Snake venoms are made up of a complex combination of enzymes and proteins of varying sizes, as well as amines, lipids, nucleosides, and carbohydrates. Venoms also contains metal ions like as sodium, calcium, potassium, magnesium, and zinc, which are thought to serve as cofactors. Defense, prey neutralization, and pre digestion are all considered to be functions of venom in venomous snake. It is injected into prey or assailants via ducts and specialized teeth or fangs from the venom gland.  Only around 450 snake species out of 3000 are venomous and possibly hazardous to humans. Around 100,000 people are killed each year, primarily in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. However, its venom has been employed in medicinal breakthroughs that might save human lives.

In Nervous system, it acts as neurotoxin. It prevents nerve cells in the brain from sending signals to the rest of body. It causes RBC to burst, causes blood not to clot and lower blood pressure whereas in muscular system it keeps muscle cells from contracting properly and can lead to the death of muscle.

 

-First of they hold snake around its neck with finger, with thumb in front is done.

-Then they place pressure on the hand while moving it upward and downward. This will make snake aggressive, it will open mouth and expose its fangs and start spiting the venom.

-The venom is collected in a container and quickly freeze dried to preserve its biological property.

 

You must be fascinated that to know than process of extracting is also known as milking. Haha, I found in some literature.

1.      It has fibrinogenolytic and fibrinolytic activity

2.      Helps in Cardiotonic and antiarrythmic activity

3.      Anti-Cancer activity

4.      Muscle depolarization & Hemolysis activity

 

Various side effect is seen with administration of anti-venom. Anaphylactic reactions such as difficulty in breathing, reddening of skin, swelling of eyes and face, fever are seen. There is occurrence of Pyrogen reaction probably due to the action of high concentrations of non-immunoglobulin proteins. Sometimes, Inflammation of joints, Enlargement of lymph gland are also seen. Some of plant constituents are used to neutralize the effects of snake venoms are Aristolochia odoratissima, Tamarindus indicus, Holarrhena antidysenterica and Andrographis paniculata.

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I hope you had a happy learning.