Vol. 7, Issue 1, Part A (2025)

Snakebite envenomation is a crucial matter regarding public health accountable for death and significant morbidity. This is classified as category A neglected disease by WHO. Snakebite envenomation is a major public health threat, particularly in rural India, where big four venomous species-the common cobra (Naja naja), common krait (Bungarus caeruleus), Russell’s viper (Daboia russelii), and saw-scaled viper (Echis carinatus) are responsible for most poisoning cases. Annually, snakebites affect 2.5 million people and cause around 100,000 deaths worldwide, with India accounting for 15,000 reported fatalities. The traditional treatment, intravenous anti-snake venom (ASV), derived from the plasma of venom-immunized animals, is expensive and has limitations, including hypersensitivity reactions, species-specificity, and lack of local venom damage control. Given these constraints, research is increasingly focused on nanotechnology for snakebite treatment. This review discusses the use of various nanoparticles (NPs) in neutralizing snake venom. These nanoparticles have shown promising results in preventing local tissue damage, systemic distribution of toxins, and organ toxicity. These NP-based treatments offer a promising alternative, especially in cases where conventional ASV is not immediately available. Further research is needed to fully explore the potential of nanoparticles in treating snakebite and to address the limitations of current antivenom therapy. If successful, nanoparticles could offer a new and innovative approach to treating snakebite, particularly in resource-poor settings where access to traditional antivenom treatment may be limited.