چکیده (انگلیسی):

Purpose: The present investigation was aimed at evaluating the anti-ophidian properties of
ethnomedicinal herb Leucas aspera against Indian cobra, Naja naja venom enzymes.
Methods: Methanolic extract of Leucas aspera was evaluated, in vitro, for its ability to inhibit
the major enzyme activities of Naja naja venom including protease, phospholipase A2,
hyaluronidase and hemolytic factors. The type of phytochemicals present in the extract
was analyzed. Also, the major phytoconstituents in the extract was determined by gas
chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS).
Results: Venom protease and hyaluronidase activities (two isoforms) were completely
(100%) neutralized by the L. aspera methanolic extract at ratio of 1:50 w/w (venom:
plant extract) and venom hemolytic activity was also completely neutralized at a ratio
of 1:80 w/w by the plant extract. However, the extract failed to neutralize phospholipase
A2 activity even at the highest concentration used. Phytochemical analysis revealed the
presence of alkaloids, acidic compounds, flavonoids, steroids and cardiac glycosides in
the extract. GC–MS analysis indicated that a total of 14 compounds were present in the
extract. The major bioactive constituents were found to be 6-octadecenoic acid (32.47%), nhexadecanoic
acid (25.97%), and 17-octadecen-14-yn-1-ol (14.22%) along with the minor
constituents, sitosterol (2.45%) and stigmasterol (2%), which was previously reported to
exhibit antivenom activity.
Conclusion: The results obtained demonstrate for the first time that the methanolic extract
of Leucas aspera possesses anti-venom activity and could be considered as a potential source
for the anti-ophidian metabolites.