Evaluation of the biochemical and anti-snake venom effects of Calliandra Portoricensis extract fractions in wistar rat models challenged with venom of carpet viper (Echis Ocellatus)
Keywords:
Snake venom, envenomation, Calliandra portoricensis, phytochemicals, biochemical indices, wistar rats.Abstract
Study evaluated effects of flavonoid, polyphenolic and whole ethanolic Calliandra portoricensis leaf fraction
on some biochemical indices of venom toxicity in albino Wistar rat. Thirty rats of both sexes were divided
into five groups of six rats each. Groups 1 and 2 were normal control (NC) and viperian venom control (VC)
respectively. Groups 3, 4 and 5 were venomized with viperian venom and subsequently treated with anti
dote fractions of flavonoid, polyphenol and whole leaf extracts respectively. Blood samples were analysed
for biochemical indices. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of flavonoids and polyphenols.
AST and ALT activity were significantly higher in all treated groups compared to NC. Creatine kinase activity
increased significantly in VC compared to NC. These values decreased significantly in fractions/extract
treated groups. HGB level decreased significantly while RBC and WBC counts increased significantly in the
VC compared to NC. HGB and RBC levels were reversed towards normal by treatment with the
fractions/whole extract. Flavonoid fraction only, reversed WBC levels towards normal. Elevated LDL/HDL in
VC was decreased towards NC by the plant fractions/extracts. SOD and GPx activity increased significantly
in plant fractions/extracts compared to NC and VC. The plant’s phytochemical constituents may have
significantly lowered lipid peroxidation induced by viperian venom and thus ameliorate hematotoxic effects.
This may account for the protection against cardio-toxicity and the shock that normally accompanies viper
envenomation.
