Antiophidic Potential of Galactia glaucescens Kunt (Leguminosae)

The great diversity of plant species in the Brazilian cerrado biome means that there is a great potential for biologically active molecules. However, over the last 40 years, this biome has been degraded, mainly due to the growing expansion of agricultural activities, the construction of hydroelectric dams, among others. As well as causing irreparable ecological changes, this has also led to an increase in the number of wild animals in urban areas, such as venomous animals, creating a serious public health problem. Envenomations caused by venomous snakes are characterized by a complex pathophysiology that ranges from local effects to systemic alterations. In this context, antivenom phytotherapy stands out as a target of research in the search for alternative substances for antivenom treatment. The G. glaucescens species was selected from an ethnobotanical survey based on the empirical knowledge of healers belonging to the Barra D’Aroeira - TO black remnant community. The aim of this study was to evaluate in vitro the antiophidic effect of the ethanolic extract of G. glaucescens on mouse neuromuscular preparations.