Asian Journal of Research in Biochemistry

Aims: This study evaluates the inhibitory effect of the crude extract of Catunaregam nilotica (STAPF) and its fraction against Echis ocellatus phospholipase A₂ (PLA₂) activity using an In vitro approach.

Study Design:  In-vitro Anti-venom Study.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Science Laboratory Technology, Federal Polytechnic Kaura Namoda, Zamfara State, Nigeria, between September to December, 2024.

Methodology: Crude extraction was performed through cold maceration and fractionated via solvent-solvent partitioning using solvents that increased polarity. The phytochemical contents were screened using standard methods. The inhibitory effect of the crude extracts and their fraction against PLA₂ activity was evaluated via the in-vitro acidimetry method.

Results: The phytochemical analysis revealed alkaloids, anthraquinones, flavonoids, phenols, saponins, steroids, tannins, terpenoids, and steroids in the crude extracts. The in-vitro inhibition assay results revealed that both the hexane and the ethyl acetate fractions significantly inhibited the activity of PLA₂ (P<0.05) compared with the venom controls in varying degrees of efficacy.

Conclusion: This study supports the potential of medicinal plants in developing effective anti-venom therapies. Further studies are recommended to isolate the active compound and elucidate its mechanism of action.