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The protective effect of Mucuna pruriens seeds against snake venom poisoning

Nget Hong Tan1, Shin Yee Fung, Si Mui Sim

  • 1Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. tanngethong@yahoo.com.sg

Journal of Ethnopharmacology
|May 12, 2009
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Mucuna pruriens seed extract (MPE) effectively protected rats against Naja sputatrix venom, with antibodies showing cross-reactivity to various snake venoms. Anti-MPE antibodies show promise for treating Asiatic cobra bites.

Area of Science:

  • Pharmacology
  • Immunology
  • Toxicology

Background:

  • Mucuna pruriens (M. pruriens) seeds are traditionally used for various ailments, including snakebite prophylaxis in Nigeria.
  • The ethnopharmacological relevance of M. pruriens in managing snakebite necessitates scientific investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the protective potential of M. pruriens seed extract (MPE) against the lethal effects of diverse snake venoms.
  • To explore the immunological mechanisms underlying MPE's protective action.

Main Methods:

  • Rats were pre-treated with MPE before venom challenge.
  • In vitro neutralization assays were performed using anti-M. pruriens (anti-MPE) antibodies.
  • ELISA and immunoblotting were used to assess antibody cross-reactivity with snake venoms.

Main Results:

  • MPE pre-treatment provided significant protection against Naja sputatrix venom and moderate protection against Calloselasma rhodostoma venom.
  • Anti-MPE IgG exhibited extensive cross-reactivity with venoms from multiple snake genera.
  • In vitro studies confirmed that anti-MPE antibodies effectively neutralized Asiatic cobra (Naja) venoms but were less effective against other tested venoms.

Conclusions:

  • The protective effect of MPE against snake venom lethality involves immunological neutralization.
  • Anti-MPE antibodies demonstrate potential utility in antiserum therapy for Asiatic cobra envenomation.

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