Neutralization Capacity of Selected Medicinal Plants Against the Biochemical and Toxicological Effects of Bitis Arietans, Naja Ashei, and Naja Subfulva Snake Venoms

Abstract

Snake antivenom is the mainstay of managing Snakebite envenoming (SBE). However, it causes adverse effects, is not accessible to those that need it, and it does not address the local effects of SBE (necrosis, swelling, oedema). Snake venom phospholipase A2 (svPLA2) and cytotoxins are primarily responsible for the local effects of SBE. Alternative treatments that may inhibit the effects of these toxins may be of great scientific interest. Medicinal plants such as Commiphora africana, Conyza bonariensis, Senna obtusifolia, Vernonia glabra, Warburgia ugandensis, and Zanthoxylum usambarense are indicated for SBE by the Luo community of Kisumu, Kenya. However, data to support the safety and efficacy of these plants is not available. The aim of this study was to assess the antivenom properties of these plants against the biochemical and toxicological effects of Bitis arietans, Naja ashei, and Naja subfulva snake venoms. A range of extracts and fractions were prepared from various parts of the identified plants using soxhlet extraction and modified maceration. Extraction solvents included n-hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, and methanol. The capacity of these extracts and fractions to neutralize the biochemical and toxicological effects of the selected snake venoms was studied using in vitro snake venom phospholipase A2 (svPLA2) assays, brine shrimp (Artemia salina) and mice. Two commercial antivenoms (Snake Venom Antiserum and Inoserp™) were used for comparison. Data was analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS version 25.0) and GraphPad Prism. The methanol bark extract of Commiphora africana was the only extract that was nontoxic in brine shrimp (Artemia salina), had a low toxicity in mice, and sufficiently neutralized svPLA2 and Naja ashei venom-induced cytotoxicity in Artemia salina larvae. Snake Venom Antiserum and Inoserp™ were non-cytotoxic in Artemia salina larvae but had poor efficacy in mitigating.....................................................