In vivo antivenom potential of methanolic extracts of phytolacca dodecandra and vernonia amygdalina

Abstract

The venom from various snake species contains complex bioactive molecules that cause many severe local and systemic effects, potentially leading to death and this poses a significant public health concern. Current antivenoms, though effective, are often costly and inaccessible in high-risk areas. Traditional medicinal plants such as Phytolacca dodecandra and Vernonia amygdalina have been used for centuries in sub-Saharan Africa to treat snakebites, but their antivenom potential has not been thoroughly investigated. This study is aimed at evaluating the antivenom properties of methanolic extracts from these plants and identifying their phytochemical constituents. Experimental studies involved the use of 20 Wister Albino rats that were divided into 5 groups of 4 each ie the normal control, the negative control, Vernonia amygdalina treatment, Phytolacca dodecandra treatment and the combination group. The effect of the methanolic extracts as antivenoms on the animals was measured using time taken to die and the observed clinical signs in every group such as paralysis, irritability, gasping and polyuria. The methanolic extracts from the plants showed good antivenom properties that were dose dependant and showed better results when used at high dosage of 400mg/kg for individual plant extracts. The plant extracts also showed synergism portrayed by the combination of these plant extracts showing better antivenom properties even at lower dosages. There was antivenom potential demonstrated by the methanolic plant extracts in the animal models as they were able to prolong the time taken to die for the animals administered with the venom and the extracts. The plants also contained phytochemicals such as alkaloids, saponins, phenols, tannins and flavonoids that contribute to their antivenom properties.