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| - Last Updated on June 27, 2023 by Aditi Gangal
Quick Take
A social media post claims that chlorophyll cure snake bite. The reason given is that the green leaves contain chlorophyll which can unclog the clogged blood. We fact-checked and found the claim to be False.
The Claim
In a Youtube video, at the 10:44 mark, a woman recommends chewing a green leaf if bitten by a snake. According to her, the chlorophyll in the leaf thins out the blood. This can help counteract the coagulation caused by snake venom. She further suggests that the leaf can unclog the blood and prevent clotting.
The video is embedded below:
Fact Check
What can snake bites do to your body?
Snake bites can have several effects on the human body. The effects varies depending on the species of snake, the amount of venom injected, and the individual’s response to the venom. Also, the specific symptoms depend on the type of snake that bit you. Rattlesnakes have venom which can cause severe tissue damage and death. However, coral snakes have venom that affects the nervous system. Such an impact on nervous system can cause paralysis or respiratory failure.
Also, not all snake bites result in venom injection. Some bites may be “dry bites” where no venom is released.
Can chlorophyll cure snake bites?
No. There is no evidence to prove that chlorophyll can cure snake bites. Chlorophyll is a green pigment in plants that helps them photosynthesize. Chlorophyll has various health benefits and is used as a dietary supplement for its antioxidant properties. But we also found that it does not have specific properties that can neutralize or counteract the effects of snake venom. We have previously discussed this claim in detail, in the story plantain leaf cure snake bites and scorpion stings.
Our research further shows that people use various plants to treat snake bites. However, scant scientific evidence supports the effectiveness of these plants in treating these conditions.
The Brazilian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences analyzed the anti-snake venom properties of medicinal plants. It states that certain plants are an extremely rich source of active phytoconstituents with an established anti-ophidic potential against one or more snake venoms. However, it also suggests that this evidence provides a foundation for future research, proposing the validation of anti-ophidic agents in order to design potent inhibitors and/or herbal medicines against snake venoms.
As with any herbal remedy, it is essential to consult with a doctor before using them for medicinal purposes. Snake bites can be potentially life-threatening, and requires immediate medical attention.
Dr Kashyap Dakshini, General Physician practicing in Mumbai explains, “There is no such evidence of the role of Chlorophyll in the treatment or cure of snake bite. Anti-snake venoms remain the only specific treatment that can potentially prevent or reverse most of the effects of snakebite envenoming when administered early in an adequate therapeutic dose.”
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