Antivenom Potential of Catunaregam nilotica Root-Bark Extract Against Echis ocellatus Venom Toxicity in Albino Rats

Background and Objective: Snakebite envenomation caused by Echis ocellatus (West African carpet viper) remains a major public health issue in Sub-Saharan Africa, contributing significantly to morbidity and mortality. The envenomation commonly results in systemic hemorrhage, coagulation disorders, local tissue necrosis and multiple organ dysfunctions. This study, therefore, investigated the antivenom efficacy of the n-hexane fraction (n-HF) derived from the root-bark of Catunaregam nilotica against E. ocellatus venom-induced pathophysiological alterations in albino rats. Materials and Methods: Acute oral toxicity of the crude methanol extract of C. nilotica root bark was evaluated using Lorke’s method, while the Median Lethal Dose (LD₅₀) of E. ocellatus venom was determined via intraperitoneal administration. Envenomed rats received treatments with the crude extract and its solvent fractions. Standard biochemical procedures were used to determine hepatic and renal function indices, hemostatic parameters (bleeding and clotting times, plasma fibrinogen levels), and lesion diameters. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey’s post hoc test (p<0.05). Results: The crude extract was found to be safe up to 5000 mg/kg body weight, indicating a wide margin of safety. Envenomed rats showed severe pathological effects, including hemorrhage, necrosis, coagulopathy, hepatic and renal impairment, and hemolysis. Administration of both the crude extract and n-HF significantly (p<0.05) improved survival, normalized liver and kidney biomarkers, shortened bleeding and clotting times, reduced hemorrhagic and necrotic lesions, and markedly inhibited hemolysis. Conclusion: The n-hexane fraction of Catunaregam nilotica root bark exhibited potent antivenom activity, effectively mitigating both systemic and local toxic effects of E. ocellatus venom. These findings provide scientific support for the potential development of C. nilotica-based phytotherapeutics as complementary or alternative antivenom agents.