The 'Big Four' Snakes of India: Venom Composition, Pharmacological Properties and Treatment of Envenomation

This book provides detailed and updated knowledge about medically important 'Big Four venomous snakes of India, covering venom evolution, composition, pharmacology, species-specific differences, and clinical manifestations. It is a valuable resource for toxinologists, pharmacologists, clinicians, and researchers interested in Indian snake venoms.

Format: Hardback
Length: 161 pages
Publication date: 27 August 2021
Publisher: Springer Verlag, Singapore

This comprehensive and up-to-date resource delves into the intricate world of medically significant venomous snakes found in India, known as the "Big Four": the Indian spectacled cobra, Indian common krait, Indian Russells viper, and Indian saw-scaled viper. With a focus on Asia and India, this book serves as a valuable tool in understanding the snakebite problem on a global scale. It explores the evolution and systematics of venomous snakes, emphasizing the significance of the "Big Four" in India. Through traditional biochemical and modern proteomic analyses, it sheds light on the composition and evolution of venoms. Additionally, it delves into the pharmacological properties of the toxins produced by these snakes, covering both enzymatic and non-enzymatic components.

The book's chapters cover a range of captivating topics, including species-specific and geographical variations in venom composition and their impact on pathophysiology and clinical manifestations of snakebite envenomation in India. It also discusses the biomedical applications of Indian snake venom toxins, the production and quality assessment of commercial antivenom, preventive measures, and treatment strategies for snakebite in India. Moreover, it addresses the adverse effects of antivenom, including strategies to manage antivenom reactions in hospitalized patients.

Designed for toxinologists, pharmacologists, zoologists, antivenom manufacturers, biochemists, clinicians, evolutionary biologists, herpetologists, and informed non-specialists alike, this book offers a deep dive into the realm of Indian snake venoms. It provides valuable insights into the biology, pharmacology, and clinical aspects of these venomous snakes, making it an essential resource for researchers, healthcare professionals, and anyone with an interest in this field.

Weight: 436g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789811628955
Edition number: 1st ed. 2021