Snakes have long posed a significant danger and potential risk to human beings throughout history. For many years, plant-derived deterrents like lemongrass, bitter kola seeds, tobacco leaves, scent leaf, and chili pepper seeds have been employed as safeguards against snakes around homes and various settings.
Even so, poor health and fatalities due to snake infestations remain persistent issues, largely because of heavy dependence on synthetic antivenom. However, this solution has proven expensive and often unavailable.
Certain antivenoms can cause side effects such as difficulty breathing, weakened pulse, tender muscles, lightheadedness, fainting spells, and in severe instances, fatalities resulting from hemorrhaging.
In contrast, traditional medicine in numerous nations employs plant extracts as protection against snake bites. These extracts are inexpensive, readily accessible, and remain stable at room temperature; moreover, they have the ability to neutralize various types of venom antigens with no adverse reactions.
For example, Moringa oleifera, often referred to as the "tree of life," "miracle tree," or drumstick tree, has historically been employed to address snakebites and has been scientifically confirmed as a potentially beneficial supplementary treatment for decreasing the intensity of snakebite symptoms.
Studies have confirmed the effectiveness of Moringa oleifera leaf extract in combating different snake venoms, such as those from Echis ocellatus (Scissor-tailed viper), Bitis arietans (Puff adder), and Naja haje (Cobra).
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For over a century, the principal method for treating snakebites has been the use of antivenoms. These antivenoms function by attaching themselves to the venom’s constituents and blocking them, thus stopping them from reaching their intended targets. High-quality antivenoms can be crucial in determining whether someone lives or dies.
The Journal of Herbs, Spices & Medicinal Plants reported that the Moringa oleifera leaf extract demonstrated effectiveness against the venom from various cobra species. The chemicals within this extract managed to counteract the poisonous impact of cobra venom by preventing hemorrhaging, stopping clotting abnormalities, and halting the destruction of red blood cells caused by the venom.
For albino male Wistar rats, treatment using an ethanol extract from M. oleifera resulted in a dose-related suppression of the anticoagulant, hemolytic, and hemorrhagic effects induced by cobra venom.
Multiple cobra species can be found in Africa, including the Egyptian cobra known as Naja haje. This particular type of venomous cobra is linked with fatal bites recorded in Nigeria.
Likewise, studies demonstrated that M. oleifera has the potential to be a valuable source of active compounds for treating bites from Naja katiensis snakes.
Naja katiensis, commonly referred to as the Malian cobra, is a venomous serpent frequently spotted in Mali and has reportedly led to multiple deaths in northern Nigeria.
The research demonstrated that using an M. oleifera ethanol extract improved tissue damage in the brain, liver, and kidneys of rats induced by the venom from Naja katiensis in lab conditions. This finding was published in Phytomedicine Plus.
Echis ocellatus belongs to the category of highly venomous viper species and poses considerable economic and health challenges globally. Additionally, an ethanolic leaf extract from Moringa oleifera shows promise as a treatment for bites inflicted by vipers.
Locals within the Assam community in India typically use the root paste of M. oleifera to treat snakebites.
In the lab, researchers reported in the Scientific African that Moringa oleifera leaves can effectively halt blood loss from a viper bite.
As per their findings, the components found within the M. oleifera leaf act as blockers against neurotoxins by attaching themselves to the harmful proteins present in snake venom, thus neutralizing its toxic impact.
Although Moringa oleifera demonstrates promise as a complementary treatment for snakebites, additional studies are required to thoroughly assess its effectiveness and safety within clinical environments.
Combining plant-based treatments with traditional antivenom therapy might offer a more comprehensive strategy for addressing snakebites, particularly in regions with limited resources. Nonetheless, the inconsistency in venom makeup and the necessity for regulated doses of herbal substances present hurdles that should be examined in upcoming research initiatives.
Until recently, specialists proposed that Mucuna pruriens (known as velvet bean, agbala, or agbaloko in Igbo and werepe in Yoruba) leaves are more efficacious than the conventional treatment, antivenom, for treating snake bites.
For example, consuming several Mucuna pruriens seeds is said to provide immunity against snake bites in a person for at least twelve months.
The research article featured in the International Journal of Biochemistry Research & Review explored the anti-venom effects of an extract from Mucuna pruriens leaves when tested against Cobra (Naja hannah) venom.
Furthermore, in an additional investigation, scientists documented the shielding impact of M. pruriens seed extract against Javan spitting cobra venom, which can lead to irreversible harm to the cardiac muscle.
The journal Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine proposed that the extract makes the heart more resilient against the venom's toxicity and aids in enhancing the body's immune response to the lethal poison.
Nevertheless, researchers have lately confirmed several indigenous plants as effective herbal remedies for managing snakebites. These encompass Ipomoea digitata, African custard apple (Annona senegalensis), turmeric (Curcuma longa), and banana (Musa paradisiaca).
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