Evaluation of Anti-venom effect of Tiryaq-e-arba in rabbit models

Background: Tiryaq-e-arba is a polyherbal Unani antidote/antivenom formulation used in the management of poisoning due to snake bite, scorpion bite as well as in cold poisons since time immemorial. Objectives: Tiryaq-e-arba was not evaluated scientifically before this study carried out, therefore it was studied for antivenom activity by testing on plasma fibrinogen level in Russell's Viper envenomation in rabbits. Material &Methods: The anti-venom activity of the test drug was studied by observing its effect on plasma fibrinogen level in Russell's Viper envenomation in rabbits by the method of Netelson. Results: The plasma fibrinogen level was found to be 171±665.04 mg/100 ml of blood, 36.18±1.12 mg/100 ml of blood, 33.14±0.52 mg/100 ml of blood and 17.9±1.65 mg/100 ml of blood at 0, 1, 3 and 6 hours respectively in control animals while in the test animal it was found to be 157.13±3.44 mg/100 ml of blood, 41.13±2.69 mg/100 ml of blood, 62.09±1.65 mg/100 ml of blood and 54.39±0.73 mg/100 ml of blood respectively. The test showed that though the plasma fibrinogen level in the test lower at 0 hour but it was greater in the control animals at 1, 3 and 6 hours. The increase in plasma fibrinogen level in the test animals at 3 and 6 hours was statistically significant (P<0.001). Conclusions: The finding of the present study was that Tiryaq-e-arba possesses antivenom activity which scientifically support the Unani claim that it is Dafe-Sumoom-al-Hevan (Antivenom or Antidote) and the use of this preparation in corresponding diseases.