Comparative study of antitoxin activity of Calotropis gigentea Linn and Cassia fistula Linn against Naja-naja (cobra) venom

Calotropis gigantea Linn and Cassia fistula Linn is used traditionally in India to treat snake bite patients. Hydroalcoholic extract of dried leaves of Calotropis gigantea Linn and Cassia fistula Linn was tested for haemolysis, procoagulant, oedema-forming activity against cobra (Naja-Naja) venom. The hydroalcoholic extract showed a significant inhibitory effect on haemolysis, procoagulant, oedema-forming activity. Calotropis gigantea Linn extract was significantly neutralize Naja-naja venom as compared to Cassia fistula Linn in a dose dependent manner. The present study suggests that hydroalcoholic extract of dried leaves of Calotropis gigantea Linn and Cassia fistula Linn possess compounds, which neutralize the activity of cobra (Naja-Naja) venoms. Key words: Oedema forming, hemolysis, Naja-naja, procoagulant