In Vitro and in Vivo Neutralizing Potential of Terminalia Arjuna Bark Extract against Naja Naja Venom

Envenoming’s by snake bite to involve medical emergencies and its clinical management is by the administration of antivenom. As antivenom was reported to induce early or late adverse reactions against human beings, snake venom neutralizing potential for aqueous bark of Terminalia arjuna extract was tested for the present research by in vitro and in vivo methods against Naja naja venom. In vitro assessment of venom toxicity and neutralization assays was carried out. The bark extracts from Terminalia arjuna were used to evaluate the in vitro neutralization tests like acetyl cholinesterase, protease, direct haemolysis assay, phospholipase activity and procoagulant activity. The in vivo assessment of venom lethality (LD50) of Naja naja venom was found to be 0.301 μg. Terminalia arjuna bark extract was effectively neutralized the venom lethality and effective dose (ED50) was found to be 10.47 mg/ 3LD50 of Naja naja venom. Terminalia arjuna bark extract was found effective against neutralizing all the toxic effects induced by the venom. The study concludes that further investigations are needed for identification and purification of the active components involved in the neutralization of the snake venom.