Metabolomic characterisation of traditional phytotherapeutic formulations used for snakebite envenomation treatment in Burkina Faso.

INTRODUCTION

Snakebite envenomation represents a significant public health concern across numerous tropical regions, with sub-Saharan Africa being particularly affected. In Burkina Faso, traditional therapeutic practices remain prevalent, with local communities frequently employing traditional formulations for snakebite treatment. Notably, several of these antivenom formulations consist of powdered plant materials obtained through calcination processes.

OBJECTIVE

This study seeks to elucidate the nature and diversity of residual or neoformed organic compounds in these particular types of formulation, in order to better understand the chemical basis and relevance of their use in anti-venom therapy by rural communities.

METHOD: Traditional partially calcined formulations were collected in the Centre-East, Centre-South and South-West health regions. These formulations were then extracted using hexane, methanol and water. The extracts obtained were analysed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. The spectral data were processed using metabolomics platforms such as W4M, Mzmine and MetGem.

RESULTS

In the databases consulted, 475 organic compounds were identified in Kampti's uncalcined formulation. This value was halved in the partially calcined formulations. The main classes of secondary plant metabolites, such as flavonoids, terpenoids, alkaloids and coumarins, were detected in the extracts, but at lower levels of abundance in the partially calcined formulations. In addition to organic compounds of natural origin, synthetic compounds belonging to the pesticide class were also identified.

CONCLUSION

The calcination of traditional formulations leads to a significant reduction in the diversity and abundance of bioactive compounds of plant origin, which could affect their therapeutic efficacy.