In vitro Anti-venom Effect of Catunaregam nilotica (STAPF) Root Extracts against Echis ocellatus Phospholipase A2 Activity

Aims: This study evaluates the inhibitory effect of the crude extract of Catunaregam nilotica (STAPF) and its fraction against Echis ocellatus phospholipase A2 (PLA2) activity using an In vitro approach. Study Design: In-vitro Anti-venom Study. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Science Laboratory Technology, Federal Polytechnic Kaura Namoda, Zamfara State, Nigeria, between September to December, 2024. Methodology: Crude extraction was performed through cold maceration and fractionated via solvent-solvent partitioning using solvents that increased polarity. The phytochemical contents were screened using standard methods. The inhibitory effect of the crude extracts and their fraction against PLA2 activity was evaluated via the in-vitro acidimetry method. Results: The phytochemical analysis revealed alkaloids, anthraquinones, flavonoids, phenols, saponins, steroids, tannins, terpenoids, and steroids in the crude extracts. The in-vitro inhibition assay results revealed that both the hexane and the ethyl acetate fractions significantly inhibited the activity of PLA2 (P<0.05) compared with the venom controls in varying degrees of efficacy. Conclusion: This study supports the potential of medicinal plants in developing effective anti-venom therapies. Further studies are recommended to isolate the active compound and elucidate its mechanism of action.