Promising inhibition of krait snake’s venom acetylcholinesterase by <italic>Salix nigra</italic> and its role as anticancer, antioxidant agent

Abstract

Snakebites are considered a neglected tropical disease that affects thousands of people worldwide. The available antivenoms are associated with numerous side effects. As an alternative, researchers have extensively studied the plants in order to obtain some unusual treatment. The current study was conceded to evaluate the effects of salix nigra (Black willow) against krait snake venom acetylcholinesterase and its role as anti-cancer, anti-oxidant agent. Standard protocols of Ellman, Meyer, Gyamfi and Ruch were used for enzyme inhibition, anti-cancer and free radicals scavenging assays respectively. The methanolic extract of Salix nigra proved to possess neutralization properties against krait snake (Bungarus Sindanus) venom acetylcholinesterase. Statistical data of the results showed that Salix nigra extract inhibited the krait venom acetylcholinesterase through concentration dependent manner. Kinetic analysis using Lineweaver Burk plot revealed that Salix nigra caused competitive type of inhibition i.e. k m value increased while V max remain constant with an increase of extract's concentration. The calculated IC 50 value of Salix nigra was found to be 177µg/ml. In DPPH free radical scavenging assay, extract showed good scavenging potential with IC 50 value of 317µg/ml. Similarly, using H 2 O 2 free radicals, the % scavenging of the extract at 100, 250, 500 and 1000µg/ml was 41, 54, 69 and 74% in comparison with ascorbic acid. Moreover, the extract exhibited good cytotoxic activity against brine shrimps in a dose dependent manner. The present work suggests, for the first time, that Salix nigra extract can be used not only as a potent inhibitor of snake venom acetylcholinesterase but also for the eradication of free radicals along with significant anticancer activity.

Phytochemistry, Pharmacology and Medicinal Uses of Plants of the Genus Salix: An Updated Review

“…Brine shrimp lethality test is commonly used to test cytotoxic effects of natural products. The methanol extract of S. nigra exerted concentration dependent cytotoxic effects against brine shrimp indicating promising cytotoxic effects (Ahmed et al, 2016). Willow bark extract (A pharmaceutically used extract BNO 1455) and its fractions (flavonoids, proanthocyanidins, salicyl alcohol derivatives) showed dose dependent cytotoxic effects against human colon and lung cancer irrespective of their COX-2 selectivity (Hostanska et al, 2007).…”

Harnessing Nature’s Gifts: Salix nigra and Its Potential for Combating Hepatitis C Virus (HCV)

“…Traditional wisdom may have uncovered some promising medicinal uses for Black Willow, but further study is required to validate these uses, understand how it works, and find appropriate dosages. 28 The current study focuses on the antiviral activity of the S. nigra medicinal plant by targeting the HCV NS3 gene, which is crucial for viral replication.…”

“…The antipyretic and febrifuge properties of Black Willow bark have been the subject of several ethnomedical practices, suggesting that it may be useful in treating malaria and other febrile disorders. Traditional wisdom may have uncovered some promising medicinal uses for Black Willow, but further study is required to validate these uses, understand how it works, and find appropriate dosages . The current study focuses on the antiviral activity of the S.…”