Pharmacological and biochemical studies of puff adder venom.

Bitis arietans venom made up of six protein fractions was found to be proteolytic, anticoagulant, plasmalytic and cardiotoxic. There were no spasmodic or hemolytic fractions. Protamine sulphate in vitro antagonized anticoagulant properties but did not protect mice from toxic envenomation; because venom was also neurotoxic and showed a curare like effect at the neuromuscular junction. Results were discussed in terms of pharmacology and biochemistry of African snake venoms.