This common village plant leaves can neutralise snake venom in just 5 minutes; here's how

Time of India

2 days ago

A remarkable discovery has been made in ancient medicine: a widespread weed in Indian villages could be the key to defying snake venom within the space of only five minutes. With snakebites resulting in thousands of fatalities throughout India every year, most notably during monsoon, this development has the potential to provide a life-saving, organic solution when every minute counts.
With the world controlled by pharmaceuticals, this finding is a powerful reminder of the significance of ancient herbal medicine. While snakebites need immediate medical care, the Kakoda plant might prove to be a game-saver in first-response therapy, particularly in underdeveloped regions. The blending of ancient remedies with the power of modern science holds out new promise in emergency medicine, reminding that nature often knows the solution to some of our greatest health issues.
Kakoda plant: An
ayurvedic antidote
for snake venom
As per centuries-old Ayurvedic wisdom, there are certain indigenous plants that have antivenom content. The Kakoda plant, or also called Kankrol, Kantola, or Katral, is one such climbing vine found in rural villages everywhere. Used since time immemorial in traditional herbal remedies, this plant is now also emerging for its supposed capacity to neutralize venom.
In contrast to current antivenom remedies involving hospitalization, the Kakoda plant potentially provides a natural, in-field remedy in emergency situations, particularly in regions where medical assistance is delayed or otherwise not available.
Leaves and roots of the Kakoda plant are regarded as the most medicinally active. If a snakebite is caused, Ayurvedic healers recommend that fresh leaves be crushed into a paste and used locally over the site of the bite.
It is said to retard the spread of the venom and start neutralizing its action immediately.
The juice from the leaves can also be ingested to act as the body's internal immune system against the poison. Powder from the dried leaves and roots is also applied in traditional medicines to calm the intensity of the venom symptoms.
Why
snake sightings
increase with the monsoon's arrival
As the monsoon season rushes through India, it brings welcome relief from the summer heat. The damp and cool air, however, also forces snakes from their natural habitats into human dwellings in quest of shelter. These enhanced contacts result in a sharp rise in snakebite cases during this season.
Snakes like to find shelter in dark, secluded places within homes, garages, or fields and thus are easily accidentally encountered.
Although most are not venomous, even the bite from one of the few venomous species can be life-threatening unless treated immediately. Awareness and availability of proper first-aid protocols are therefore absolutely essential.
Modern research validates Kakoda's antivenom properties
Contemporary research vindicates this ancient remedy. Dr. Kuntal Das of Mallige College of Pharmacy has researched the bioactive components of the plant and has found the Kakoda root possesses antivenom activities.
His research lends scientific substance to the use of the plant in traditional medicine for centuries.
As reported, prompt use of the paste may start neutralizing venom as early as five minutes, although this should not be regarded as a substitute for medical treatment, particularly in the case of extreme envenomation. Nevertheless, it can be an invaluable first line of defense until the experts arrive. Aside from its medicinal properties, the Kakoda plant is also an overlooked superfood.
Cultivated in hot and damp climates, its prickly fruit is traditionally consumed in native Indian foods.
Furthermore, the plant was said to contain 50% more protein than some of the most popular vegetables, and thus a curative and healthy ingredient. This dual advantage of healing and sustenance is one of the reasons why the Kakoda plant has been deeply rooted in rural lives, even though its antivenom qualities are not well known.
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