Indian Black Scorpion (Heterometrus bengalensis) Venom Action Neutralization by Indian Medicinal Plants in Experimental Animals

The anti scorpion venom activity of the Indian medicinal plant (Hemidesmus indicus, Pluchea indica and Aristolochia indica) root extracts (aqueous and methanol) was established in experimental animal models. Adult black scorpions (Heterometrous bengalensis) of both sexes were collected and the Scorpion Venom (SV) was collected by electrical stimulation, pooled, lyophilized and stored at 4 °C. Scorpion venom was expressed in terms of dry weight. Plant root extracts of Hemidesmus indicus (H.I) Pluchea indica (P.I) and Aristolochia indica (A.I) were (aqueous/methanol) prepared and expressed in terms of dry weight. Anti scorpion venom activity was evaluated using various in vivo and in vitro models (lethality, edema, urinary changes, plasma recalcification, cardiotoxicity, neurotoxicity, etc.). The aqueous/ methanol plant root extracts (H.I, P.I and A.I) could neutralize scorpion venom induced lethality, edema, urinary changes, plasma recalcification, cardiotoxicity, neurotoxicity, in experimental animal models. The aqueous root extracts were more effective in neutralizing scorpion venom actions as compared to methanol plant root extracts. These observations confirmed the ethnopharmacological value of the Indian medicinal plants active against scorpion venom and warrants further detailed studies.