Abstract

Henry P Onyeama2 ; Godwin O Igile1 ; Bob IA Mgbeje1 ; Mbeh U Eteng1; Patrick E Ebong1

Study evaluated effects of flavonoid, polyphenolic and whole ethanolic Calliandra portoricensis leaf fraction on some biochemical indices of venom toxicity in albino Wistar rat. Thirty rats of both sexes were divided into five groups of six rats each. Groups 1 and 2 were normal control (NC) and viperian venom control (VC) respectively. Groups 3, 4 and 5 were venomized with viperian venom and subsequently treated with antidote fractions of flavonoid, polyphenol and whole leaf extracts respectively. Blood samples were analysed for biochemical indices. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of flavonoids and polyphenols. AST and ALT activity were significantly higher in all treated groups compared to NC. Creatine kinase activity increased significantly in VC compared to NC. These values decreased significantly in fractions/extract treated groups. HGB level decreased significantly while RBC and WBC counts increased significantly in the VC compared to NC. HGB and RBC levels were reversed towards normal by treatment with the fractions/whole extract. Flavonoid fraction only, reversed WBC levels towards normal. Elevated LDL/HDL in VC was decreased towards NC by the plant fractions/extracts. SOD and GPx activity increased significantly in plant fractions/extracts compared to NC and VC. The plant’s phytochemical constituents may have significantly lowered lipid peroxidation induced by viperian venom and thus ameliorate hematotoxic effects. This may account for the protection against cardio-toxicity and the shock that normally accompanies viper envenomation.