Evaluation of antivenom potential of NataKushtadi Yoga against cobra venom in vitro study

Abstract

newline Abstract newlineBackground newlineSnakebite envenomation is a major public health problem in India, particularly in rural and resource-limited regions. The Indian cobra (Naja naja) is responsible for severe and often fatal envenomation, primarily due to its potent neurotoxic and hemotoxic venom components, especially acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and phospholipase Aand#8322; (PLAand#8322;). Although antivenom therapy is the standard treatment, it is associated with limitations such as high cost, limited availability, cold-chain dependency, inadequate efficacy against local tissue damage, and frequent adverse reactions. Ayurveda, through the discipline of Agada Tantra, describes several antidotal formulations for snakebite. Natakusthadi Yoga, composed of Nata (Valeriana wallichii DC) and Kustha (Saussurea lappa C.B. Clarke), is traditionally indicated in life-threatening envenomation. However, scientific validation of this formulation as a whole has been lacking. newlineObjective newlineTo evaluate the in-vitro antivenom potential of Natakusthadi Yoga against cobra venom, with special emphasis on its anti-neurotoxic and anti-hemolytic activities through inhibition of acetylcholinesterase and phospholipase Aand#8322; enzymes. newlineMethods newlineThe study comprised pharmaceutical preparation and standardization of Natakusthadi Yoga, followed by analytical evaluation using physicochemical parameters, microbiological assessment, High Performance Thin Layer Chromatography (HPTLC), and High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). The in-vitro experimental component assessed: newline newlineInhibition of cobra venom induced acetylcholinesterase activity (anti-neurotoxic assay), by Ellman s Method and newline newlineReduction of venom-induced hemolysis mediated by phospholipase Aand#8322; (anti-hemolytic assay) by Brindha Durairaj. newlineStandard biochemical protocols were employed to determine percentage inhibition and comparative efficacy. newlineResults newlineNatakusthadi Yoga demonstrated significant inhibition of acetylcholinesterase activity, indicating potent anti-neurotoxic potential against cobra venom. The form