Study of the effect of lipid extract of Eryx snakes on the course of aseptic inflammation.

Ethnopharmacological Relevance: Since ancient times, snakes have been closely associated with medicine and healing, symbolizing regeneration and therapeutic power in various cultures. Traditional medicine in Uzbekistan has long utilized snake-derived treatments, particularly from the genus Eryx, for a wide range of ailments, including inflammatory diseases, respiratory conditions, and skin disorders. Inflammation is a key pathological process underlying numerous diseases, often treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which pose risks of adverse effects. This study investigates the anti-inflammatory potential of the lipid extract of Eryx snakes (LEES) METHODS: LEES was obtained through controlled autolysis and lipid extraction from captive-bred Eryx snakes. Its chemical composition was analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Anti-inflammatory properties were evaluated in white male rats using models of carrageenan- and dextran-induced paw edema, cotton granuloma, and acetic acid-induced tissue alteration. COX-1 and COX-2 enzymatic activity assays were performed to determine selectivity.

Results: LEES produced significant dose-dependent anti-exudative effects, reducing carrageenan-induced paw edema by 27.4 % (10 mg/kg), 37.8 % (20 mg/kg), and 52.3 % (50 mg/kg) at 4 h (p < 0.05 vs control). In the dextran model, edema inhibition reached 48.6 % at the highest dose. Granuloma weight decreased by 18.9 %, 26.1 %, and 37.7 % across the same dose range (p < 0.05). In the tissue necrosis model, planimetric analysis revealed a reduction in necrotic area by 31.2 %-37.0 % over 28 days. LEES selectively inhibited COX-2 activity in vivo, without significantly affecting COX-1, indicating a favorable selectivity profile.

Conclusion: LEES demonstrates broad-spectrum anti-inflammatory activity, significantly reducing exudation, granulomatous proliferation, and tissue alteration. Its selective COX-2 inhibition suggests a favorable safety profile compared to traditional NSAIDs. These findings support the ethnopharmacological use of Eryx-derived lipids and warrant further clinical evaluation.