Copyright (c) 2026 Shraddha Suman, Beula, G. Pradyumna, Rajeetha A, Revathi S, Sunil S, Bhavya J
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In Vitro Evaluation of the Antivenom Potential of Methanolic Leaf and Flower Extracts of Clitoria Ternatea against Echis Carinatus Venom”
Corresponding Author(s) : Shraddha Suman
International Journal of Allied Medical Sciences and Clinical Research,
Vol. 14 No. 3 (2026): 2026 Volume -14 - Issue 3
Abstract
Background: Snakebite envenomation remains a major public health concern in tropical countries, particularly India. Echis carinatus (Indian saw-scaled viper) is one of the "Big Four" venomous snakes responsible for significant morbidity and mortality. Although polyvalent antivenom is the standard treatment, its limitations, including poor neutralization of local tissue damage and adverse reactions, have prompted the search for plant-derived inhibitors. ¹–³
Objective: To evaluate the in vitro antivenom activity of methanolic leaf and flower extracts of Clitoria ternatea against enzymatic components of Echis carinatus venom.
Methods: Methanolic extracts of leaves and flowers of Clitoria ternatea were prepared and screened qualitatively for phytochemicals. Their inhibitory activity against protease, phosphomonoesterase, phosphodiesterase, hyaluronidase, phospholipase A₂, coagulation, and indirect hemolytic activities of Echis carinatus venom was assessed using established biochemical assays.
Results: Phytochemical analysis revealed alkaloids, flavonoids, and saponins in leaf extract, while flower extract additionally contained resins and reducing sugars. Leaf extract demonstrated 85.9% inhibition of protease activity, whereas flower extract produced 84.1% inhibition. Phosphomonoesterase inhibition was higher in leaf extract (47.4%) than flower extract (26.8%). Minimal inhibition of hyaluronidase was observed, while phosphodiesterase, phospholipase A₂, coagulation, and indirect hemolytic activities were not significantly inhibited.
Conclusion: Methanolic extracts of Clitoria ternatea, particularly leaf extract, exhibit promising inhibitory effects against selected enzymatic components of Echis carinatus venom, especially proteases. These findings support further investigation through phytochemical isolation, mechanistic studies, toxicity evaluation, and in vivo validation to explore their role as adjuncts in snakebite management.