In vitro and In vivo Neutralizing Activity of Uvaria Chamae Fractions on the Venoms of Naja Nigricollis in Albino Rat and Bovine Blood

This study was aimed at evaluating the effect of Uvaria chamae extract in protecting against Naja nigricollis envenomations. Uvaria chamae is a well-known medicinal plant in Nigeria traditional medicine for the management of snakebite. Freshly collected Uvaria chamae leaves and stems were air-dried, powdered and extracted in methanol. The median lethal dose of the extract was determined and further fractionated with n-hexane, n-butanol, and ethyl acetate. Each fraction was tested for neutralizing effect against venom-induced haemolytic, fibrinolytic, hemorrhagic, and cytotoxic activities. The result obtained showed significant (p<0.05) antihaemolytic activity of Uvaria chamae in n-butanol 31.40%, aqueous residue 39.60% and ethyl acetate 40.70% fractions when compared to positive controls, but in n-hexane, the activity 33% was not significantly (p>0.05) increased. Antifibrinolytic activity was significantly (p<0.05) increase in n-hexane 73.88%, n-butanol 72.22% and aqueous residue 72.22% fractions. Antihaemorrhagic significant (p<0.05) increase in all the concentrations of each fraction except for n-butanol and aqueous residues at 400 mg/kg; antihaemorrhagic effect was more at 100 and 200 mg/mL concentration following experimental envenomation. Uvaria chamae fractions were found to possess a high level of protection against Naja nigricollis venoms-induced lethality, compared to positive controls. The results apparently provide the pharmacological rationale for the use of the leaves of Uvaria chamae in the management of snakebite envenomation.