An experimental study on evaluation of chemical antagonists induced snake venom neutralization

The present investigation explored the snake venom neutralizing capacity of four chemical compounds (2-hydroxy-4-methoxy benzoic acid, anisic acid, salicylic acid and aspirin) in experimental animals. The venoms of common Indian snakes Viper russellii, Echis carinatus, Naja kaouthia and Ophiophagus hannah were taken to evaluate the lethal, haemorrhagic and defibrinogenation action neutralization. Lethal action of venom was maximum neutralized with 2-hydroxy-4-methoxy benzoic acid and anisic acid, both in in vitro and in vivo studies. Haemorrhagic activity of venom (Viper and Echis) was maximum neutralized with salicylic acid. Viper venom induced defibrination was maximally neutralized with 2-hydroxy-4-methoxy benzoic acid and anisic acid in vitro studies. The exact mechanisms of venom neutralization by the chemical compounds were not established, except for 2-hydroxy-4-methoxy benzoic acid, where the functional groups, methoxy and hydroxy were partly responsible for the neutralization of the lethal effect and haemorrhagic activity.