Evaluation of Antivenom Potential of Faidherbia albida (Delile) A. Chev Root-Bark Extract against Bitis arietans Venom Toxicity

Background and Objective: The venom of Bitis arietans (puff adder) is a polymer of life-threatening toxins, which causes severe tissue damage. Extracts from Faidherbia albida may possess the potentiality in mitigating venom-induced tissue damage. Hence, this research was aimed at evaluating the antivenom potential of F. albida root-bark extracts against B. arietans venom toxicity. Materials and Methods: Faidherbia albidaroots were methanol-extracted and fractionated using hexane, ethyl acetate, butanol, and water. The most active fraction (PCF18) was purified via column and thin-layer chromatography. Rats (n = 28) were divided into seven groups: Normal control, venom only, venom+antivenom, venom+PCF18, venom+vitamin C, venom+vitamin E, and venom+PCF18+vitamins+antivenom. After 24 hrs, blood samples were collected to assess hepatic, renal, hematological, and anti-hemotoxic effects. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA, and means were compared by Duncan’s multiple range test in SPSS version 20, with p<0.05 considered significant. Results: A chromatographic fraction; PCF18 was found to be the most active fraction. Bitis arietans venom induced profound alterations of liver enzymes, kidney and blood parameters, treatment with PCF18 showed significant (p<0.05) reduction in AST, ALP, ALT and a significant (p<0.05) increase in TP, B and ALB compared to venom control. PCF18 treated group also showed significant (p<0.05) reduction in creatinine, urea and HCO₃. There was no significant (p>0.05) difference between the hematological parameters of venom control and PCF18. However, PCF18, antivenom and adjuvant-treated groups showed significant (p<0.05) reduction in clotting and bleeding times as well as hemolysis and fibrinogenation compared to venom control. Conclusion: The findings established that PCF18 exhibited potent hepatic and renal protective effects and also possessed anti-hemotoxic potential against B. arietans venom-induced toxicity.