Inhibitory Effect of Carissa spinarum Linn Methanolic Leaf Extract Against Vipera russelli

Abstract

Background: Carissa spinarum Linn has been used as a traditional medicine to treat various ailments, including snakebite. It is found in India, Ceylon and Thailand. Objective: The study was performed to determine the inhibiting potential of Carissa spinarum methanolic leaf extract on the pharmacological effects of Viper venom. Methods: The dose-dependent enzymatic studies, pharmacological and in vivo studies were conducted using standard methods. Results: It neutralized toxic enzymes in a dose-dependent manner with concentrations ranging from 53.3 –1190.4 μg/mL, inhibited lysis of fibrinogen at 1:8 (venom: extract, w/w), and increased the procoagulant activity and lecithin lysis at 1:25 (venom: extract, w/w). The extract neutralized the LD50 of venom in mice and embryos, reduced haemorrhage, myotoxicity and edema induced by the venom in mice. Conclusion: The observed results confirm that the leaf extract possesses adequate phytochemicals that could neutralize the toxic properties of the venom.