Promising inhibition of krait snake’s venom acetylcholinesterase by <italic>Salix nigra</italic> and its role as anticancer, antioxidant agent

Snakebites are considered a neglected tropical disease that affects thousands of people worldwide. The available antivenoms are associated with numerous side effects. As an alternative, researchers have extensively studied the plants in order to obtain some unusual treatment. The current study was conceded to evaluate the effects of <italic>salix nigra</italic> (Black willow) against krait snake venom acetylcholinesterase and its role as anti-cancer, anti-oxidant agent. Standard protocols of Ellman, Meyer, Gyamfi and Ruch were used for enzyme inhibition, anti-cancer and free radicals scavenging assays respectively. The methanolic extract of <italic>Salix nigra</italic> proved to possess neutralization properties against krait snake (<italic>Bungarus Sindanus</italic>) venom acetylcholinesterase. Statistical data of the results showed that <italic>Salix nigra</italic> extract inhibited the krait venom acetylcholinesterase through concentration dependent manner. Kinetic analysis using Lineweaver Burk plot revealed that <italic>Salix nigra</italic> caused competitive type of inhibition i.e. <italic>k</italic>_{<italic>m</italic>} value increased while V_max remain constant with an increase of extract’s concentration. The calculated IC₅₀ value of <italic>Salix nigra</italic> was found to be 177μg/ml. In DPPH free radical scavenging assay, extract showed good scavenging potential with IC₅₀ value of 317μg/ml. Similarly, using H₂O₂ free radicals, the % scavenging of the extract at 100, 250, 500 and 1000μg/ml was 41, 54, 69 and 74% in comparison with ascorbic acid. Moreover, the extract exhibited good cytotoxic activity against brine shrimps in a dose dependent manner. The present work suggests, for the first time, that <italic>Salix nigra</italic> extract can be used not only as a potent inhibitor of snake venom acetylcholinesterase but also for the eradication of free radicals along with significant anticancer activity.