IN VIVO STUDY OF EFFICACY OF APARAJITA MULA (ROOT OF Clitoria ternatea) IN SNAKE VENOM POISONING

Visha (Poison) is a substance which after entering the body disturbs natural and physiological function of the body. The poison most difficult to treat among animal poisons is that of the snakes. Snake bite is an important and serious medico legal problem in many parts of the world, especially in south Asian countries. It has been estimated that 5million snake-bite cases occur worldwide every year causing about 100,000 deaths. Currently the only scientifically valid treatment for snake venom envenomation is Serotherapy i.e. polyvalent antisnake venom serum (PVASVS). Available first aid measures in snake-bites are application of tourniquet, incision and suction but their effectiveness is limited and required trained person for that. In Ayurved various plant species are mentioned as Anti- ophidian. But their effectiveness in snake-bite couldn’t investigate scientifically. So to investigate effectiveness of plant species as a first aid measure i have selected in vivo study. “Aparajita mula churna” was selected for the study. As it is mentioned in ‘Eksaragana’ in Sushruta Samhitaa, also in various Granthas and Nighantus Aparajita is described as remedy for snake venom poisoning.