A remedial approach for Naja naja karachiensis envenomation: Enzymatic assay for alkaline phosphatase activity in extracts of local plants of Pakistan

Present study was performed to inhibit alkaline phosphatases (alpases) present in snake venom naja naja karachiensis by 28 medicinal plants of pakistan. 2.87 u/mg,4.75 u/mg,6.70 u/mg and 8.6 u/mg of phosphatase activity were estimated for 0.2 mg,0.4 mg,0.6 mg and 0.8 mg of crude venom respectively in dose dependent manner. all plants extract (625 ng to 2.5μg) were found to inhibit (80% to 93%) snake venom (0.4 mg) alpases. standard antidote was found to pose 93% hindrance at 2.5 μg/ml while edta (specific metalloenzyme inhibitor) was observed 91% effective. extract of sapindus mukorossi gaertn was declared the best anti-venom as reference standard however,isolation and identification of bioactive constituent(s) is necessary for complete treatment of snake bite envenomation. copyright 2014 zoological society of pakistan.