Inhibition of Naja naja Venom Hyaluronidase by Plant-Derived Bioactive Components and Polysaccharides

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K. S. Girish and K. Kemparaju^*

Department of Biochemistry, University of Mysore, Mysore 570 006, India; E-mail: kemparaj@rediffmail.com

^* To whom correspondence should be addressed.

Received February 17, 2005; Revision received March 24, 2005

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The inhibitory effect of several bioactive compounds on the activity of hyaluronidase enzyme purified from Naja naja venom was investigated in vitro. Compounds were found to inhibit the hyaluronidase activity dose dependently. Among glycosaminoglycans, heparin, heparan sulfate, and dermatan sulfate showed maximum inhibition compared to chondroitin sulfates. Different molecular forms of chitosan inhibit the enzyme, and inhibition appears to depend on the chain length. In addition, plant-derived bioactive compounds also inhibited the activity of hyaluronidase dose dependently. Among those tested, aristolochic acid, indomethacin, quercetin, curcumin, tannic acid, and flavone exhibited inhibition, with aristolochic acid and quercetin completely inhibiting the enzyme activity. It is concluded that the inhibitors of hyaluronidase could be used as potent first aid agents in snakebite therapy. Furthermore, these inhibitors not only reduce the local tissue damage but also retard the easy diffusion of systemic toxins and hence increase survival time.

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KEY WORDS: hyaluronidase, inhibitors, spreading factor, Naja naja venom

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