Journal of Ayurveda (Jun 2024)

Experimental Study on Antidotal Activity of Musa × paradisiaca Linn. in Cobra Poison on Wistar Strain Albino Rats

  • V. Revathy,
  • S. Ravikrishna,
  • Sudhakar Bhat,
  • K. Sreejith,
  • Chaithra Hebbar

DOI
https://doi.org/10.4103/joa.joa_173_22
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 18, no. 2
pp. 97 – 102

Abstract

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Introduction:Snake bite is an acute emergency which requires proper care and treatment. Today, the management of snake bites is done by administering anti-snake venom (ASV). The scarcity of ASV contributes to fatality. This scarcity of ASV is a result of a deficiency in its manufacture coupled with higher costs aggravated by its reduced accessibility within the mass population. In such a scenario, it is necessary to find alternative drugs which are more accessible to the population besides being cost-effective. The Classical Ayurvedic texts not only make a clear mention regarding snakes but also their bites with all their features along with its management. The scape of Palayankodan (Musa × paradisiaca Linn.) is one of the drugs of choice mentioned in Keraleeya visha chikitsa book “Kriyakoumudi” regarding the management of Cobra envenomation (Murkhavishaprakaranam). Hence, this study was undertaken to evaluate the antidotal effects of Palayankodan pindi rasa (extract of the scape of Musa × paradisiaca Linn.).Methods:Wistar albino rats were used for the study. First, LD50 of cobra venom was determined as per Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development 425 guidelines, and then rats intended for the experiment were grouped into four groups. Each group consisted of six rats: Group 1: under normal control, Group 2: under venom control, Group 3: under venom + ASV control, and Group 4: under venom + test drug control. The data were expressed as mean ± standard error of the mean. The differences between the groups were assessed by employing a “one-way analysis of variance with Dunnet’s multiple t-tests.”Results:The LD50 was determined to be 1098 mg/kg. The svarasa (fresh juice) of the scape of Musa × paradisiaca Linn. showed protective action against cobra venom.Conclusion:The scape juice of Musa × paradisiaca Linn. shows protective action against cobra venom.

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