In vitro Phytochemical Screening and Anti-snake Venom Activity of the Methanol Leaf and Stem Bark Extracts of Leptadenia hastata (Asclepiadaceae) against Naja nigricollis

Snake envenomation is a major cause of death and morbidity in many developing countries. Leptadenia hastata (Pers.) Decne (Asclepiadaceae) has been reportedly used in traditional medicine as an antivenom, antiulcer, antidiabetic, analgesic, cardiovascular disorders, bacterial and viral infections. This research design is to investigate the phytochemical analysis and phospholipase A2 enzyme inhibition potential of L. hastata leaf and stem bark extracts using standard procedures. Preliminary phytochemical screening revealed the presence of key constituents such as carbohydrates, tannins, flavonoids, alkaloids, triterpenes, steroids, saponins, and diterpenes. The methanol leaf and stem extracts were able to inhibit the hydrolytic action of phospholipase A2 enzyme in a concentration-dependent manner. The research findings lay credence to the folkloric claim of the leaf and stem of L. hastata as an anti-snake venom