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Medicinal plants are rich in biologically active phytoconstituents and therapeutic compounds that have wide applications in pharmaceutical industry. The ameliorative actions of such phytochemicals could be attributed to the presence of dietary fibre, detoxifying mediators, neuropharmacological agents, antioxidants, anticancer mediators, etc. In the present study, we investigated the in vivo antivenom potential of Gymnema sylvestre R. Br leaf extract (GSE)in experimental animal model. The study also investigated the antioxidant potential (in vitro) of GSE (aqueous and methanolic) along with qualitative phytochemical constituent tests. Phytochemical tests were performed by qualitative method to detect the presence of different phytoconstituents within the leaf. Different quantitative tests (DPPH scavenging, H2O2 scavenging, Ferric reducing activity) were performed. The IC50 value was determined from the different concentration. To detect the venom neutralization effects, in vitro PLA2 and in vivo lethality, haemorrhage, edema neutralization studies were performed. Aqueous and methanolic extracts of the leaf (400 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg body wt.) provided protection against the lethal dose of venom and showed a successful anti-hemorrhagic and edema neutralization activity against Daboia russelli venom (DRV). In vitro PLA2 neutralization activity of the leaf showed up to 3-fold protection. Methanolic extract exhibited the significant results in both qualitative phytochemical analysis as well as in vitro antioxidant studies. The results specify that the leaves of Gymnema sylvestre R.Br. possess antioxidant as well as antivenom potential and could act as a free radical inhibitor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Envenomation by Russell's viper [Daboia russelii (Shaw & Nodder, 1797)] is a major medical emergency in tropical countries. The antivenom therapy is a conventional remedy for such medical emergency, but it has limitations and side effects. Nanomedicine and nanotechnology are the most prospective areas of research in the current scenario. In the present study, sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) analysis of crudeDaboia russelli venom (VRV) was performed. Alginic acid-based silver nanoparticles (AgNP-ALG) were synthesized and characterized using UV-Visible spectroscopy, Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Scanning electron microscope (SEM), and X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD). SNPs have average hydrodynamic size of 80.30 nm with 0.271 PDI. X-ray diffraction analysis of AgNP-ALG, which confirmed the cubic crystal shape of silver. SEM studies of AgNP-ALG showed particle sizes ranging from 10 to 50 nm. Spectroscopic analysis showed a decrease in the absorbance intensity of venom upon interaction with AgNP-ALG, indicating interaction with venom proteins. From the data available from fluorescence spectroscopy, it is evident that viper venom preincubated with AgNP-ALG causes quenching of fluorescence intensity. The results obtained by direct hemolytic assay,proteolytic activity and blood clotting test revealed venom action inhibition due to silver nanoparticles. Thus, in the present study we have emphasized that silver nanoparticles inhibit the action of Daboia russelli venom in vitro. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Snakebite is an issue of concern, especially in India which accounts for half of the global deaths due to venomous snakebites every year. Saponins are glycosides of triterpenes and steroids known for their antivenom properties. The soap bark tree or Quillaya, Quillaja saponaria Molina represents the major resource of saponins for commercial applications. Here, we investigated the antivenom property of silver nanoparticle mediated saponins (AgNP-SP) from the Q. saponaria bark extract. AgNP-SP was prepared conducive to optimal temperature, pH of extract and concentration of AgNO3. UV-VIS, FT-IR, XRD, TEM and SEM interpretations were devised to characterize AgNP-SP. AgNP-SP was tested for its efficacy to neutralize venom lethality and increase in myotoxicity biomarkers (LDH) in animal models. AgNP-SP was synthesized optimally at a concentration of 50 mg/mL, extract (pH 6.8) and temperature (80°C) with AgNO3 (1 mM). The colour change and synthesis of AgNP-SP was examined by UV-Vis analysis at 430 nm. TEM studies showed the size for AgNP-SP to be 74.4 nm. FT-IR analysis showed peaks of AgNP-SP at 3422 cm-1 and 2926 (O-H stretching), 2358 cm-1 (O=C=O stretching), 1616 cm-1 (C=C stretching), 1097 cm-1 (C-F stretching), 813 cm-1 (C-CL stretching) and 651 cm-1 (C-Br stretching). The EDAX established the purity of the AgNP-SP. The biosynthesized AgNP-SP could significantly neutralize Vipera russelli venom (VRV) mediated elevation of biomarkers lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT) serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT), serum creatinine and serum uric acid. The present study, thus promulgates the therapeutic potential of silver nanoparticle mediated saponins (AgNP-SP) in ameliorating the biochemical and pharmacological effect of haemotoxic snake venom in animal models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An ethno-medicinal survey was conducted in 8 villages of the Paschim Medinipur district of West Bengal during 2012-2013 to collect information from traditional health healers/tribal communities on the use of medicinal plants for treatment of snake bites through questionnaire and personal interviews. The tribal communities residing in this region are the Santhals, Mundas, Lodhas, Bhumijs, Oraon and Kherias. The present study enumerates 20 plant species belonging 16 families used by the tribal communities and medicinal healers of Paschim Medinipur district, West Bengal in treatment of snakebite. Each plant species has been listed alphabetically according to its botanical name, family, vernacular name, part(s) used, mode of preparation/administration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Snakebite is one of the neglected tropical diseases that World Health Organization (WHO) aimed to eradicate. The objective of the study is to investigate the mortality and morbidity due to snakebite at Midnapore Medical College & Hospital in Paschim Medinipur district, West Bengal, India., Methods & Materials: This is a record-based, retrospective, descriptive epidemiological study conducted from January 2012 to December 2016 at Midnapore Medical College and Hospital(MMCH), Paschim Medinipur district, West Bengal. The incidence and determinants of snakebite related mortality with reference to types of envenomation, age, sex, site of bite, clinical manifestations of snakebite, bite to hospital and bite to AVS treatment time, first aid and management of snakebite were investigated during the study. The data was analyzed by SPSS (Version 18) software.All results were expressed as percentage., Results: Total number of snakebite deaths in Midnapore Medical College and Hospital(MMCH) was 222 from the period 2012-2016. Number of males was 134(60.36%) and female 88 (39.63%). Maximum snakebite deaths occurred in the age group of 31-40 years during agricultural and outdoor activities. Most of the snakebites occurred during June-September. Out of the 222 cases of snakebite, 182(82%) cases were due to viper envenomation. Maximum number of cases(n = 162) were detected in the interval between 4.00 PM to 8.00 PM. The bite to hospital time was found to be 180 ± 3.5 mins (n = 190 cases) and bite to AVS injection time was found to be 240 ± 3.5 mins (n = 190 cases). The mean bleeding time was 12.55 ± 3.2 min (n = 190 cases). The mean clotting time was found to be 20.1 ± 2.55 min (n = 190 cases). The symptoms of envenomation included local signs of inflammation(100% cases), blisters and necrosis (45% cases), renal failure (20% cases), coagulopathies(57% cases), ptosis(10% cases), dysphagia(2%) and respiratory distress(15% cases). The WHO protocol for snakebite management was followed for treatment of snakebite victims., Conclusion: Snake bite is a neglected, life-threatening emergency in developing countries such as India and demands immediate anti-venom therapy. Hospital studies are a key source of information about snake bites. The ready availability and appropriate use of AVS, close monitoring of patients, the institution of ventilator support and if required, early referral to a larger hospital all help to reduce the mortality. Thus knowledge of the varied clinical manifestations of snake bite is important for effective management in hospitals by a complete health care team.

Objective: Quillaja saponaria bark contains a high percentage of triterpene saponins and has been used for centuries as antiinflammatory and analgesic agent in Chilean folk medicine. In the Present study the anti-inflammatory activities of the aqueous extract of commercially partially purified saponin from Quillaja saponari a Mol. in in vivo animal models., Methods & Materials: Aqueous extract of the plant material was prepared by cold maceration. The anti-inflammatory activity of a commercial Quillaja saponaria Mol. (QS) saponin extract was investigated by carragenan induced mice paw edema model for acute inflammation (Winter, 1962) [16]., Results: The anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated by carragenan in paw edema model in swiss albino mice (18-20 g). The anti-inflammatory activity was found to be dose dependent in carragenan induced paw edema. QS was found to significantly ( p  < 0.05) reduce the carragenan induced mice paw edema (38.59%; 20 mg/kg bw) as compared to carragenan control. The percentage inhibition of standard anti-inflammatory drug indomethacin was (55%; 10 mg/kg, bw)., Conclusion: The results of the present study demonstrate that the aqueous extract of Quillaja saponaria saponins (QS) possess significant anti-inflammatory activity.

Snake bite, a major socio-medical problem of south east asian countries is still depending on the usage of antisera as the one and only source of treatment, which has its own limitations. In India, mostly in rural areas, health centres are inadequate and the snake bite victims mostly depend on traditional healers and herbal antidotes, as an alternative treatment. The present review has been focussed on the varied folk and traditional herbs and their antisnake venom compounds, which might be a stepping stone in establishing the future therapy against snake bite treatment and management.