Peganum harmala extract delayed the lethal effect of viper snake Echis carinatus venom in mice

This study evaluated possible antagonistic effects of Peganum harmala against the lethal effect of E. carinatus venom. Seventy-two albino mice were divided into 12 equal groups in 6 experimental protocols. In protocol I, Group A (control) treated with venom. They died after 80 min averagely. In protocol II, Groups B1 and B2 were treated with 15 and 30 mg/kg of P. harmala, respectively and 10 mg/kg venom simultaneously. Their survival time increased to 232 and 210 min respectively. In protocol III, groups C1 and C2 were treated with 10 mg/kg venom and after 15 min received P. harmala at 15 and 30 mg/kg respectively. Their time to death was increased to 246 and 220 min respectively. In protocol IV, groups D1 and D2, treated with pre-incubated of venom with P. harmala (30 min) at the previous doses. Their survival time increased to 211 and 195 min respectively. In protocol V groups E1 and E2 received only P. harmala extract (IP) at 15 and 30 mg/kg respectively. In protocol VI, groups F1, F2, and F3 received only P. harmala extract (orally) at doses of 15, 30, and 60 mg/kg respectively, they remained alive. Peganum harmala significantly (p < 0.05) increased animal survival time thus, has an antagonistic effect against lethality effect of Echis carinatus venom, make it a possible antivenom candidate for further investigation.