In vitro anti snake venom potential of Abutilon indicum Linn leaf extracts against Echis carinatus (Indian saw scaled viper)

Abstract

Envenomings by snake bite involves medical emergencies and its clinical management is by the administration of antivenom. The antivenom/antisera induce early or late adverse reactions. In this regard, the plant kingdom is explored to minimize the side effects. The present study evaluates the in vitro anti venom potential of Abutilon indicum leaves extract against Echis carinatus (Saw Scaled Viper) venom. The leaf extracts of A. indicum were used to evaluate the enzyme inhibiting activity of protease, phosphomonoesterase, phosphodiesterase, acetylcholinesterase, phospholipase A2, hyaluronidase and L-amino acid oxidase toxic enzymes present in snake venom. The methanolic extract inhibited the activity of all enzymes present in the venom. The extract showed promising results in inhibiting enzymes and would be further confirmed by in vivo and pharmacological studies.