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Histological Study of Glandular Variability in the Skin of the Natterjack Toad—Epidalea calamita (Laurenti, 1768)—Used in Spanish Historical Ethnoveterinary Medicine and Ethnomedicine. Vet Sci 2022; 9:vetsci9080423. [PMID: 36006338 PMCID: PMC9414601 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci9080423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 07/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Common toads, including the natterjack toad (Epidalea calamita), have been used since ancient times for remedies, and thus constitute excellent biological material for pharmacological and natural product research. After a previous analysis of the historical-folk therapeutic use of amphibians in Spain, a histological study was carried out to provide a complementary ethnopharmacological view through the analysis of the integumentary heterogeneity of the serous (venom) and mucous glands from two adult specimens. Plastic-embedded semi-thin sections showed that serous/venom glands are cytologically homogeneous in spite of their genetic and biochemical complexity, leading to a cocktail that remains stored until extrusion. On the contrary, mucous glands, working continuously, show a more complex cytological variation and regional heterogeneity, which suggests an adaptive variability, leading to an invisible topographic map of skin toxicity. Natterjack toad-based folk remedies are usually extracted from the whole animal as a therapeutic unit in ethnoveterinary practice. However, a new ethnopharmacological vision could emerge from the study of tegumentary regional variation. Abstract Common toads have been used since ancient times for remedies and thus constitute excellent biological material for pharmacological and natural product research. According to the results of a previous analysis of the therapeutic use of amphibians in Spain, we decided to carry out a histological study that provides a complementary view of their ethnopharmacology, through the natterjack toad (Epidalea calamita). This species possesses a characteristic integument, where the parotoid glands stand out, and it has been used in different ethnoveterinary and ethnomedical practices. This histological study of their glandular variability allow us to understand the stages through which the animal synthesises and stores a heterogeneous glandular content according to the areas of the body and the functional moment of the glands. To study tegumentary cytology, a high-resolution, plastic embedding, semi-thin (1 micron) section method was applied. Up to 20 skin patches sampled from the dorsal and ventral sides were processed from the two adult specimens collected, which were roadkill. Serous/venom glands display a genetic and biochemical complexity, leading to a cocktail that remains stored (and perhaps changes over time) until extrusion, but mucous glands, working continuously to produce a surface protection layer, also produce a set of active protein (and other) substances that dissolve into mucous material, making a biologically active covering. This study provides a better understanding of the use of traditional remedies in ethnoveterinary medicine.
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Oliveira RS, Borges BT, Leal AP, Lailowski MM, Bordon KDCF, de Souza VQ, Vinadé L, dos Santos TG, Hyslop S, Moura S, Arantes EC, Corrado AP, Dal Belo CA. Chemical and Pharmacological Screening of Rhinella icterica (Spix 1824) Toad Parotoid Secretion in Avian Preparations. Toxins (Basel) 2020; 12:E396. [PMID: 32549266 PMCID: PMC7354542 DOI: 10.3390/toxins12060396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Revised: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The biological activity of Rhinella icterica parotoid secretion (RIPS) and some of its chromatographic fractions (RI18, RI19, RI23, and RI24) was evaluated in the current study. Mass spectrometry of these fractions indicated the presence of sarmentogenin, argentinogenin, (5β,12β)-12,14-dihydroxy-11-oxobufa-3,20,22-trienolide, marinobufagin, bufogenin B, 11α,19-dihydroxy-telocinobufagin, bufotalin, monohydroxylbufotalin, 19-oxo-cinobufagin, 3α,12β,25,26-tetrahydroxy-7-oxo-5β-cholestane-26-O-sulfate, and cinobufagin-3-hemisuberate that were identified as alkaloid and steroid compounds, in addition to marinoic acid and N-methyl-5-hydroxy-tryptamine. In chick brain slices, all fractions caused a slight decrease in cell viability, as also seen with the highest concentration of RIPS tested. In chick biventer cervicis neuromuscular preparations, RIPS and all four fractions significantly inhibited junctional acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity. In this preparation, only fraction RI23 completely mimicked the pharmacological profile of RIPS, which included a transient facilitation in the amplitude of muscle twitches followed by progressive and complete neuromuscular blockade. Mass spectrometric analysis showed that RI23 consisted predominantly of bufogenins, a class of steroidal compounds known for their cardiotonic activity mediated by a digoxin- or ouabain-like action and the blockade of voltage-dependent L-type calcium channels. These findings indicate that the pharmacological activities of RI23 (and RIPS) are probably mediated by: (1) inhibition of AChE activity that increases the junctional content of Ach; (2) inhibition of neuronal Na+/K+-ATPase, leading to facilitation followed by neuromuscular blockade; and (3) blockade of voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels, leading to stabilization of the motor endplate membrane.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Soares Oliveira
- Laboratório de Neurobiologia e Toxinologia, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas (PPGCB), Universidade Federal do Pampa (UNIPAMPA), Avenida Antônio Trilha 1847, São Gabriel RS 97300-000, Brazil; (R.S.O.); (B.T.B.); (A.P.L.); (V.Q.d.S.)
| | - Bruna Trindade Borges
- Laboratório de Neurobiologia e Toxinologia, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas (PPGCB), Universidade Federal do Pampa (UNIPAMPA), Avenida Antônio Trilha 1847, São Gabriel RS 97300-000, Brazil; (R.S.O.); (B.T.B.); (A.P.L.); (V.Q.d.S.)
| | - Allan Pinto Leal
- Laboratório de Neurobiologia e Toxinologia, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas (PPGCB), Universidade Federal do Pampa (UNIPAMPA), Avenida Antônio Trilha 1847, São Gabriel RS 97300-000, Brazil; (R.S.O.); (B.T.B.); (A.P.L.); (V.Q.d.S.)
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas: Bioquímica Toxicológica (PPGBTox), Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Avenida Roraima 1000, Santa Maria RS 97105-900, Brazil
| | - Manuela Merlin Lailowski
- Laboratório de Biotecnologia de Produtos Naturais e Sintéticos, Instituto de Biotecnologia, Universidade de Caxias do Sul (UCS), Rua Francisco Getúlio Vargas 1130, Caxias do Sul RS 95070-560, Brazil; (M.M.L.); (S.M.)
| | - Karla de Castro Figueiredo Bordon
- Departamento de Ciências BioMoleculares, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), Avenida do Café, s/n, Ribeirão Preto SP 14.040-903, Brazil; (K.d.C.F.B.); (E.C.A.)
| | - Velci Queiróz de Souza
- Laboratório de Neurobiologia e Toxinologia, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas (PPGCB), Universidade Federal do Pampa (UNIPAMPA), Avenida Antônio Trilha 1847, São Gabriel RS 97300-000, Brazil; (R.S.O.); (B.T.B.); (A.P.L.); (V.Q.d.S.)
| | - Lúcia Vinadé
- Laboratório de Neurobiologia e Toxinologia, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas (PPGCB), Universidade Federal do Pampa (UNIPAMPA), Avenida Antônio Trilha 1847, São Gabriel RS 97300-000, Brazil; (R.S.O.); (B.T.B.); (A.P.L.); (V.Q.d.S.)
| | - Tiago Gomes dos Santos
- Laboratório de Estudos em Biodiversidade Pampiana, Universidade Federal do Pampa (UNIPAMPA), Avenida Antônio Trilha 1847, São Gabriel RS 97300-000, Brazil;
| | - Stephen Hyslop
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Rua Tessália Vieira de Camargo, 126, Cidade Universitária Zeferino Vaz, Campinas SP 13083-887, Brazil;
| | - Sidnei Moura
- Laboratório de Biotecnologia de Produtos Naturais e Sintéticos, Instituto de Biotecnologia, Universidade de Caxias do Sul (UCS), Rua Francisco Getúlio Vargas 1130, Caxias do Sul RS 95070-560, Brazil; (M.M.L.); (S.M.)
| | - Eliane Candiani Arantes
- Departamento de Ciências BioMoleculares, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), Avenida do Café, s/n, Ribeirão Preto SP 14.040-903, Brazil; (K.d.C.F.B.); (E.C.A.)
| | - Alexandre Pinto Corrado
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), Avenida Bandeirantes 3900, Ribeirão Preto SP 14040-030, Brazil;
| | - Cháriston A. Dal Belo
- Laboratório de Neurobiologia e Toxinologia, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas (PPGCB), Universidade Federal do Pampa (UNIPAMPA), Avenida Antônio Trilha 1847, São Gabriel RS 97300-000, Brazil; (R.S.O.); (B.T.B.); (A.P.L.); (V.Q.d.S.)
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas: Bioquímica Toxicológica (PPGBTox), Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Avenida Roraima 1000, Santa Maria RS 97105-900, Brazil
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Ríos-Orjuela JC, Falcón-Espitia N, Arias-Escobar A, Espejo-Uribe MJ, Chamorro-Vargas CT. Knowledge and interactions of the local community with the herpetofauna in the forest reserve of Quininí (Tibacuy-Cundinamarca, Colombia). JOURNAL OF ETHNOBIOLOGY AND ETHNOMEDICINE 2020; 16:17. [PMID: 32293483 PMCID: PMC7161309 DOI: 10.1186/s13002-020-00370-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2019] [Accepted: 04/07/2020] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The study of human-nature relationship has made possible to understand the life dynamics of the communities and the biodiversity with which they cohabit. Although there has been a rise of ethnobiological studies over the last decade, little is known about human interaction with herpetofauna in South America and Colombia. In this work, we analyzed the knowledge, perception, and interaction of a local community located in the forest reserve of Quininí (RFPCQ) in Cundinamarca (Colombia), concerning to the herpetofauna that inhabits the area. METHODS We performed semi-structured surveys containing 30 questions categorized into three groups: academic knowledge (1), use and cultural beliefs (2), and interactions (3) related to the herpetofauna that occurs in the region. The obtained data in question groups 1 and 2 are presented as a qualitative summary. For the question group 3, we assigned the answers to a hostility value according to the possible reaction of each individual interviewed in a hypothetical encounter with the herpetofauna and built tendency charts in order to see the positive or negative reactions due to the birthplace (urban/rural) and gender (male/female). RESULTS The community recognized the presence of amphibians and reptiles that cohabit their space, as well as their potential habitats. Besides, the role of herpetofauna was recognized in the magical/religious traditions for some inhabitants of the region, mainly associated with the fate and cure of chronic diseases. In general, the perception of amphibians and reptiles varied according to the origin and gender of the people, which tend to have a more positive perception of reptiles than compared to amphibians in most cases. CONCLUSIONS Although there was a general lack of knowledge on the part of the inhabitants of the RFPCQ about the biological and ecological aspects of herpetofauna, the population recognized the basic information about the habitats of these animals within the reserve area. There is a wide variety of uses of amphibians and reptiles in traditional medicine. Greater efforts should be made in the transmission and dissemination of knowledge about the ecological functions of herpetofauna.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Camilo Ríos-Orjuela
- Museu de Zoologia da Universidade de São Paulo, Avenida Nazaré 481, Ipiranga, São Paulo, SP, CEP 04263-000, Brazil.
- Grupo de Morfología y Ecología Evolutiva, Instituto de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Sede Bogotá, Apartado, 7495, Bogotá D.C., Colombia.
| | - Nelson Falcón-Espitia
- Laboratorio de Ecología Evolutiva, Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Sede Bogotá, Ciudad Universitaria, Bogotá D.C., 11001, Colombia
- Grupo estudiantil de Herpetología, Área curricular de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Sede Bogotá, Ciudad Universitaria, Bogotá D.C., 11001, Colombia
| | - Alejandra Arias-Escobar
- Grupo estudiantil de Herpetología, Área curricular de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Sede Bogotá, Ciudad Universitaria, Bogotá D.C., 11001, Colombia
| | - María José Espejo-Uribe
- Grupo de Biodiversidad y Conservación Genética, Instituto de Genética, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Sede Bogotá, Ciudad Universitaria, Bogotá D.C., 11001, Colombia
| | - Carol Tatiana Chamorro-Vargas
- Grupo estudiantil de Herpetología, Área curricular de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Sede Bogotá, Ciudad Universitaria, Bogotá D.C., 11001, Colombia
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Yang F, Ding F, Chen H, He M, Zhu S, Ma X, Jiang L, Li H. DNA Barcoding for the Identification and Authentication of Animal Species in Traditional Medicine. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE : ECAM 2018; 2018:5160254. [PMID: 29849709 PMCID: PMC5937547 DOI: 10.1155/2018/5160254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2017] [Accepted: 03/11/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Animal-based traditional medicine not only plays a significant role in therapeutic practices worldwide but also provides a potential compound library for drug discovery. However, persistent hunting and illegal trade markedly threaten numerous medicinal animal species, and increasing demand further provokes the emergence of various adulterants. As the conventional methods are difficult and time-consuming to detect processed products or identify animal species with similar morphology, developing novel authentication methods for animal-based traditional medicine represents an urgent need. During the last decade, DNA barcoding offers an accurate and efficient strategy that can identify existing species and discover unknown species via analysis of sequence variation in a standardized region of DNA. Recent studies have shown that DNA barcoding as well as minibarcoding and metabarcoding is capable of identifying animal species and discriminating the authentics from the adulterants in various types of traditional medicines, including raw materials, processed products, and complex preparations. These techniques can also be used to detect the unlabelled and threatened animal species in traditional medicine. Here, we review the recent progress of DNA barcoding for the identification and authentication of animal species used in traditional medicine, which provides a reference for quality control and trade supervision of animal-based traditional medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Yang
- Institute of Forensic Science, Ministry of Public Security, Beijing 100038, China
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Crime Scene Evidence Examination, Institute of Forensic Science, Beijing 100038, China
| | - Fei Ding
- Center for Bioresources & Drug Discovery and School of Biosciences & Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China
| | - Hong Chen
- Center for Bioresources & Drug Discovery and School of Biosciences & Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China
| | - Mingqi He
- Center for Bioresources & Drug Discovery and School of Biosciences & Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China
| | - Shixin Zhu
- Center for Bioresources & Drug Discovery and School of Biosciences & Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China
| | - Xin Ma
- Institute of Forensic Science, Ministry of Public Security, Beijing 100038, China
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Crime Scene Evidence Examination, Institute of Forensic Science, Beijing 100038, China
| | - Li Jiang
- Institute of Forensic Science, Ministry of Public Security, Beijing 100038, China
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Crime Scene Evidence Examination, Institute of Forensic Science, Beijing 100038, China
| | - Haifeng Li
- Center for Bioresources & Drug Discovery and School of Biosciences & Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China
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Vallejo JR, Santos-Fita D, González JA. The therapeutic use of the dog in Spain: a review from a historical and cross-cultural perspective of a change in the human-dog relationship. JOURNAL OF ETHNOBIOLOGY AND ETHNOMEDICINE 2017; 13:47. [PMID: 28835259 PMCID: PMC5569528 DOI: 10.1186/s13002-017-0175-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2017] [Accepted: 07/31/2017] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
In Spain, studies about traditional knowledge related to biodiversity have focused on vascular plants. For this reason, our review concentrates on the identification and inventory of zootherapeutic resources, particularly those involving the dog (Canis lupus familiaris Linnaeus, 1758) throughout the twentieth century to the present. A qualitative systematic review in the fields of ethnomedicine, ethnozoology and folklore was made. Automated searches in the most important databases and digital libraries were performed. All related works were examined thoroughly and information was obtained from 55 documentary sources. We have listed a total of 63 remedies to treat and/or prevent 49 human illnesses and conditions. In 20 of the documented reports the whole animal was used and the use of pups was recommended in 12 cases. Saliva was the healing element in 10 remedies, and faeces were the therapeutic basis for nine, while bitch's milk was for seven of them. Skin, fur and meat were next in significance. Currently, healing remedies based on the use of the dog are not part of Spanish ethnomedicine and considering them so would be ahistorical. Indeed, the custom of allowing a dog to lick one's wounds to assist in their healing and cicatrisation has survived in only a few groups of people. However, we can state that the ethnomedical use of the dog exists and has been transferred to "animal-assisted therapy".
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Affiliation(s)
- José Ramón Vallejo
- Área de Didáctica de las Ciencias Experimentales, Equipo de Historia de la Ciencia y Antropología de la Salud, Facultad de Educación, Universidad de Extremadura, E-06006 Badajoz, Spain
| | - Dídac Santos-Fita
- Centro de Investigación en Ciencias Biológicas Aplicadas, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México, Avda. Instituto Literario 100, Colonia Centro, CP 50000 Toluca, Estado de México Mexico
| | - José Antonio González
- Grupo de Investigación de Recursos Etnobiológicos del Duero-Douro (GRIRED), Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Salamanca, E-37071 Salamanca, Spain
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González JA, Amich F, Postigo-Mota S, Vallejo JR. The use of wild vertebrates in contemporary Spanish ethnoveterinary medicine. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2016; 191:135-151. [PMID: 27288756 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2016.06.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2016] [Revised: 06/06/2016] [Accepted: 06/07/2016] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE This review documents the wide and varied repertoire of traditional practices based on the use of wild vertebrates in Spanish ethnoveterinary medicine (EVM) from the early 20th century to the present. Empirical practices, both ritual and magical, are recorded, and these EVM data are compared with those of other countries in the Mediterranean Region and Latin America. The data collected here could form a scientific foundation for future inventories of traditional knowledge and help in the discovery of new drugs for livestock. MATERIALS AND METHODS A qualitative systematic review of international and national databases in the fields of ethnobiology, ethnoveterinary medicine, folklore and ethnography was made. Information was obtained from more than 60 documentary sources. RESULTS We recorded the use of 30 wild vertebrates and a total of 84 empirical remedies based on the use of a single species. The two most relevant zoological groups are reptiles and mammals. A wide diversity of body parts or products have been and are used. The meat and skin of snakes are the animal products most commonly used. These zootherapeutic resources have been and are used to treat or prevent ca. 50 animal diseases or conditions, in particular digestive and reproductive ailments, together with some infectious diseases. Sheep, cattle and equines form the group of domestic animals in which the greatest number of useful species are employed. In addition, many remedies and practices of the magical type are documented. In comparison with other culturally related areas, this is a rich heritage. CONCLUSIONS Contemporary Spanish EVM practices amass a great richness of wild animal-based remedies. A diversity of animal parts or products have been used, offering a cultural heritage that could be a fundamental step in the discovery of new and low-cost drugs for treating livestock and alternative materials for pharmaceutical purposes. This overview contributes to the inventory of some uses and rituals seriously threatened by the progressive loss of local veterinary knowledge.
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Affiliation(s)
- José A González
- Grupo de Investigación de Recursos Etnobiológicos del Duero-Douro (GRIRED), Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Salamanca, Salamanca E-37071, Spain.
| | - Francisco Amich
- Grupo de Investigación de Recursos Etnobiológicos del Duero-Douro (GRIRED), Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Salamanca, Salamanca E-37071, Spain.
| | - Salvador Postigo-Mota
- Equipo de Antropología Social y Cultural, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Extremadura, Badajoz E-06006, Spain.
| | - José Ramón Vallejo
- Departamento de Terapéutica Médico-Quirúrgica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Extremadura, Badajoz E-06006, Spain.
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