Inhibition of Viper Venoms Induced Toxicity by Moringa oleifera Leaves Extracts:(TJPS-2019-0150.R1)

Abstract

Snakebite, a medical emergency, is a socially significant but neglected issue in India. Antivenom serum therapy that is currently used against venomous snakebites is expensive and showed severe side effects. Traditional claims reported the use of Moringa oleifera to treat snakebite in rural India. To scientifically validate these claims, in the present investigation, the anti venom potential of extracts of Moringa oleifera were investigated. The extracts effectively neutralized Russell’s viper venom induced lethality (LD50:10.9 µg) at 10 µg/mice and 300 µg/mice (ED50) respectively. Both extracts neutralized venom induced hemolysis (50-100 µg). Inhibitory concentrations against phospholipase A2 activity exhibited by aqueous and methanolic extracts were found to be 0.06 mg and 0.07mg respectively. In the procoagulant activity inhibition studies, the ED values in neutralizing effect of Saw scaled viper venom were found to be 1µg for both the extracts. The presence of phenolics, flavonoids and saponins in both the extracts was confirmed through phytochemical and HPTLC investigations which supported the obtained activity. This study indicated the potential of Moringa oleifera extracts to neutralize toxins present in Daboia russelii and Echis carinatus venom. Further bioactivity guided fractionation of extracts to identify bioactives involved in neutralization of snake venom is necessary to establish its therapeutic potential as a venom antidote.

:TJPS-2019-0150.R1