Int. J. Pharm. Sci. Rev. Res., 30(1), January – February 2015; Article No. 41, Pages: 227-234 ISSN 0976 – 044X International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences Review and Research Available online at www.globalresearchonline.net © Copyright protected. Unauthorised republication, reproduction, distribution, dissemination and copying of this document in whole or in part is strictly prohibited. © Copyright pro 227 1 Rakesh Kant Kamal, 2 Neha Sahu* , 1 Jitin Rahul, S.P.Singh 3 1 Department of Environmental Science & Engineering, Indian School of Mines, Dhanbad, Jharkhand, India. 2 Department of Biotechnology, KIIT University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India. 3 Department of Botany, D.B.S. College, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, India. * Corresponding author’s E-mail: jitin.nature@gmail.com Accepted on: 09-11-2014; Finalized on: 31-12-2014. ABSTRACT Snakebite is a medically and socially significant issue in India, but it is one of the most neglected public health issues in poor rural communities. The estimated death incidence due to snake bites is 1,25,000 per year globally, which signifies that death rates associated with snake bites is a serious epidemiology. The current prospectus of treatment and reporting protocols need to be upgraded to higher standards. Anti-venoms have been widely used for more than a century for treating snakebites and other accidents with poisonous animals. Presently there are seven laboratories in India which produce anti-venom against four most venomous and medically important Indian snake species- Cobra (Naja sp.), Krait (Bungarus sp.), Russell's Viper (Daboia russelii) and Saw Scaled Viper (Echis carinatus sp.), the 'big four'. Most venom for anti-venom production in India is sourced from Chennai. In this article, we review the production of venom and anti-venom in India and suggest areas of improvement, with the help of medicinal plants capable enough to be used as anti-venom. In light of these observations, it is felt that there is a need to prioritize the betterment of venom and anti-venom production protocols, public education, and snake bite treatment in India. Keywords: Snake bite, Snake venom, Snake Anti-venom, Anti-venom production, Anti-venom activity of medicinal plants. INTRODUCTION ince ancient times, snakes have been worshipped, feared, or loathed. Unfortunately, snakes remain a painful reality in the daily life of millions of villagers. Indeed, although anti-venom is produced in sufficient quantities by several public and private manufacturers, most snake bite victims don't have access to quality care, both morbidity and mortality due to snake bites are high (Fig 1.). The neglected status of snake bite envenoming has recently been challenged 1 but as outlined below, apart from the production of anti-venom, snake bite envenoming in India shares all the characteristics of a neglected tropical disease. This review aims at summarizing and discussing the epidemiology, clinical features, diagnosis, and treatment of snake bite envenoming in India. Figure 1: Estimated Mortality Due To Snake Bites In India There are four common venomous snakes found in India. They are Common Cobra (Naja naja), Common Krait (Bunguraus caeruleus ), Russell's Viper (Daboia russelii ) and Saw Scaled Viper (Echis carinatus) 2 (Fig 2.). They are known as the “Big Four” of India. Apparently they are not the only species which are venomous, but are also found throughout India. They are widely distributed across the country. There are other venomous snakes like the King Cobra (Ophiophagus hannah), Hump Nosed Pit Viper (Hypnale hypnale), Banded Krait (Bunguraus faciatus ) are also found in India. Figure 2: Characterization of Venom According To Snake Family Death rate associated with snake bites is one of the major epidemiology in various regions of the world. About 35,000 to 50,000 people reportedly die of snake bite in India every year especially in rural areas 3 (Fig 3.). Snake Bite, Venom, Anti-Venom Production and Anti-Venom Activity of M edicinal Plants: A Review S Research Article