Citation

Panfoli I, Calzia D, Ravera S, Morelli A. Toxins (Basel) 2010; 2(4): 417-427.

Affiliation

Department of Biology, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV 3, 16132 Genova, Italy; Email: dcalzia@gmail.com (D.C.); silvia.ravera@gmail.com (S.R.); morellia@unige.it (A.M.).

Copyright

(Copyright © 2010, MDPI: Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute)

DOI

10.3390/toxins2040417

PMID

22069593

PMCID

PMC3153198

Abstract

Snake venoms are complex toxin mixtures. Viperidae and Crotalidae venoms, which are hemotoxic, are responsible for most of the envenomations around the world. Administration of antivenins aimed at the neutralization of toxins in humans is prone to potential risks. Neutralization of snake venom toxins has been achieved through different approaches: plant extracts have been utilized in etnomedicine. Direct electric current from low voltage showed neutralizing properties against venom phospholipase A2 and metalloproteases. This mini-review summarizes new achievements in venom key component inhibition. A deeper knowledge of alternative ways to inhibit venom toxins may provide supplemental treatments to serum therapy.

Language: en