Effects of Mucuna pruriens extract on activation of prothrombin by Echis carinatus venom

Mucona pruriens (L.) DC has long been used as a medicinal plant by traditio nal healers. The validity of the claims made for this plant has also been t ested scientifically. Some of its properties are probably linked to high co ncentrations of dopa since it is useful in the treatment of Parkinson's dis ease. The antisnake properties of an extract of Mucuna pruriens' seeds (MP1 01UJ) in vivo were recently demonstrated and one is now investigating its b iochemical mechanism. Echis carinatus venom (EV) contains a mixture of prot eins that affect the coagulative cascade, causing severe bleeding and haemo rrhage. Here the effect of an extract of MP101UJ in prothrombin activation by EV in vitro by clotting and chromogenic assay is studied. An increase in procoagulant activity was found. This could explain the protective effect in vivo. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.