[Study of the action of black stone (also known as snakestone or serpent stone) on experimental envenomation].

• DOI: 10.1684/san.2007.0076
• Publication Date: 2008-01-09
• Authors: Jean‐Philippe Chi...; I. Diédhiou; Roberto P. Stock

Black stone has been used since Antiquity to treat snake bites and local infections. Its efficacy is debated. Since no clinical trial performed, we conducted a series of in vivo vitro experiments murine model. After determining the LD50 batches venoms Bitis arietans, Echis ocellatus Naja nigricollis according Spearman-Kärber's method, four separate methods. First, injected fixed lethal amount venom (triple LD50) IM shaved thighs lots five mice applied black with an adhesive plaster at point injection 0, 15, 30, 60 180 minutes. In another experiments, administered increasing amounts each group 5 same protocol measure LD50; as above, immediately after administration venom. third reduced powder mixed 3 for 30 centrifugation, supernatant was into mortality measured. Two control groups (venom alone alone) were all cases. Venom adsorption on surface assessed by measurement residual proteins mixing thirty minutes centrifugation. The results showed absence effectiveness when wounds injection. However, direct contact between did reduce toxicity, if removed from inoculum. mechanical can thus be shown. its treating envenomation seemed very doubtful because it nonspecific diffuses rapidly wound.