Detoxifying action of Andrographis lineata (Acanthaceae) leaf extracts on Indian cobra Naja naja Venom

The present study reports the antivenom properties of Indian medicinal plant Andrographis lineata (Acanthaceae), commonly referred as ‘siriyanangai’ to reduce the effect of Indian cobra Naja naja snake venom. The plant leaves were shade dried and extracted with different organic solvents namely petroleum ether, ethyl acetate, methanol and water on the basis of polarity. All these extracts were tested in vivo for their potential neutralizing ability on lethal effect caused by Naja naja snake venom (10 µg) in mice (22 ± 2 g). All the extracts tested were found to be effective in neutralizing the lethal action caused by the venom. However, the mice treated with ethyl acetate extract has shown highest survival time up to 15.45 h than others, while the survival time for the control mice treated with no plant sample was 1.34 h. Ethyl acetate extract was then tested for its direct inhibitory effect on enzymes like acetyl cholinesterase, hyaluronidase, ATPase, protease, and hemolytic activity of Indian cobra Naja naja venom. Results indicated that the extract has significant effect on the venom enzymes when venom is pre-incubated with ethyl acetate extract for 1 h.