Harnessing Nature’s Defence: Investigating PlantExtracts as Inhibitors of Russell's Viper Venom for Promising Ancillary Antivenom Development

Abstract

India is renowned for its incredible range of geographic and ecological diversity. The vast expanse of land, diverse terrain, and varying climatic conditions throughout the country give rise to numerous unique ecological regions. Snakebites, a neglected tropical disease affecting millions worldwide, pose a significant public health concern, with India bearing the unfortunate title of the snakebite capital of the world. The venomous "Big Four" snakes, notably Russell's Viper (Daboia russelii) , contribute to the majority of snakebite incidents in Asia(Suraweera et al 2020). Despite the administration of antivenom as the primary treatment, the intra-population variation in venom composition remains inadequately addressed, limiting the efficacy of conventional antivenom therapies. Exploring alternative approaches, traditional plant-based remedies, such as Cryptolepis buchanani and Kalanchoe pinnata, have long been employed by local healers. While in-vitro studies revealed limited anti-venom potential, including PLA 2 inhibition by Kalanchoe pinnata , these plants exhibit notable healing qualities, encompassing antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. Their historical utilization and presence in ancient Ayurvedic texts endorse their potential as agents to prevent infections caused by external agents. Further research is warranted to explore the therapeutic potential of these plants and harness their beneficial properties in developing supplementary therapies for snakebite management.