Evaluation de l’efficacité d’antidotes à base de cornes de taureau et de vache dans la neutralisation d’un poison biologique (bufoténine) extraite du crapaud

This thesis examines the effectiveness of two antidotes prepared primarily from pyrolysis carbon obtained from bull and cow horns in neutralizing bufotenin extracted from toads.

Apart from the general introduction, which constitutes the first chapter, the second chapter is devoted to a review of the literature. It begins by defining key terms, then discusses the different types of poisons and antidotes, as well as their respective mechanisms of action in the human body. This chapter concludes with an analysis of the modes of action of bufotenin and the potential benefits of antidotes.

The third chapter focuses on the materials and methods used in the study. The materials included a questionnaire for the poisoning survey, laboratory equipment and reagents, the toad Sclerophrys kisoloensis (Bufonidae), guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus), and the two antidotes, identified as A1 and A2.

To achieve the research objectives, several parameters were measured. These included the proportion of the target population that believes in poisoning, the total concentrations of zinc, copper, lead, arsenic, chromium, and cadmium in bull horns, cow horns, cow bones, ginger, black pepper, and Mwenga salt. The study also measured the pH of gastric juice and blood in guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus), variations in their body weight, hallucination and tachycardia rates, mortality rate, changes in organ coloration, and the degree of deterioration of the lungs, liver, and kidneys. These observations were conducted using the OECD 423 acute chemical toxicity testing protocol. Finally, the minimum therapeutic concentration of the A1 universal antidote was determined.

The fourth chapter presents the results and discussion of the study, followed by the limitations of the thesis. The findings show that the entire target population surveyed in the city of Bukavu believes in the existence of poisoning. The results also indicate that all analyzed raw materials were safe with regard to heavy metal contamination. In addition, the A1 universal antidote was found to be more effective than the A2 universal antidote in neutralizing the effects of bufotenin. The minimum therapeutic concentration of the A1 universal antidote was determined to be 0.00001 mg/mL when administered orally.

The effectiveness observed for the universal antidote prepared from bull horn may justify its traditional use in Bukavu, particularly under local conditions of preparation and oral administration of solid antidotes.

Key words: antidotes, poisons, bufotenin, bull horn, cow horn, guinea pig, Cavia porcellus.