Abstract
The mortality rate from snakebites in West Bengal is very high and most of the deaths are caused by the Daboia russelli and Naja naja envenomation. Twenty-three plants from the seventeen families were collected from the traditional healers and explored for the first time for antisnake venom activity. In our previous report, the methanolic root extract of the Indian medicinal plants Pluchea indica, Hemidesmus indicus, Vitex negundo and Emblica officinalis significantly neutralized the Viper and Cobra venom-induced pathophysiological changes [1][2]. In the present study, we explored four plant extracts (Curcuma aromatica, Aristolochia indica, Androgrphis paniculata and Curcuma zeodaria) for the antisnake venom activity. The plant extracts significantly antagonized Daboia russelli, Echis carinatus, Ophiophagus hannah and Naja kaouthia venom-induced lethal activity both in in vitro and in vivo studies. Daboia russellii venom-induced haemorrhage, coagulant, defibrinogenating and PLA2 activity were significantly neutralized by the extracts. No precipitating bands were observed between the plant extract and venom. This observation confirmed the role of active constituents of plants and plant materials involved in snake venom inhibition. Further studies are going on in our laboratory for the identification of active molecules as well as their mechanism of venom inhibition.
Highlights
Every year more than 100,000 people die due to snakebite worldwide
Through collection from different rural places of West Bengal and identification, twenty three plants/plant materials of seventeen families were examined for anti-snake venom activity
In the present paper only four plants those are not reported earlier were taken for anti-snake venom activity
Summary
Every year more than 100,000 people die due to snakebite worldwide. In India morality rate is very high, 40,000 - 50,000 die annually [3] [4]. Snakes found throughout India and a large number of deaths occur due to envenomation by these snakes. The antiserum is the only therapeutic agent available for the treatment of snakebite and does not provide enough protection against venom inducing haemorrhage, necrosis, nephrotoxicity and often produces hypersensitive reactions [5]-[7]. Monovalent antiserum is not available and the health center is usually far and few in number. To overcome these drawbacks, there is a great need to search, to develop new affordable and suitable antidote against snakebite
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
