| Summary: | Background: Teas from aerial parts of Heterothalamus alienus are traditionally used in Southern Brazil for the treatment of snakebite. Purpose: In this study, we evaluated the protective effect of aqueous extract of H. alienus (ExHa) against Philodryas patagoniensis venom (PpV). Chemical composition, as well as antioxidant and toxicological potential of the ExHa were also evaluated. Methods: Colorimetric assays characterized the profile and antioxidant potential of extract after decoction of its leaves and lyophilization. In addition, HPLC-DAD allowed to identify some compounds. We used the Artemia salina model and canine leukocytes to test the toxicological potential of ExHa. Finally, in vitro protective effect of ExHa against PpV was verified in mononuclear leukocytes. Results: ExHa presented high polyphenols levels, among these, rutin, quercetin, and ferulic acid. Moreover, the extract showed antioxidant activity (TAC, DPPH•, ABTS•+), including decreased ferrous-induced lipoperoxidation in brain and liver tissues. Contributing to these data, ExHa was nontoxic in A. salina (LD50 = 5,140 µg. ml−1) but increased cell death and generated genotoxicity from 100 µg. ml−1. Hence, we used 10 µg. ml−1 to evaluate antivenom activity, which protected the cells against cytotoxicity triggered by PpV. Conclusion: We conclude that ExHa presents antioxidant capacity, which can be related to protection against PpV. This fact opens new perspectives for the use of teas or similar in the treatment adjacent to antivenom against snakebite. However, its high concentrations can be toxic, and we must ensure its safe use.
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