In vitro antivenom and antioxidant potential of Vitex negundo leaves (green and blue) against Russell’s viper (Daboia russelli ) and Indian cobra (Naja naja) venom

Abstract

In the present investigation hydroethanolic extracts of Vitex negundo leaves (Blue and green colour) were evaluated for their antioxidant, antiplatelet, antihemolytic and in-vitro antivenom potential against Naja naja and Daboia russelii venoms. Preliminary phytochemicals followed by GCMS analysis was carried out to identify possible chemical compounds. Both the extracts exhibited free radical scavenging effects against DPPH, OH - , NO – radicals and H2O2 in concentration dependant manner. However, blue leaf of V.negundo exhibited better scavenging effect when compared with green leaf. Various pharmacological potentials such as antihemolytic, antiproteolytic, antifibrinolytic and phospholipaseA2 inhibition were assessed and effective venom neutralizing potential was proven upon in-vitro treatment with the extracts of Vitex negundo leaves. Findings of the present study revealed that blue leaf extract of Vitex negundo has exerted potent antioxidant and venom neutralizing effect when compared with green leaf extract. This could be due to the presence of various phytoconstituents in both blue and green leaf extract which would help to develop potent antidote therapy against Naja naja and Daboia russelii envenomation