MyMedR

Fulltext A Comprehensive Review on Phytochemistry and Pharmacological Activities of Clinacanthus nutans (Burm.f.) Lindau

Khoo LW, Audrey Kow S, Lee MT, Tan CP, Shaari K, Tham CL, et al.

Evid Based Complement Alternat Med, 2018;2018:9276260.

PMID: 30105077 DOI: 10.1155/2018/9276260

Clinacanthus nutans (Burm.f.) Lindau (Acanthaceae), commonly known as Sabah snake grass, is a vegetable and a well-known herb that is considered an alternative medicine for insect bites, skin rashes, herpes infection, inflammation, and cancer and for health benefits. Current review aims to provide a well-tabulated repository of the phytochemical screening, identification and quantification, and the pharmacological information of C. nutans according to the experimental design and the plant preparation methods which make it outstanding compared to existing reviews. This review has documented valuable data obtained from all accessible library databases and electronic searches. For the first time we analyzed the presence of flavonoids, triterpenoids, steroids, phytosterols, and glycosides in C. nutans based on the results from phytochemical screening which are then further confirmed by conventional phytochemical isolation methods and advanced spectroscopic techniques. Phytochemical quantification further illustrated that C. nutans is a good source of phenolics and flavonoids. Pharmacological studies on C. nutans revealed that its polar extract could be a promising anti-inflammation, antiviral, anticancer, immune and neuromodulating, and plasmid DNA protective agent; that its semipolar extract could be a promising antiviral, anticancer, and wound healing agent; and that its nonpolar extract could be an excellent anticancer agent.

Matched MeSH terms: Snakes

Bites and stings by venomous animals with special reference to snake bites in West Malaysia

Lim BL, Abu Bakar bin Ibrahim

Med J Malaya, 1970 Dec;25(2):128-41.

PMID: 4251134

Matched MeSH terms: Snakes/classification

The protective effect of Mucuna pruriens seeds against snake venom poisoning

Tan NH, Fung SY, Sim SM, Marinello E, Guerranti R, Aguiyi JC

J Ethnopharmacol, 2009 Jun 22;123(2):356-8.

PMID: 19429384 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2009.03.025

The seed, leaf and root of Mucuna pruriens have been used in traditional medicine for treatments of various diseases. In Nigeria, the seed is used as oral prophylactics for snakebite.

Matched MeSH terms: Snakes

Fulltext Herpetofauna of gunung panti forest reserve, johor, peninsular malaysia

Onn CK, Grismer LL, Matsui M, Nishikawa K, Wood PL, Grismer JL, et al.

Trop Life Sci Res, 2010 Aug;21(1):71-82.

PMID: 24575191 MyJurnal

A survey was carried out at Gunung Panti Forest Reserve, Johor from 3-7 August 2006, 2-5 June 2008, and 28-31 July 2008 to inventory the herpetofauna therein. An updated checklist for the area which incorporates findings from previous studies is provided. In total, 37 species of frogs, 1 turtle, 27 lizards, and 11 snakes have been recorded from Gunung Panti Forest Reserve, Johor.

Matched MeSH terms: Snakes

Fulltext Preliminary checklist of the herpetofauna of Pulau Besar, Melaka, Malaysia

Chan KO, Grismer LL, Wood, PL, Grismer JL, Ahmad N

Trop Life Sci Res, 2009;20(1):-.

MyJurnal

A herpetological survey was conducted at Pulau Besar, Melaka from 10 to 12 June 2008, resulting in the discovery of five species of amphibians, nine species of lizards (including one new species of the gekkonid Cyrtodactylus) and one snake species. This report constitutes the first checklist of the herpetofauna of Pulau Besar and the Water Islands Archipelago.

Matched MeSH terms: Snakes

An annotated checklist of the herpetofauna of Beris Valley, Kedah, Malaysia

Shahrudin S, Jaafar IH, Rahim ND, Akil MA

Trop Life Sci Res, 2011 May;22(1):13-24.

PMID: 24575206

The herpetofauna of Beris Valley, Kedah, Malaysia, was studied using a rapid assessment survey during a scientific expedition organised by the School of Biological Sciences at the Universiti Sains Malaysia, from 14-17 August 2009. All amphibians and reptiles were observed and captured during the four-day survey along the ditches, roads, dam areas, swamps, forest trails and streams. The results showed that 14 species of amphibians from 9 genera and 5 families inhabit the area, and 7 species of lizards, 5 species of snakes and 2 species of freshwater turtles were also present in the area. Fejervarya limnocharis and Microhyla butleri seemed to be the most common amphibians, while Hemidactylus frenatus and Varanus salvator were the most common reptiles in the area. This report constitutes a preliminary checklist and first record of amphibians and reptiles in Beris Valley, Kedah. The number of specimens was less than expected because of the very short survey period, but we hope to record more species in future studies.

Matched MeSH terms: Snakes

The anticoagulant activity of Malayan cobra (Naja naja sputatrix) venom and venom phospholipase A2 enzymes

Tan NH, Arunmozhiarasi A

Biochem. Int., 1989 Oct;19(4):803-10.

PMID: 2619749

Malayan cobra (Naja naja sputatrix) venom was found to exhibit an in vitro anticoagulant activity that was much stronger than most common cobra (genus Naja) venoms. The most potent anticoagulants of the venom are two lethal phospholipase A2 enzymes with pI's of 6.15 and 6.20, respectively. The anticoagulant activity of the venom is due to the synergistic effect of the venom phospholipase A2 enzymes and polypeptide anticoagulants. Bromophenacylation of the two phospholipase A2 enzymes reduced their enzymatic activity with a concomitant drop in both the lethal and anticoagulant activities.

Matched MeSH terms: Snakes

Isolation and characterization of an acidic lethal phospholipase Az from Malayan cobra (Naja naja sputatrix) venom

Tan NH, Arunmozhiarasi A

Biochem. Int., 1989 Apr;18(4):785-92.

PMID: 2764979

An acidic, lethal phospholipase Az was purified to electrophoretic homogeneity from the venom of the Malayan cobra (Naja naja sputatrix). The enzyme has an isoelectric point of 5.58, a molecular weight of 12000, and a medium lethal dose (LD50) of 0.86 micrograms/g in mice by intravenous injection. The enzyme also exhibited weak anticoagulant and edema-forming activities. The amino acid composition of the enzyme is similar to those of other cobra venom phospholipases Az.

Matched MeSH terms: Snakes

Pentastomiasis: a common finding at autopsy among Malaysian aborigines

Prathap K, Lau KS, Bolton JM

Am J Trop Med Hyg, 1969 Jan;18(1):20-7.

PMID: 5812657

Matched MeSH terms: Snakes

The rediscovery of Schaefer's Spine-jawed Snake (Xenophidion schaeferi Günther Manthey, 1995) (Serpentes, Xenophidiidae) from Peninsular Malaysia with notes on its variation and the first record of the genus from Sumatra, Indonesia

Quah ESH, Grismer LL, Jetten T, Wood PLJ, Miralles A, Sah SAM, et al.

Zootaxa, 2018 Jun 27;4441(2):366-378.

PMID: 30314015 DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4441.2.10

The family Xenophidiidae is an extremely rare and little-known family of snakes that contains only two species, Xenophidion acanthognathus Günther Manthey and X. schaeferi Günther Manthey that are each known only from their holotypes. We report on the rediscovery of X. schaeferi from two new locations in southern Peninsular Malaysia. The new specimens differ markedly from the holotype of X. schaeferi in colour pattern and are more akin to the patterning of X. acanthognathus from Borneo. However, molecular analyses of one of the new specimens reveal that it only differs from the holotype of X. schaeferi by a minimum sequence divergence of 0.27%. An expanded description of the species based on these specimens is provided and phenotypic variation within the species is discussed. We also report the first record of the genus Xenophidion from West Sumatra, Indonesia. These sensational discoveries continue to underscore the fact that southern Peninsular Malaysia and upland areas of Southeast Asia in general still harbour unrealized herpetological diversity and are still in need of field research-based taxonomic studies.

Matched MeSH terms: Snakes*

The comparison of the antitomboc action of the thrombin-like fraction of Malayan pit viper venom and heparin

Chan KE

Cardiovasc Res, 1969 Apr;3(2):171-8.

PMID: 5821043

Matched MeSH terms: Snakes*

Caseinolytic and esteratic activities of Malayan pit viper venom and its proteolytic and thrombin-like fractions

Soh KS, Chan KE

Toxicon, 1974 Mar;12(2):151-8.

PMID: 4859238

Matched MeSH terms: Snakes*

Fulltext The use of venom and venom-derived products in medicine and cosmetics: the ethical issues from Islamic perspective

Muhamad Rusdi Ahmad Rusmil, Iekhsan Othman, Che Anuar Che Mohamad

International Medical Journal Malaysia, 2018;17(101):1-6.

MyJurnal

Venom is a mixture of biologically active toxins that affect normal physiological functions. With the advance in technology, the complexity and functions of venom and its toxins are slowly being revealed. It has become important source for therapeutic, diagnostic and cosmetic agents. However, there is concern among the Muslim community pertaining to halal and safety issues on the venom and venom-derived product usage. There are few studies that discuss the Islamic views in the usage of venom and venom-based product in medicine and cosmetic applications. There is a need for Muslim scientists and scholars to seriously identify the potential ethical and safety issues in the usage of venom and venom-derived products in view of the widespread application in medicine and cosmetic, which subsequently forming the basis for relevant and reliable shariah ruling. This is an attempt to review the relevant articles based on the following keywords: venom and Islamic ruling, venom-based product, venom and medicine, venom and cosmetic, antivenom, venom toxin, snake poison and venom diagnostics. It will also attempt to clarify and elaborate the implication of the “halal” status for venom-based product. Finaly the current available shariah rulings on the usage of venom and venom-based product both in medical and cosmetic area and the related principle of fiqh involved will be analyzed. The findings from this review, particularly the current available ruling will allow various parties to be well informed on the current ruling and related issues on the usage of this products.

Matched MeSH terms: Snakes

Fulltext Knowledge assessment of snake antivenom among healthcare practitioners involving educational intervention in northern Nigeria: a study protocol

Bala AA, Jatau AI, Yunusa I, Mohammed M, Mohammed AH, Isa AM, et al.

Ther Adv Drug Saf, 2020;11:2042098620935721.

PMID: 32944213 DOI: 10.1177/2042098620935721

Introduction: Snakebite envenoming (SBE) is an important occupational and public health hazard especially in sub-Saharan Africa. For optimum management of SBE, adequate knowledge of Snake antivenom (SAV) is very critical among the healthcare practioners in this region. Information related to the knowledge of SAV use in the management of SBE, as well as SAV logistics is scarce among the Health Care Professionals (HCPs) in Nigeria, particularly in the northern region. We therefore aimed to develop, validate and utilize a tool to assess the SAV knowlegde among HCPs in northern Nigeria. We also sought to implement and evaluate an intervention that could improve the SAV knowledge among the HCPs.

Methods: The proposed study will be conducted in three phases: Phase I will involve the development of the item-pool to be included in the tool, followed by a face, content validity and construct validity. The tool reliability, readability and difficulty index will be determined. Phase II will involve the utilization of the tool to assess baseline SAV knowledge among the HCPs followed by an educational intervention. Multiple Linear Regression analysis will be used to determine the factors associated with SAV knowledge among the HCPs. Lastly, Phase III which will be a repeat of Phase II to assess and evaluate the knowledge after the intervention.

Discussion: The study design and findings may guide future implementation and streamline the intervention of improving SAV knowledge in HCPs training and practice.

Lay Summary: Knowledge assessment and educational intervention of snake antivenom among healthcare practitioners in northern Nigeria: a study protocol Snakebite envenoming (SBE) is an important occupational and public health hazard especially in sub-Saharan Africa. For optimum management of SBE, adequate knowledge of snake antivenom (SAV) is very critical among the healthcare practitioners. The baseline knowledge SAV dosage, mode of administration, availability, and logistics is very relevant among healthcare professionals, particularly those that are directly involved in its logistics. It is paramount that SAV is handled and used appropriately. The efforts and advocacy for the availability for more SAV will be in vain if not handled appropriately before they are used. This study protocol aims to develop a tool, to assess SAV knowledge and effects of educational interventions among healthcare professionals (HCPs) in northern Nigeria. This protocol suggests conducting studies in three phases: (a) Development and validation of SAV knowledge assessment tool, (b) Baseline assessment of SAV knowledge assessment tool among HCPs, and (c) Development, implementation and evaluation of an educational intervention to improve SAV knowledge among HCPs in northern Nigeria.

Matched MeSH terms: Snakes

Light and electron microscopic observations of the life cycle of Sarcocystis orientalis sp. n. in the rat (Rattus norvegicus) and the Malaysian reticulated python (Python reticulatus)

Zaman V, Colley FC

Z Parasitenkd, 1975 Oct 16;47(3):169-85.

PMID: 810990

A light and electron microscopic study of Sarcocystis orientalis sp. n. was made. The life cycle of this parasite is in two hosts. Gametogony is in the intestinal epithelial cells of a predator, Python reticulatus. Isospora-like oocysts developed. Sporocysts average 9.1 by 7.7 mum. Rats (Rattus norvegicus) were infected with sporocysts and asexual stages developed. Ten days after infection large zoites (average 7.85 by 2.48 mum) were observed free in peripheral blood and within white blood cells. Small schizonts producing merozoites 2-3 mum long were seen in lung tissue. Tissue cysts developed in skeletal muscle and produced numerous cystozoites (average 5.53 by 1.38 mum). Fine structure was similar to previously described Sarcocystis spp.

Matched MeSH terms: Snakes/parasitology*

On Styphlodora elegans N.SP. and Styphlodora compactum N.SP., trematode parasites of Python reticulatus in Malaya, with a key to the species of the genus Styphlodora looss, 1899

Dawes B

Parasitology, 1941;33:445-458.

DOI: 10.1017/S0031182000024665

Matched MeSH terms: Snakes

[Long-term treatment using Arwin of patients with chronic peripheral arterial blood circulation disorders]

Ehrly AM

Subsid Med, 1974;4:56-7.

PMID: 4548779

Matched MeSH terms: Snakes

Fulltext Genetic assemblage of Sarcocystis spp. in Malaysian snakes

Lau YL, Chang PY, Subramaniam V, Ng YH, Mahmud R, Ahmad AF, et al.

Parasit Vectors, 2013 Sep 09;6(1):257.

PMID: 24010903 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-6-257

BACKGROUND: Sarcocystis species are protozoan parasites with a wide host range including snakes. Although there were several reports of Sarcocytis species in snakes, their distribution and prevalence are still not fully explored.

METHODS: In this study, fecal specimens of several snake species in Malaysia were examined for the presence of Sarcocystis by PCR of 18S rDNA sequence. Microscopy examination of the fecal specimens for sporocysts was not carried as it was difficult to determine the species of the infecting Sarcocystis.

RESULTS: Of the 28 snake fecal specimens, 7 were positive by PCR. BLASTn and phylogenetic analyses of the amplified 18S rDNA sequences revealed the snakes were infected with either S. nesbitti, S. singaporensis, S. zuoi or undefined Sarcocystis species.

CONCLUSION: This study is the first to report Sarcocystis infection in a cobra, and S. nesbitti in a reticulated python.

Matched MeSH terms: Snakes/parasitology*

Porocephaliasis in Western Malaysia

Burns-Cox CJ, Prathap K, Clark E, Gillman R

Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg, 1969;63(3):409-11.

PMID: 5815876

Matched MeSH terms: Snakes

Fulltext Fatal melioidosis in a captive elephant trunk snake (Acrochordus javanicus) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Sadiq, M.A., Zakaria, Z., Saharee, A.A., Abba, Y., Hassan, L.

Jurnal Veterinar Malaysia, 2016;28(1):20-26.

MyJurnal

An adult female Elephant Trunk Snake (Acrochordus javanicus) was reported to have been weak and inappetent for five days. The following morning the snake found dead, while in the process of shedding its skin. On post mortem examination, there were multiple circumscribed caseous nodules of various sizes distributed all over the liver, along the respiratory tract and on the lungs. Bacteriological analysis of the lungs and liver swab samples yielded Burkholderia pseudomallei, which was confirmed by PCR amplification of specific 16S rRNA. The condition was diagnosed as melioidosis and the organism was genotypically characterized as sequence type 51, a genotype that has been previously characterized in humans in Malaysia. Antibiotic susceptibility by both Disc diffusion or Kirby Bauer and E-test minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) showed that the organism exhibited susceptibility to meropenem, imipenem, ceftazidime, cotrimoxazole and co-amoxyclav; the antibiotics recommended in the treatment of melioidosis.

Matched MeSH terms: Snakes

Displaying publications 1 - 20 of 58 in total