Corresponding author: Behrooz Fathi Email: b-fathi@um.ac.ir Tel: +98(91)5976-5651 Iranian Journal of Veterinary Science and Technology Received: Accepted afer revision: Published online: DOI: RESEARCH ARTICLE ABSTRACT Keywords Abbreviations https://IJVST.um.ac.ir 10.22067/ijvst.2024.84426.1300 Efects of the Hydroalcoholic Extract of Peganum harmala Against the Venom of the Iranian Snake Naja naja oxiana in Mice Peganum harmala contains pharmacologically active compounds and has been utilized for various purposes over the years. Due to public health concerns about snakebite envenoming, this study aimed to assess the potential antagonistic efects of this plant against the lethal impact of snake (Naja naja oxiana) venom. Tis study used fve protocols and 56 adult albino mice in seven equal groups (A, B1, B2, C, D, E, and F). In protocol I (control), group A received only 4 mg/kg of ven- om, while groups B1 and B2 received the P. harmala extract at doses of 15 and 30 mg/kg, respec- tively. In protocol II, group C was simultaneously administered 15 mg/kg of the extract and 4 mg/ kg of venom. In protocol III, group D received 4 mg/kg of venom, followed by the administration of 15 mg/kg of the extract afer 20 min. In protocol IV, group E was treated with venom-extract pre-incubated for 20 min at the same doses. In protocol V, group F received 30 mg/kg of the extract orally 60 min before the injection of venom at 4 mg/kg. Te route of injection was IP. Te average time of death afer venom injection was 31 ± 5 min. Groups B1 and B2 survived, while the animals in group C died afer 29 ± 7 min, group D afer 18 ± 4 min, group E afer 17 ± 5 min, and group F afer 22 ± 3 min. In conclusion, P. harmala does not protect against Naja naja venom and acceler- ates its lethal efect in an unknown way. Snakebite, Peganum harmala, Naja naja oxi- ana, Venom, Synergist Number of Figures: Number of Tables: Number of References:: 2023- Sep-13 2024-Feb-04 2024- Feb-04 Number of Pages: 2 40 9 1 IP: Intraperitoneal WHO: World Health Organization LD50: Lethal dose 50% IV: Intravenously PLA2: Phospholipase A2 LD100: Lethal dose 100% MAO: Monoamine oxidase Behrooz Fathi Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran.