Volume 165, 13 May 2015, Pages 180–190
Abstract
Ethnopharmacological relevance
Despite the use of snake anti-venom therapy, herbal medicine is still in practice to treat snakebites. Euphorbia hirta
is traditionally used as antidote for snakebites and also for numerous
other ailments. However, the scientific evidence for its anti-snake
venom property is still lacking.
Materials and methods
Methanolic extract of E. hirta was evaluated for anti-venom activity under in vitro and ex vivo
conditions. Histopathological changes in the vital organs of the mice
were also monitored. UHPLC-SRM/MS was used to estimate the phenolic
constituents whereas GC–MS analysis was performed to analyze the
volatile metabolites present. The major compound was further evaluated
for its contribution to the overall inhibitory potential of the extract.
Results
Methanolic extract of E. hirta completely inhibited the venom enzymes under in vitro
and reduced the edema ratio. The extract increased the survival time
(>24 h) of mice which was further evidenced by histopathological
analysis of vital organs. Phytochemical analysis revealed higher content
of phenolic (144 mg/g extract) compounds in the extract. UHPLC-SRM/MS
demonstrated that ellagic acid, gallic acid and quinic acid are the
major phenolics whereas GC–MS analysis revealed pyrogallol as the major
constituent (60.07%) among the volatile components of the extract. It
was also shown that pyrogallol has the ability to differentially inhibit
venom protease but not phospholipase A2.
Conclusion
The present study confirmed that E. hirta methanolic extract was able to completely inhibit Naja naja venom induced toxicity under in vitro as well as ex vivo conditions, thus providing scientific evidence to its traditional use.
Graphical abstract
Methanol extract of Euphorbia hirta was found to inhibit Naja naja
venom induced lethality and tissue damage. Major phenolic components in
the extract were quantitatively identified using UHPLC-SRM/MS besides
GC–MS analysis (pyrogallol).
Keywords
- Snake venom;
- Naja naja;
- Neutralization;
- Euphorbia hirta;
- Phenolic compounds;
- Pyrogallol
- Corresponding author. Tel.:
+91 416 2202573; fax: +91 416 2243092.
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