ACID PHOSPHATASE FROM SCORPION VENOM: CHARACTERIZATION AND INHIBITION BY Boswellia Dalzielii AND Bauhinia Rufescens METHANOLIC EXTRACTS

H. Zanna, Y. Tijani, C. Chidiebere and A. Daniel

Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science

University of Maiduguri P.M.B. 1069, Maiduguri, Nigeria.

E-mail : zannahassan@yahoo.co.uk

ABSTRACT

Partial characterization of Opisthacanthus capensis venom acid phosphatase and inhibitory effects of methanolic extracts of Boswellia dalzielii and bauhinia rufescens on the venom enzyme were reported. Acid phosphatase from O. capensis  venom had pH and temperature optima of 6 and 30°C respectively with an activation energy of 0.13 J/mol. The O. capensis venom acid phosphatase also displayed  Km, Vmax and Kcat of 0.29 mg/ml, 0.0286 µmol/min and 0.10 min-1 respectively. Different concentrations (0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 mg/ml) of the methanolic  extracts of stem and root barks of B. dalzielii and B. rufescens inhibited O. capensis acid phosphatase activity respectively with the extracts from the both plants displaying a mixed non-competitive inhibition pattern and a  decrease in the computed index of efficiency (Kcat). This study provides some scientific basis for the use of these plants by the herbalists in the management of poisonous scorpion bites.


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