Anti-Snake venom Activities of the leaf extracts of Asystasia gangetica (L) and Newbouldia leavis (p. Beauv)

The leaf extracts of two medicinal plants Asystasia gangetica (L) and Newboulia leavis (p. Beauv) were assessed for anti-snake venom activity in vivo using mice. The result of the phytochemical analysis revealed that the two plants contain flavonoids, glycosides, saponins, tannins and alkaloids. The methanolic extracts of the two plants A. gangetica (L) and N. leavis (p. Beauv) significantly (p< 0.05) neutralized the Naja melanoleuca venom-induced lethality activity in the mice. The extracts (flavonoids, tannins and saponins) of the two plants also showed significant (p<0.05) neutralization of the venom–induced lethality activity in mice. The work confirmed that Asystasia gangetica and Newbouldia leavis possess significant anti-venom activity and can therefore be used in the treatment of snake bites.