Preliminary Screening of Aqueous Alstonia Scholaris Linn Bark Extract for Antivenom Activity in Experimental Animal Model

Aim: Snake envenomation is a major cause of death and disability in the developing countries, particularly in South East Asia. Since 1894, commercial snake venom antiserum developed by Calmette is the only specific treatment available for snake bite. The use of plants against the effects of snakes bite has been long recognized; more scientific attention has been given since last 20 years (Santosh et al., 2004). The folklore uses of Indian Medicinal Plant Alstonia scholaris Linn against snakebite treatment has been validated in the present study. Methods & Materials: Viper venom neutralizing activity neutralization with 200mg/kg bw aqueous extract of Alstonia scholaris Linn(AAS) was estimated by in vivo methods in animal models. Results: The aqueous extract of Alstonia scholaris Linn neutralized viper venom induced minimum lethal action(MLD ),minimum edema activity(MED), minimum defibrinogenating action(MDD),minimum necrotizing action(MND) in 18-20 gms mice. Conclusion: The present study corroborates the claims of traditional healers and demonstrates the antivenom potential of aqueous Alstonia scholaris Linn(AAS) in treatment of snakebite.