Antisnake venom activity of ethanolic seed extract of <i>Strychnos nux vomica </i>Linn.

Abstract

The whole seed extract of <i>S.nux vomica </i>(in low doses) effectively neutralized Daboia russelii venom induced lethal, haemorrhage, defibrinogenating, PLA₂ enzyme activity and Naja kaouthia venom induced lethal, cardiotoxic, neurotoxic, PLA₂ enzyme activity. The seed extract potentiated polyvalent snake venom antiserum action in experimental animals. An active compound (SNVNF) was isolated and purified by thin layer chromatography and silica gel column chromatography, which effectively antagonised <i>D. russelii </i>venom induced lethal, haemorrhagic, defibrinogenating, oedema, PLA₂ enzyme activity and N. kaouthia induced lethal, cardiotoxic, neurotoxic, PLA₂ enzyme activity. Polyvalent snake venom antiserum action was significantly potentiated by the active compound. Spectral studies revealed it to be a small, straight chain compound containing methyl and amide radicals. Detailed structure elucidation of the compound (SNVNF) is warranted before its clinical trials as a snake venom antagonist.