Aim of the work: The present study was designed to evaluate the anti-snake venom effects of flavonoid
fraction, polyphenolic fraction and whole ethanolic fraction of the leaves of Calliandra portoricensis on some biochemical indices in Wistar rats. Methods: Phytochemical screening was carried out using bioactivity guided fractionation and
standard methods. Subsequently,thirty (30) rats of both sexes weighing between 100–150g
were divided into five (5) groups of 6 rats each. Groups 1 and 2 served as normal
control and viperian venom control respectively, groups 3,4 and 5 were injected intramuscularly
with 0.2ml of 1mg/ml equivalent of 0.2mg of viperian venom and subsequently injected
with 0.5ml of 100mg/100g body weight antidote fractions (flavonoid rich, polyphenolic
and whole ethanolic) extracts of Calliandra portoricensis respectively. The animals were sacrificed using chloroform as anaesthesia and whole
blood collected for haematological indices using haem analyzer and sera for the estimation
of some biochemical indices using standard kit methods of Agape diagnostics, Switzerland.
Results: Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of flavonoids and polyphenols and more
specifically 2 hydroxy-4-methoxy benzoic acid.AST and ALT activity showed a significant
increase (P<0.05) in all treated groups compared to the normal control. A significant
decrease (P<0.05) in creatine kinase activity was observed in group 5 compared to
groups1 and 2. The Hb level, RBC and WBC count showed a significant increase (P<0.05)
in all treated groups compared to normal control.The LDL:HDL ratio was found to be
9.47,0.44,0.11,0.37 and 1.44 respectively for groups 2,3,4,5 and 1. A marked increased
(P<0.05) in SOD,CAT and Gpx activity was observed in groups 3,4 and 5 when compared
to normal controls. Conclusion: Results showed that the phytochemical constituents inherent in the plant extract
may significantly lower the high lipid peroxidation and also ameliorate hematotoxic
effects induced by viperian venom, hence a protection against cardiotoxicity and the
shock that normally accompanies carpet viper envenomation.
