Protective Effect of Oxalis Corniculate Extract against Toxic Enzymes of Najanaja and Daboiarusselli Venom

Abstract

Snake envenomation is an imperative public health problem in many rural areas of tropical and sub-tropical Asian countries that affects thousands of people worldwide. Although anti-snake venom is the only treatment available, it is associated with several side effects. Plants have been extensively studied to obtain an alternative treatment. In Ayurveda medicine, Oxalis corniculata is usually used to treat Datura, Arsenic, and snakebite poisoning. The present study aims to provide a first-hand scientific explanation for the use of this plant against snake envenomation. The extracts of shade-dried O. corniculata (whole plant) were tested for in vitro anti-toxic effects against Najanaja and Daboiarussellivenoms. The different solvent extracts rendered a significant inhibitory effect on whole venom Hyaluronidase activity, Acetylcholinesteraseactivity, Phospholipase A2 induced hemolytic activity, and casenolytic activity. The present study using Methanolic extract of Oxalis corniculata has exhibited a potential to inhibit the Haemolytic activity by 88% and 95 %, PLA2 activity by 84% and 75%, Hyaluronidase activity by 85.6 % and 65%, Acetylcholinesterase activity by 73% and 84% and caseinolytic activity by 77% and 95% of Najanaja and Daboiarussellivenom respectively. Obtained results suggest the presence of active inhibitory components that acts against toxic properties of Najanaja and Daboiarusselli venom. Further pharmacological and in vivo studies would provide evidence that these active components may lead to a potential treatment against venom-induced toxicities.