Abstract

ANTIVENOM HERBAL FORMULATIONS USED AGAINST SNAKEBITES BY THE OROAN TRIBALS OF LATEHAR, JHARKHAND

Raphael Ranjit Marandi*, S. John Britto and Thamacin Arulappan

Abstract

Snake bite is one of the major health hazards in Latehar District of Jharkhand. An Ethnomedicinal survey was undertaken in the district to document the traditional remedies for snakebites practiced by the Oraon tribals. The mode of data collection was done through questionnaire and personal interviews with the reputed tribal healers during the field visits. The investigation reveals that most of the Oraon tribals of the district still rely on traditional medicine for their primary health care. The herbal formulations are of great interest and may have effective anti-venom activities leading to the detoxification of the victim. The present study was aimed at documentation of antivenom herbal formulations used against snakebites and availing them to the scientific world and the society.

Keywords: Snakebites, Snake venom, Antivenom, Herbal formulations, Latehar, Oraon tribals.