According to the World Health Organization (WHO), snakebite cases in Indonesia reach 135,000 annually, with a fatality rate of about 5-10 percent.
The ground snake, Calloselasma rhodostoma, is one of the leading causes of snakebite fatalities in Java. However, antivenom for this snake species is not widely distributed and is often unaffordable.
A group of UGM students participating in the Student Creativity Program in Exact Science Research (PKM-RE) program has successfully revealed the extraordinary potential of tamarind seeds (Tamarindus indica) as an antidote for ground snake venom.
The research team, named Averin (Antivenom using Tamarind), is led by Oktaviani Nisa Hanafiah (Veterinary Medicine) with members from various disciplines, including Fauzela Azira Ainaya (Biology), Fani Nur Maftukhah (Pharmacy), Rahmadina Nur Azizah (Pharmacy), and Khansa Fortuna Putri (Veterinary Medicine). Dr. Fajar Sofyantoro, a lecturer from the Faculty of Biology, supervises the team.
Oktaviani Hanafiah explained that their research focuses on the potential of tamarind seed extract as an alternative treatment to reduce the mortality rate of ground snake bite victims in Indonesia. The tamarind seed extract was tested in vivo on the venom of C. rhodostoma.
The results showed that the hemorrhagic area was significantly reduced in the group treated with tamarind seed extract compared to the group injected with snake venom alone. Therefore, Tamarindus indica offers new hope for treating snake bites, particularly those from C. rhodostoma.
“This research provides preclinical data on the antivenom activity of T. indica seed extract against C. rhodostoma snake bites. The results could help reduce the mortality rate from ground snake bites,” Hanafiah added.
Hanafiah mentioned that their research findings were presented at the Faculty of Biology National Seminar on Tropical Biology on July 20, 2024, and will be published in the Journal of Tropical Biodiversity and Biotechnology.
Although still in the early stages, Hanafiah hopes this research will help address accessibility and cost issues in treating ground snake bites with antivenom development.
“With dedication and hard work, we hope this research inspires us to continue exploring nature’s potential to improve human quality of life,” concluded Hanafiah.
Author: Lazuardi
Editor: Gusti Grehenson