Lipases and proteases inhibition by Averrhoa carambola L. fruit extracts

Abstract

Background: Proteases and phospholipases A2 are involved in processes related to hemostasis. Medicinal plants which contain bioactive phytochemicals, can act as enzymatic modulators. Method: In this study, the chemical composition and pharmacological potential exerted by the aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Averrhoa carambola L. fruits were evaluated on the activity of phospholipases and proteases present in the Bothrops, Crotalus durissus terrificus (C.d.t.), and Lachesis muta snake venoms. Results: In the extracts were identified phenolic compounds, which are possibly responsible for the inhibition of the phospholipase (20–50%), hemolytic, and fibrinogenolytic (up to 100%) activities. The aqueous extract presented a pro-coagulant activity on the C.d.t. venom and anti-coagulant on the B. atrox venom. The thrombolytic activity was inhibited (above 20%) only when induced by L. muta venom. The thrombolysis induced by the Bothrops sp. venoms was potentiated by the two extracts evaluated. Conclusions: Both extracts presented pharmacological activity modulating the activity of toxins.

Keywords

• Medicinal plants
• Toxins as tools
• Phenolic compounds
• Phospholipases A2, Proteases
• Fruit toxicology