aqueous humor and plasma were determined, as well as intraocular pressure. The polymer under investigation, in spite of a comparatively low viscosity, produced high timolol concentrations in the ocular tissues and a low systemic absorption. The performances of the TSP vehicle were comparable to those of a reference "in situ" gelling formulation (Timoptic XE). The results point to TSP as a potentially useful adjuvant for ophthalmic delivery systems.

Adrenergic beta-Antagonists↗

PubMed2005

Two new major subunits in the cellulosome of Clostridium thermocellum: xyloglucanase Xgh74A and endoxylanase Xyn10D.

The structure and enzymic activity of xyloglucanase Xgh74A and endoxylanase Xyn10D, components in the cellulosomes of cellulose-grown Clostridium thermocellum, were determined. Xyn10D is a thermostable endo-1,4-beta-xylanase with a module composition identical to Xyn10C (CBM22-GH10-Doc). It hydrolyses xylan and mixed-linkage 1,3-1,4-beta-glucan with a temperature optimum of 80 degrees C. Xyloglucanase Xgh74A contains a catalytic module of GHF74 in addition to a C-terminal dockerin module. It hydrolyses every fourth beta-1,4-glucan bond in the xyloglucan backbone, thus producing decorated cellotetraose units. Its low activity on CMC and lack of activity on amorphous cellulose indicates recognition of the xylosidic side chains present in xyloglucan, which is readily hydrolysed (295 U mg(-1)). The pattern of the hydrolysis products from tamarind xyloglucan resembles that of other GHF74 xyloglucan endoglucanases. The data indicate that Xgh74A and Xyn10D contribute to the in vivo degradation of the hemicelluloses xyloglucan and xylan by the cellulosome of C. thermocellum. Xgh74A is the first xyloglucanase identified in C. thermocellum and the only enzyme in the cellulosome that hydrolyses tamarind xyloglucan.

Catalytic Domain↗

PubMed1996

alpha-L-fucosyltransferases from radish primary roots.

A novel alpha-L-fucosyltransferase capable of transferring L-fucose (L-Fuc) from GDP-L-Fuc to the O-2 of alpha-L-arabinofuranosyl residue (GDP-L-Fuc:alpha-L-arabinofuranoside 2-alpha-L-fucosyltransferase) has been found in the microsomal fraction of primary roots from 6-d-old radish (Raphanus sativus L.) seedlings. Enzyme activity was measured fluorometrically at 25 degrees C using a pyridylaminated trisaccharide, L-arabinofuranosylf alpha(1-->3)D-galactopyranosyl beta(1-->6)D-galactose (AraGalGal-PA) as the acceptor. This enzyme found in the microsomal fraction is maximally active at pH 6.8 and requires 0.1% (w/v) Zwittergent 3-16 and 5 mM Mn2+. Chemical and enzymatic analyses of fucosylated AraGalGal-PA confirmed the attachment of L-Fuc to the L-arabinofuranosyl (L-Araf) residue at O-2 by alpha-glycosidic linkage. Radiolabeling was used to assay L-Fuc transfer to L-Araf-containing galacto-oligomers and tamarind xyloglucan. The enzyme specific for the L-Araf residue undergoes development- and organ-specific expression in root tissue, whereas the L-Fuc transfer to tamarind xyloglucan can be detected in microsomal fractions from various organs in developing radish plants. Enzyme assays of membranes fractionated from microsomal fractions revealed that two distinct alpha-L-fucosyltransferases with different acceptor specificity are associated with Golgi membranes from primary roots, whereas hypocotyl Golgi membranes completely lack the enzyme specific for the L-Araf residue.

Carbohydrate Sequence↗

PubMed1978

The nature of a primary feeding habit in different age-sex classes of yellow baboons (Papio cynocephalus).

Two feeding habits of 30 baboons selected equally from five age-sex classes were studied at Mikumi National Park, Tanzania. The finding, gathering, and preparing of sedge corms and of seeds of tamarind fruit were described in detail. Adults obtained these foods faster than younger animals, although even small juveniles and weaned infants were efficient in gathering and preparing them. While gathering sedges or tamarinds, adult males sat in one place longer than others and obtained more food per sitting. Adults ate more pieces of food per minute than juveniles, but adult rates of eating did not differ by sex. The adult rate of food intake was inconsistent with the assumption of different food requirements for males and females of a species with pronounced sexual dimorphism.

Age Factors↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Rufloxacin eyedrops: effect of different formulations on ocular pharmacokinetics in rabbits.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the aqueous humor pharmacokinetics of rufloxacin in rabbits after topical administration of different formulations, and to individuate the ones showing the best pharmacokinetic profile. METHODS: Six formulations were instilled in rabbit eyes: two pH 7.2 suspensions of non-salified rufloxacin base, or zwitterion (RUF), one of which was viscosized with tamarind seed polysaccharide (TSP); two pH 7.2 solutions of RUF obtained using hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin (CD), one of which was viscosized with TSP; and two pH 5.0 solutions of rufloxacin hydrochloride (RUF-HCl ), one of which was viscosized with TSP. At different times after administration, samples of aqueous humor were withdrawn and analyzed by high-pressure liquid chromatography. The main pharmacokinetic parameters of RUF in the aqueous humor produced by the different formulations were calculated and statistical differences were assessed. RESULTS: The best results, in terms of aqueous humor bioavailability, were observed with two TSP-viscosized formulations: a solution of the hydrochloride (TSP/RUF-HCl) and a suspension of the base (TSP/RUF), followed by the non-viscosized solution of RUF-HCl. The formulations containing CD-solubilized RUF were much less effective. CONCLUSIONS: The present data confirm the significant availability-enhancing properties of tamarind seed polysaccharide, and indicate that solubilization of RUF with hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin (CD/RUF) results in decreased drug availability with respect to standard formulations. Two of the TSP-viscosized formulations (RUF suspension and RUF-HCl solution) produced aqueous humor RUF concentrations in the range of activity against Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, thus warranting further studies on applications of rufloxacin in ocular therapy.

2-Hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin↗

PubMed1989

Influence of spices and spice principles on hepatic mixed function oxygenase system in rats.

The status of hepatic mixed function oxygenase system (MFOS) was investigated in rats fed spice principles: capsaicin, piperine and curcumin, as well as spices: cumin, ginger, fenugreek, cinnamon, asafoetida, mustard and tamarind at two dietary levels each. Liver microsomal cytochrome P450-dependent aryl hydroxylase was generally stimulated by these spice principles and spices. Cumin, ginger and fenugreek also stimulated the levels of cytochrome P450 and cytochrome b5 and cumin and tamarind stimulated N-demethylase activity. NADPH-cytochrome c reductase and glucuronyl transferase activities, however, remained unaffected by the spices tested.

Animals↗

PubMed1998

Potassium contents of northeastern Thai foods.

From our previous nutritional assessment, low potassium (K) intake among northeastern Thai males has been clearly demonstrated. This prompted us to undertake a survey of the K content of local foods. Food samples comprised of 57 animal and 142 plant products which were collected from various places in the northeast of Thailand. The dry ashing method was used to prepare the samples for K analysis using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Foods could be divided into 7 groups according to their K levels. Foods containing K > or = 1000 mg per 100 g fresh food were categorized in group 1. These were mainly foods in the legume group, i.e., soybean, cowpea and mungbean. While rice (polished) and rice products, the main staple, were in group 7, the lowest K group of less than 100 mg per 100 g fresh food. Comparison studies of the natural foods between those collected from the northeast and from the central regions of the country, and between the cooked foods purchased from the rural villages and from the urban areas of Khon Kaen municipality, showed that, for most food items, the K content was similar wherever it came from. However, when the K content in various parts or in different stages of growth of the same kind of plants or animals was compared, a great variation was clearly seen, for example, young tamarind leaves contained K in group 6 whereas ripe tamarind fruit contained K in group 1. According to our food consumption data, the analysis of food components of 48 meals taken during the hot season by 13 rural volunteers revealed that food items eaten with the highest frequencies and in the largest amount were those in the low K food groups, i.e., glutinous rice (group 7) and green papaya (group 6). Our results suggest that the low K intake of these northeast rural Thai people is not due to a low K content of foods in this region, but rather that their food habits and low socioeconomic status restricts consumption of those food items with higher K contents.

Feeding Behavior↗

PubMed1998

Influence of different glycosidic linkages on relative ion intensities in post-source decay fragmentation of a xyloglucan heptaoligosaccharide using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry.

Post-source decay fragment analysis using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOFMS) has been applied to a highly branched xyloglucan heptasaccharide from tamarind seed. All fragment ions were produced by cleavage of the glycosidic linkages, including multi-site cleavages. The relative intensities of fragment ions that originated from one-site cleavages of the glycosidic linkages were much higher than those arising from two-site cleavages of the same kind of glycosidic linkage, which were in turn higher than those from three-site cleavages. The types of glycosidic linkages were an important factor which influenced the relative intensities of the MALDI-PSD (post-source decay) fragment ions. In the MALDI-PSD fragment spectrum of the xyloglucan heptasaccharide, the relative intensities of the ions produced by the cleavage of an alpha 1-6 glycosidic linkage were much higher than those arising from cleavage of the beta 1-4 glycosidic linkage.

Carbohydrate Sequence↗

PubMed1999

Antimicrobial screening of some Indian spices.

In India, spices have been traditionally used since ancient times, for the preservation of food products as they have been reported to have antiseptic and disinfectant properties. In this respect, a preliminary screening for antimicrobial activities of 35 different Indian spices has been carried out. Of the spices surveyed, the results indicate that clove, cinnamon, bishop's weed, chilli, horse raddish, cumin, tamarind, black cumin, pomegranate seeds, nutmeg, garlic, onion, tejpat, celery, cambodge, have potent antimicrobial activities against the test organisms Bacillus subtilis (ATCC 6633), Escherichia coli (ATCC 10536) and Saccharomyces cerevisiae (ATCC 9763). The results also establish the traditional use of spices as food preservatives, disinfectants and antiseptics.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗

PubMed2007

The relation between phosphine sorption and terminal gas concentrations in successful fumigation of food commodities.

Owing to increased tolerance and the development of resistance in stored product insects to the fumigant phosphine, in recent years there has been a shift in the target terminal concentration from 100 ppm (100 mL m(-3)) to a higher level of 1000 ppm to achieve 100% insect mortality in 7 day commodity treatments. Therefore, there is a need to investigate whether the revised target concentration could be achieved for food commodities fumigated with phosphine at the standard dose of 2 g m(-3) for 7 days under airtight conditions at > or = 25 degrees C. When different types of food commodity (total 74) were fumigated (300 g per replicate) with phosphine at 2 g m(-3) for 7 days, the terminal gas concentrations in the free space of the commodities varied from 0 to > 2000 ppm. In chambers containing no substrate, a 1417 ppm concentration was recorded. Paddy rice, most of the oilseeds, shelled tree nuts, butter beans, cardamom, green gram splits, coriander powder, rice bran and cocoa powder were more sorptive (> or =60%), such that the target concentration of 1000 ppm was not achieved at the end of 7 days. For these commodities, increased doses of 3-6 g m(-3) were required to attain 1000 ppm. In-shell almonds, green cardamom, in-shell peanuts, leaf tea, tamarind pulp and sunflower seeds were exceptionally sorptive (>90%), so that 0, 41, 112, 168, 203 and 217 ppm respectively were noted at the end of 7 days; the dose must exceed 6 g m(-3) for effective fumigation of these commodities.

Adsorption↗

PubMed2006

The anti-snake venom properties of Tamarindus indica (leguminosae) seed extract.

In Indian traditional medicine, various plants have been used widely as a remedy for treating snake bites. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Tamarindus indica seed extract on the pharmacological as well as the enzymatic effects induced by V. russelli venom. Tamarind seed extract inhibited the PLA(2), protease, hyaluronidase, l-amino acid oxidase and 5'-nucleotidase enzyme activities of venom in a dose-dependent manner. These are the major hydrolytic enzymes responsible for the early effects of envenomation, such as local tissue damage, inflammation and hypotension. Furthermore, the extract neutralized the degradation of the Bbeta chain of human fibrinogen and indirect hemolysis caused by venom. It was also observed that the extract exerted a moderate effect on the clotting time, prolonging it only to a small extent. Edema, hemorrhage and myotoxic effects including lethality, induced by venom were neutralized significantly when different doses of the extract were preincubated with venom before the assays. On the other hand, animals that received extract 10 min after the injection of venom were protected from venom induced toxicity. Since it inhibits hydrolytic enzymes and pharmacological effects, it may be used as an alternative treatment to serum therapy and, in addition, as a rich source of potential inhibitors of PLA(2), metalloproteinases, serine proteases, hyaluronidases and 5 cent-nucleotidases, the enzymes involved in several physiopathological human and animal diseases.

Animals↗