Abstract
Objective
To review the pathophysiological mechanisms of snakebite envenomation, particularly the roles of phospholipase A₂ (PLA₂) and snake venom metalloproteinases (SVMPs), and to assess the therapeutic potential of plant-derived phytochemicals as complementary alternatives to traditional antivenom therapy.
Materials and methods
A comprehensive literature review was conducted to identify studies addressing snake venom-induced tissue and organ toxicity and the therapeutic potential of medicinal plants and phytochemicals. The databases PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect and Google Scholar were systematically searched. Key keywords included combinations of snake bite, snake venom, phospholipase A₂ (PLA₂), snake venom metalloproteinases (SVMPs), tissue damage, oxidative stress, medicinal plants, phytochemicals, ethnomedicineand antivenom adjuvant therapy.
Results
Snake venom enzymes, including PLA₂ and SVMPs, cause severe local and systemic effects, such as neurotoxicity, myotoxicity, cytotoxicity, and hemotoxicity, leading to paralysis, hemorrhage, necrosis, and multiorgan failure. While conventional antivenoms effectively neutralize systemic toxicity, they offer limited protection against rapid local damage. Phytochemicals from medicinal plants show promising potential to counteract the effects of poisons by neutralizing reactive oxygen species, stabilizing cellular membranes and inhibiting poison enzymes. Evidence suggests that combining these compounds with antivenom improves therapeutic efficacy, reduces the required antivenom dose, and reduces side effects.
Conclusion
Plant-derived phytochemicals are promising adjunctive therapies for snakebite envenomation, targeting oxidative stress, inflammation and venom enzyme activity. Combining phytomedicine with antivenom provides a synergistic, accessible and cost-effective approach to improving outcomes, particularly in resource-limited areas. Further research is needed to confirm safety, efficacy and optimal delivery methods for clinical use.
