Polyvalent Antivenom Potential of Cnestis ferruginea Root Extracts: Chromatographic Analysis and In Vivo Efficacy Against Snake Venoms

Snakebite is a major challenge in the world. Venoms of different snakes exert haemotoxic, neurotoxic and cytotoxic effects on the victims. Despite the successful use of serum therapy, antivenom has limitations especially in neutralizing tissue damage and being unavailable for use when needed. In this study, Cnestis ferruginea root extracts were investigated for antisnake venom properties against Naja melanoleuca, Naja haje, Naja kateinsis and Echis ocellatus venoms in albino rats. Concentrations used were found to have neutralized almost all toxic effects induced by the venoms. In vivo assessment of venom lethality (LD50) for all four venoms was determined using probit analysis and found to be 0.455 and 0.465 mg/kg. The extracts neutralized the lethality of the venoms with effective dose at 50% survival (ED50) found to be 1.4 mg/kg. Haematology and histopathology of liver and kidney of test rats were conducted to show the venom toxic effect and the ameliorative effect of the extract on envenomation. Phytochemical analysis of C. ferruginea root extract showed that it contains biochanin A, formononetin, genistein, anethole, myristicin, quercetin and chlorogenic acid which have antivenom properties. The root extracts have inhibitory action against hemorrhagic, inflammatory, and myotoxic activities of the venoms; and can be considered as polyvalent antivenom.