TRADITIONAL TREATMENT OF SNAKE BITE

This piece was written by Drs. Amos Victor Imoukhuede and Nkechinyere Iro Nkama, members of CMDA Nigeria.

 

ABSTRACT:

The Nigerian ministry of health reports that snake bites kill every year. Research in recent years has provided critical data on the conditions that promote snake-human contact, snake bite patient profile, and the necessity of in-state production of large quantities of affordable antivenin. At this time, development of antivenin facilities and novel research with herbal medicine is being conducted at the University of Nigeria Nsukka.

INTRODUCTION:

According to data presented to a WHO study group in January 2007 by a project director from the Nigerian ministry of health, globally over 1 million humans are bitten annually by venomous snakes, resulting in 20 000 deaths. Nigeria is reported to have one-fifth of all West Africa region cases occurring in the country. Deaths from Nigerian hospitals have shown that out of every 100,000 admissions, 174 are attributed to snake bite envenomation.

Four families of venomous snakes are found in Nigeria; Viperidae, Elapidae, Colubridae and Actraspididae but three species carpet viper (Echis ocellatus), black-necked spitting cobra (Naja nigricollis) and puff adder (Bitis arietans), belonging to the first two families are the most important snakes associated with envenoming in Nigeria. Bites occur more often while victims were farming, herding or walking, although the spitting cobra may bite victim who roll upon it on their sleep. Carpet viper venom contains a prothrombin activating procoagulant, haemorrhagin and cytolytic fractions which cause haemorrhage, incoagulable blood, shock and local reactions/necrosis. The spitting cobra bite manifests with local tissue reaction and occasionally with bleeding from the site of bite, but no classic neurotoxic feature. However, Nigerian researchers have identified a local plant that could counteract the effect of snake venom – Bidens pilosa. Commonly called black jack, black fellow, Spanish needle in English, and sornet in French, Bidens pilosa belongs to the plant family Compositae. In Nigeria, the Yoruba (Ago-Are) calls it eyinata.

Traditionally, Bidens pilosa is used as a medicinal plant in many regions of Africa, Asia and tropical America. Roots, leaves and seed have been reported to possess antibacterial, antidysenteric, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antimalarial, diuretic, hepato-protective and hypotensive activities. In the tropic, Bidens pilosa is also used for snakebite and malaria; research has confirmed the plant’s antimalarial activity; it reduced malaria in animals by 43-66 per cent and in vitro by 90 per cent. With regards to its status as a traditional snakebite remedy, one research group confirmed that a Bidens pilosa extract could protect mice from lethal injections of neurotoxic snake venom.

The native and the traditional healers use many herbs both internally and externally in treatment of snake bite. These are examples of herbs used by a native called Chhattisgarh in India:

Muha is well known non-wood forest product of Chhattisgarh. Its scientific name is Madhuca longifolia. The traditional healers of Mahua rich areas use its seeds externally in treatment of snake bite. The seeds are rubbed in water and aqueous paste is prepared, this paste is applied in the affected parts. The natives use Neem leaves as first aid remedy the patients are advised to take more and more Neem leaves in order to nullify the lethal effects of poison. In general, the natives of snake rich areas where snake bite are common, use Neem leaves regularly particularly during rainy season. According to them, the regular use of Neem leaves, make the body strong enough to reduce the effects of snake poison.

Parsa is also a common tree in natural forest of Chhattisgarh. Many villages have been named on this herb because of its dense population in the villages. The traditional healers of Chhattisgarh use the roots of Persa both internally and externally in treatment of snake bite. The aqueous extract of roots is given internally whereas aqueous paste is applied externally. The natives are also aware of this use. They use it as first aid remedy. This use is very popular among the herb collectors. The scientific name of Parsa is Butea monosperma. Champa is well known ornamental herb. The natives plant this herb in their home-gardens for its beautiful fragrant flowers. It is common belief in Chhattisgarh that this herb attracts and provides shelter to venomous creature more powerfully.

The fresh roots of Bael, Kaith (feronia sp) and wild species of Chaulai (Amaranthus spinosus) and mix it in equal proportion. After mixing juice is extracted and given to the patient frequently.

Munga bark in combination with Reetha (Sapindus emerginatus) in treatment. The aqueous extract is given internally. To increase its properties, Black Piper (Kali Mirch) is also added in this combination. The scientific name of Munga is Moringa oleifera. The flower juice of Sirsa in combination with Black Pipper, internally in treatment of snake bite. According to the natives, this use slows down the effect of poison and is promising first aid remedy, till the arrival of the traditional healer.

Being bitten by a snake raises greater concern than being bitten by most other animal because of the possibility that the bite may be poisonous. If you get bitten seriously by a snake the best thing is to get the antivenom into you as quickly as possible, “says Professor Alan Harvey, at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow.” In Nigeria, where the untreated bite of fairly common snakes such as the cobra (naja) or the Echis and Bitis vipers can be fatal, speed is crucial. The main first aid measure that can be used is the Pressure Immobilization Bandage, although the effectiveness of this treatment is currently under discussion. It was developed by late Prof. Sutherland in 1979 (ref.7). If applied properly, it will slow down or completely stop the flow of lymph. The lymphatic system drains away fluid from the tissues and returns it to the bloodstream in most cases – unless the snake bite injected venom directly into the blood vessel. It should be applied immediately after the bite. The series of figures below are copyright of the Australian venom research Unit.