Neutralization of Naja kaouthia Venom Induced Toxicity and Stress Response by Vitex negundo-Gold Nanoparticle (VNGNP) in Experimental Animal Model

Snake bite is a neglected tropical disease and a socio-medical problem in India. Anti-snake venom serum (ASVS), the only available treatment possesses several limitations. Search for alternative treatment against snake bite is a long challenge to the researcher. In the present study, neutralization of Naja kaouthia venom (NKV) induced acute toxicity, acute stress and cytokine response were done with herbal (Vitex negundo) gold nanoparticle (VN-GNP) in experimental animal model. VN-GNP was prepared by reducing gold salt using aqueous root extract of Vitex negundo (VN) and its physico-chemical characterization was done by DLS (size and zeta potential), FTIR and TEM. Swiss male albino mice were taken in group 1- sham control, group 2- NKV control, group 3- ASVS treated, group 4- GNP treated, group 5- VN treated and group 6- VN-GNP treated. Biochemical parameters, urinary parameters, antioxidant parameters, cytokines and histology of liver and kidney tissues were done. NKV treatment in group 2 mice showed significant changes in biochemical parameters (CK, LDH, GPT, GOT, γ-GT, ACP, ALP), urinary parameters (calcium, phosphate), stress parameters (SOD, GSH, catalase, LPO) and cytokines (serum IL-10, IL-17, IL-1β and TNFα) as compared with group 1 (sham control) animals. VN-GNP treatment in group 6 mice significantly neutralized NKV induced toxicity/stress/cytokine response as compared with group 2 mice. Degree of NKV neutralization was VN-GNP>VN>ASVS, thus indicating VN-GNP may have advantage over ASVS for NKV induced organ toxicity and stress neutralization in experimental animal model and warrants further detailed studies.