Sandeep V. Binorkar et al: Profile of Medicinal Plants with Anti-ophidian Property

The morbidity and mortality associated with snake bite is a serious health concerned especially in developing countries. The rural communities are the worst affected and where it is considered as one of the occupational health hazards especially related to agriculture industry. About 50,000 deaths are recorded per year as a result of snakebite. The scenario may sometimes deteriorate further because of Ineffectiveness and or complications of the anti snake venom as well as untimely interventions or lack of appropriate medications in venomous snakebite cases. The common poisonous snakes found in India are Cobra (Naja naja), Krait (Bangarus Caeruleus), Russell’s viper (Daboia russelli) and saw scaled viper (Echis Carinatus). Over the years many attempts have been made for the development of snake venom antagonists from plants sources. Ethnobotanical data suggests that certain plant species are used traditionally all over the world to treat snakebite cases successfully. Randomness or the use of a variety of species in different families appears to be a feature of traditional snake bite treatments. Present article deals with the Traditional, ethno botanical and pharmacological review of certain plants utilized in the cases of snakebite.