Synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Quillaja saponaria Molina bark extract and its antivenom activities

Snakebite is an issue of concern, especially in India which accounts for half of the global deaths due to venomous snakebites every year. Saponins are glycosides of triterpenes and steroids known for their antivenom properties. The soap bark tree or Quillaya, Quillaja saponaria Molina represents the major resource of saponins for commercial applications. Here, we investigated the antivenom property of silver nanoparticle mediated saponins (AgNP-SP) from the Q. saponaria bark extract. AgNP-SP was prepared conducive to optimal temperature, pH of extract and concentration of AgNO3. UV-VIS, FT-IR, XRD, TEM and SEM interpretations were devised to characterize AgNP-SP. AgNP-SP was tested for its efficacy to neutralize venom lethality and increase in myotoxicity biomarkers (LDH) in animal models. AgNP-SP was synthesized optimally at a concentration of 50 mg/mL, extract (pH 6.8) and temperature (80°C) with AgNO3 (1 mM). The colour change and synthesis of AgNP-SP was examined by UV–Vis analysis at 430 nm. TEM studies showed the size for AgNP-SP to be 74.4 nm. FT-IR analysis showed peaks of AgNP-SP at 3422 cm−1 and 2926 (O–H stretching), 2358 cm−1 (O=C=O stretching), 1616 cm−1 (C=C stretching), 1097 cm−1 (C–F stretching), 813 cm−1 (C–CL stretching) and 651 cm−1 (C–Br stretching). The EDAX established the purity of the AgNP-SP. The biosynthesized AgNP-SP could significantly neutralize Vipera russelli venom (VRV) mediated elevation of biomarkers lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT) serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT), serum creatinine and serum uric acid. The present study, thus promulgates the therapeutic potential of silver nanoparticle mediated saponins (AgNP-SP) in ameliorating the biochemical and pharmacological effect of haemotoxic snake venom in animal models.