Evaluation of Antivenom Activity of Cassia alata Leaf Extract against Daboia Russelii Venom
Achala Bhat
Department of Pharmacology, Nitte (Deemed to be University), NGSM Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Deralakatte, Mangaluru-575018, India.
K. S. Rajesh *
Department of Pharmacology, Nitte (Deemed to be University), NGSM Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Deralakatte, Mangaluru-575018, India.
Reshma Raghavan
Department of Pharmacology, Nitte (Deemed to be University), NGSM Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Deralakatte, Mangaluru-575018, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Cassia alata, commonly known as candle bush, ringworm bush is an extensively distributed plant of the family Leguminosea. It is an annual and occasionally biannual herb, flowering in the sunshine and humid areas, with an average height of 1 to 4m. Biological activity in plants has been claimed to be effective as antidiabetic, antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, antimicrobial, analgesic, anti-ulcer, antiviral, antidepressants, hepatoprotective, antimalarial, anthelmintic, cardiovascular, and anesthetic properties. The ethanolic extract of plant was subjected first time for neutralization of snake venom activity. Primary phytochemical screening shows the existence of alkaloid, steroids, phenols, flavonoids, and triterpenoids. Ethanolic extract of Cassia alata plants was tested for antivenom activity against Daboia russelii venom. Various dose levels of leaf extract 200 and 400mg/kg showed significant neutralization of hemorrhagic activity, and at 400mg/kg leaf extract showed significant necrotizing activity in rats.
Keywords: Cassia alata, Daboia russelii, LD50, venom, envenomation