Anti-Snake Venom Properties of Medicinal Plants: A Comprehensive Systematic Review of Literature

Abstract Snakebite is one of the major health issues posing considerable morbidity and mortality. According to an estimate of World Health Organization (WHO) (World health organization, 2021) approximately 5 million people are bitten by several species of snakes resulting in up to 2.5 million envenomation cases annually. The mainstay of treatment for envenomation is intravenous administration of anti-snake venom. Although antivenom neutralizes the systemic effects but it does not relieve the symptoms such as venom-induced hemorrhage, necrosis and nephrotoxicity. Moreover, the use of antivenoms is associated with hypersensitivity reactions including urticaria, anaphylaxis, or serum sickness due to their heterologous property. Furthermore, stringent storage conditions and narrow specificity of antivenoms limit their use in both developed as well as developing countries. In this context, researchers have been searching for natural products and plant extracts to explore their antivenom activity along with anti-myotoxic, anti-hemorrhagic and anti-inflammatory properties. Plant remedies may prove to be an effective alternate for antivenom sera with less adverse events and better tolerability. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive review of medicinal plants possessing anti-snake venom activities against certain species of snakes. The current review highlights the investigated plants with their phytochemical analysis to integrate the available information for future research and development of antivenom sera.

Fatal neurotoxic envenomation following the bite of a greater black krait (Bungarus niger) in Nepal: a case report

Neurotoxic envenomation following bites by kraits (Bungarus species) is a leading cause of snakebite mortality in South Asia. Over a long time, this had been attributed only to one species, the common krait (Bungarus caeruleus). However, recent research has provided increasing evidence of the involvement of several krait species. Here, we report a fatal case of neurotoxic envenomation following the bite of a greater black krait (Bungarus niger) in Nepal. Case presentation A 33-year-old man was bitten in the outdoor corridor of his home in the eastern hills of Ilam district while handling a snake he thought to be non-venomous. He subsequently developed severe abdominal pain, frequent vomiting, and signs of neurotoxic envenomation leading to respiratory paralysis. The patient did not respond to Indian polyvalent antivenom given 4 h after the bite and died under treatment 8 h after the bite. This is the second time that a B. niger was observed in Nepal, the first documented case of envenomation by this species in the country and the sixth reported case worldwide. Conclusions Previous distribution records from eastern India and western Nepal, from western hills in Nepal, and from lowland localities in India and Bangladesh indicate risk of envenomation by B. niger throughout the low and intermediate elevations of Nepal up to at least 1,500 m above sea level. As very few people in Nepal bring killed snakes to healthcare centers and because there is a general belief among local people that there are no kraits in the hills, bites by B. niger are likely to be misdiagnosed and underreported.

Quantificação de citocinas no soro e homogenato da pata na intoxicação experimental com veneno de Bothropoides jararaca em ratos Wistar tratados com soroterapia e Mikania glomerata / Quantification of cytokines in serum and paw homogenate of experimental intoxication for venom of the Bothropoides jararaca in Wistar rats treated with antivenom and Mikania glomerata

O presente estudo teve como objetivo quantificar os níveis de citocinas pró-inflamatórias, entre as quais TNF-α, interleucina-1β (IL-1β), IL-6, e anti-inflamatórias, como IL-10, interferon-γ (INF-γ), bem como comparar o efeito do tratamento convencional com o efeito do tratamento complementado pelo extrato da planta Mikania glomerata, na intoxicação experimental por Bothropoides jararaca. Foram usados ratos Wistar,divididos em três grupos: C - controle, VB - veneno botrópico + soro antiofídico e VBM - veneno botrópico + soro antiofídico + Mikania glomerata. As citocinas foram quantificadas, no soro e no homogenato desses animais, pelo teste ELISA, em três momentos (M1 - 30 minutos, M2 - seis horas e M3 - 24 horas após a inoculação do veneno). Os resultados obtidos evidenciaram que a intoxicação por veneno botrópico estimula principalmente a produção de IL-6 no soro e TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 no homogenato da pata de animais experimentalmente intoxicados. O tratamento complementar, com o extrato da planta Mikania glomerata, teve influência principalmente na produção de IL-6, IL-10 e IFN-γ no soro e IL-6, IL-1β e IFN-γ no homogenato. Porém, são necessários novos estudos com o extrato de Mikania glomerata para que se possa entender a ação dessa planta sobre a intoxicação botrópica, bem como verificar qual a melhor via para administrá-lo...

This experiment aimed to quantify the pro-inflammatory cytokine levels, including TNF-α, interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and IL-6 as well as the anti-inflammatory ones such as IL-10 and INF-γ. It was also proposed to compare the effect of the conventional treatment to a treatment in which was added the Mikania glomerata plant in the experimental intoxication using Bothropoides jararaca venom. It was used Wistar rats that were randomly divided into 3 groups: C - control; VB - Bothrops venom + antivenom serum; and VBM - Bothrops venom + antivenom serum + Mikania glomerata. Cytokines were quantified in the serum and paw homogenate using ELISA test in three different moments (M1- 30 minutes, M2- 6 hours and M3- 24 hours after venom injection). The intoxication by Bothropoides jararaca venoms mainly stimulated the production of IL-6 in the serum and TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 in paw homogenate of animals experimentally intoxicated. Adjunctive treatment with the extract of the Mikania glomerata plant mainly influenced the production of IL-6, IL-10 and IFN-γ in the serum and IL-6, IL1β and IFN-γ in paw homogenate. Further research is necessary with the extract of Mikania glomerata in order to understand the action of this plant on the Bothropoides poisoning and also to verify the best way to manage it...

Hepatotoxicity and oxidative stress induced by Naja haje crude venom

Snake venoms are synthesized and stored in venom glands. Most venoms are complex mixtures of several proteins, peptides, enzymes, toxins and non-protein components. In the present study, we investigated the oxidative stress and apoptosis in rat liver cells provoked by Naja haje crude injection (LD50) after four hours. Wistar rats were randomly divided into two groups, the control group was intraperitoneally injected with saline solution while LD50-dose envenomed group was intraperitoneally injected with venom at a dose of 0.025 μg/kg of body weight. Animals were killed four hours after the injection. Lipid peroxidation, nitric oxide and glutathione levels were measured as oxidative markers in serum and liver homogenate. In addition, liver function parameters and activities of antioxidant enzymes were determined.

Anti-hemorrhagic effect of hydro-alcoholic extract of the leaves of Mikania glomerata in lesions induced by Bothrops jararaca venom in rats

To investigate the effects of hydroalcoholic leaf extract of Mikania glomerata Spreng (Asteraceae) on the activity of Bothrops jararaca snake venom in Wistar rats. METHODS: Fifty four rats Wistar were divided into six groups of nine animals in each: control treated with saline; control treated with B. jararaca venom; control treated with M. glomerata extract; B. jararaca venom incubated with M. glomerata extract at proportions of 1:1, 1:2, and 1:4. RESULTS: Histopathological and morphometric analysis showed that intradermal administration of snake venom incubated with the hydroalcoholic extract at proportions of 1:1, 1:2 and 1:4 promoted a significant reduction in the number of inflammatory cells and a marked decrease in edema after the third hour. There was also a significant reduction in the intensity of the hemorrhagic halo in animals receiving the snake venom incubated with the extract, with the observation of a progressive and parallel inhibition with increasing proportion of M. glomerata. CONCLUSION: The Mikania glomerata hydroalcoholic extract exerted effective anti-inflammatory and antihemorrhagic activity against the effects induced by Bothrops jararaca snake venom.

Use of antivenoms for the treatment of envenomation by Elapidae snakes in Guinea, Sub-Saharan Africa

In Guinea Elapids are responsible for 20% of envenomations. The associated case fatality rate (CFR) ranged 15-27%, irrespective of treatment. Results We studied 77 neurotoxic envenomations divided in 3 groups: a set of patients that received only traditional or symptomatic treatments, and two other groups that received either 2 or 4 initial vials of Antivipmyn® Africa renewed as necessary. CFR was 27.3%, 15.4% and 17.6%, respectively. Although antivenom treatment was likely to reduce CFR, it didn’t seem to have an obvious clinical benefit for the patients, suggesting a low treatment efficacy. Mean delay to treatment or clinical stages were not significantly different between the patients who recovered and the patients who died, or between groups. Interpretation of these results is complicated by the lack of systematic studies under comparable conditions. Of particular importance is the absence of assisted ventilation, available to patients in all the other clinical studies of neurotoxic envenomation. Conclusion The apparent lack of clinical benefit may have several causes. The hypothesis of a limited therapeutic window, i.e. an insufficient formation of antigen-antibody complexes once toxins are bound to their targets and/or distributed beyond the reach of antivenom, should be explored.

Perfil eco-epidemiológico de los accidentes por ofidios en Monagas, Venezuela (2002-2006) / Eco-epidemiological profile of snakebite accidents in Monagas state, Venezuela (2002-2006)

El accidente causado por animales venenosos representa un problema global, especialmente en las áreas subtropicales y tropicales del mundo. En Venezuela, es endémico para varias regiones incluyendo la zona nororiental. Con el objetivo de ampliar y actualizar el perfil eco-epidemiológico del ofidismo en el estado Monagas, se evaluó su comportamiento, en cada municipio, durante 5 años de registro (2002 - 2006). Se contabilizaron 339 accidentes ofídicos (con promedio de 68 anuales). El incidente ocurrió con mayor frecuencia en agricultores, adultos jóvenes y de género masculino, durante sus labores en el campo y en el periodo diurno. La incidencia siguió un patrón estacional bimodal con predominio en épocas de alta y baja pluviosidad. Los envenenamientos botrópicos (28,6%) fueron más frecuentes que los crotálicos (14,5%), con proporción 2:1. El 87,9% recibió sueroterapia específica. La incidencia promedio anual en la entidad se ubicó en 11,30 casos por 100.000 habitantes, siendo Punceres (46,29), Acosta (20,91) y Bolívar (19,52) los municipios con mayor impacto. El estado Monagas presentó un mapa de endemicidad distribuido en municipios de (1) muy alta endemicidad, (2) alta endemicidad, (3) mediana endemicidad, (4) baja endemicidad y (5) muy baja endemicidad. Durante el período analizado no se registró muerte por esta causa en el estado. Los hallazgos sugieren la importancia del accidente por serpientes en Monagas, con especial importancia en la mitad norte de la entidad.

The accidents caused by venomous animals are a global problem, especially in subtropical and tropical regions of the world. In Venezuela, they are endemic in several regions including the northeast. In order to expand and update the ecoepidemiological profile of snake bites in Monagas state, their behavior was assessed in each municipality for 5 years (2002 -2006). There were 339 ophidian accidents (on average 68 per year). The bites occurred more frequently in young adult male farmers, while working in the field and during daytime. The incidence followed a bimodal seasonal pattern with predominance in high and low rainfall periods. Bothropic envenoming (28.6%) were the most frequent followed by Crotalic ones (14.5%), with a 2:1 ratio. 87.9% received specific serum therapy. The annual average incidence in the state was 11.30 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. Punceres (46.29), Acosta (20.91) and Bolivar (19.52) were the municipalities with the highest impact. Monagas state showed an endemicity map with municipalities having (1) very high endemicity, (2) high endemicity, (3) medium endemicity, (4) low endemicity and (5) very low endemicity. In the studied period there were no deaths from this cause in the state. The findings suggest the importance of snake accidents in Monagas, especially in the northern half of the state.

Maternal exposure to Bothrops jararaca snake venom: effects in mice offsprings / Exposição maternal ao veneno de Bothrops jararaca: efeitos na prole de camundongos

Objective - Bothrops jararaca snake is involved in almost 90% of all reports in the State of São Paulo, Brazil. Little is known about the effect of maternal exposure to B. jararaca snake venom [BjV] on fetal development. This study was designed to investigate the effect of a moderate dose of the venom (1.2 mg/kg sc on either gestation day GD5 or GD12), in pregnant mice and their offspring. Methods - In dams, during pregnancy, it was observed the body weight gain, food and water consumptions. In the last day of pregnancy, dams were submitted to a cesarean and the reproductive performance was measured. Thus, the fetuses body weight, the number of live and dead fetuses as wells as the external, visceral or skeletal alterations were assessed. Results - Results showed that the venom injection on GD5 did not change the dams weight and reproductive parameters, the fetuses weight, but it was observed high incidence of skeletal anomalies such as incomplete skull ossification and supernumerary ribs relative to controls. Dams treated in GD11 showed decreased food ingestion in the day after treatment. Their offspring presented a high incidence of skeletal anomalies such as vertebrae anomalies, sternebrae anomalies and incomplete skull ossification, which might be a sign of craniostenosis, than controls. Conclusions - In conclusion, subcutaneous administration of 1.2mg/kg BjV to pregnant mice either at GD4 or GD12 produced subtle maternal toxicity but a clear fetotoxicity. Whether these observations represent a reaction to treatment and, if so, the underlying mechanisms and their toxicological impact remain to be examined further in future studies.

Objetivo - O veneno de Bothrops jararaca está envolvido em quase 90% dos casos de envenenamento do Estado de São Paulo, Brasil. Pouco se sabe sobre o efeito no desenvolvimento fetal quando no caso de envenenamento materno. Este estudo examinou, em camundongas prenhes e sua prole, os efeitos do envenenamento por uma dose moderada do veneno de B. jararaca (1,2 mg/kg sc no 5° (GD5) e 11°(GD11) da gestação. Métodos - Anotou-se durante a gestação o ganho de peso corporal e o consumo de água e comida materno; no último dia de gestação, as mães foram submetidas a uma cesariana e a performance reprodutiva foi avaliada. Para tanto, anotou-se o peso dos fetos, o número de fetos vivos e mortos, assim como examinou-se a presença de alterações externas, esqueléticas, e viscerais. Resultados - Os resultados mostraram que a injeção do veneno no GD5 não alterou o peso materno, o consumo de água e ração, o peso dos fetos e os parâmetros reprodutivos, tendo sido observada alta incidência de anomalias esqueléticas tais como ossificação do crânio incompleta e costelas supranumerárias em relação aos controles. O envenenamento no GD11 promoveu decréscimo na ingestão de alimentos no dia subsequente ao tratamento. Neste caso, a prole apresentou alta incidência de anomalias esqueléticas tais como anomalias vertebrais, do esterno e ossificação incompleta do crânio, ou seja, craniostenose. Conclusões - O envenenamento moderado pelo veneno da B. jararaca em camundongas prenhas tanto no GD5 como no GD11 produziram efeitos sutís ao nível materno, porém nos fetos, apareceram severas alterações. Estudos futuros deverão ser feitos para entender os mecanismos subjacentes a este envenenamento durante a gestação.

Comparação da toxidade entre peçonhas de serpentes do gênero Bothrops* presentes nas regiões sul e sudeste do Brasil (*Serpentes, Viperidae) / Comparison of toxicity among pitvipers poison of the genus Bothrops* present in the south and southeast regions of Brazil (*Serpentes: Viperidae)

Were analyzed poison samples as a pool extracted from B. alternatus and B. jararaca. The regional pool from different areas of Rio Grande do Sul. The national pool, poisons specially from São Paulo, Espírito Santo, Minas Gerais and Paraná states. Were analyzed: acute intraperitoneal median lethal doses (LD50), proteolytic activity on casein, coagulant effect on human plasma. The phospholipasic enzyme activities; the measurement of protein bands and the electrophoretic patterns were analyzed too. The analyses between the samples were made by comparison of biochemical actions and protein composition into the species, and inter-regionally between the pools. The comparison by electrophoresis, regional samples showed particularities in their venom protein composition sharing phospholipasic miotoxins, with 14 KDa, that were poorly observed in the national pool. However, we can observe other proteins with compatible size with phospholipases with miotoxic activities, with different molecular weigh (16 KDa), present in all of the samples. The major phospholipasic activity and protein quantity were verified in regional samples. The regional pool has differences in proteolytic and coagulant activities, when compared with the national pool.

Analisaram-se amostras de peçonha em forma de "pool", extraídas de B. alternatus, B. jararaca. O "pool"regional foi composto de peçonhas exclusivamente do Rio Grande do Sul, coletados de diversas regiões do estado. No "pool" nacional, peçonhas provenientes principalmente, de São Paulo, Espírito Santo, Minas Gerais e Paraná. O objetivo deste trabalho foi determinar a DL50 IP aguda, ação proteolítica da caseína, ação enzimática fosfolipásica, efeito coagulatório sobre o plasma humano, mensuração das bandas protéicas e perfil eletroforético, em camundongos. Quando comparadas pela eletroforese, as amostras regionais apresentaram particularidades, como a composição protéica da peçonha compartilhando miotoxinas fosfolipásicas com 14 KDa, que são pouco observadas nas amostras do "pool" nacional, sugerindo ser esta maior concentração a responsável pela maior ação do "pool" regional para estas peçonhas. Entretanto, observam-se outras proteínas com tamanhos compatíveis com as fosfolipases com atividade miotóxicas com peso molecular diferente (16KDa) presentes em todas as amostras. Também verificou- se maior atividade fosfolipásica e teor protéico nas amostras regionais. O "pool" regional teve diferenças nas atividades proteolítica e coagulante no plasma quando comparado com o "pool" nacional.

Epidemiological profile of snake-bite cases from Andhra Pradesh using immunoanalytical approach.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: Snake-bites are the common cause of morbidity and mortality in tropical countries. In India, there are 216 species of snakes, of which only four are venomous snakes (cobra, krait, Russell's viper and saw scaled viper). This study was undertaken to find out the epidemiological profile of snake-bite incidences in the State of Andhra Pradesh, based on the data collected from State Forensic Science Laboratory, Hyderabad. METHODS: Data from 1379 snake-bite cases were collected from case reports for a 5 yr period (1999- 2003) that included age and sex of the victim, district, month of incidence, time of incident, death of a victim and the time point of analysis. On the basis of the forensic data, specimens were collected from forensic medicine department, during rainy season and were analysed for the venom antigens (cobra and krait) by ELISA method. RESULTS: The peak number of snake-bite cases were seen during June-September. Majority of the cases were observed in the age group 21-50 yr (71%). Higher incidence of snake-bite was recorded in males (76%). Of the 22 cases analysed by the ELISA, 6 tested positive for cobra venom, while 8 cases tested positive for krait venom, the remaining specimens tested negative for both cobra and krait venom. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION: Evaluation of forensic specimens (autopsy & biopsy) of human snakebite victims based on specific molecular epidemiological tool like ELISA gives a true estimate of the incidence supplementing clinical and circumstantial evidence.

Experimental ophitoxemia produced by the opisthoglyphous lora snake (Philodryas olfersii) venom

Várias serpentes da família Colubridae produzem secrecões orais venenosas. Neste trabalho, foi estudado o veneno coletado da presa posterior da serpente opistóglifa venezuelana Philodryas olfersii. Deferentes proteínas estavam presentes no veneno, sendo caracterizadas pela eletroforese de proteínas (SDS-PAGE) a 20%. A secrecão mostrou atividade proteolítica (gelatinase) a qual foi parcialmente purificada em uma coluna de intercâmbio iônico (mono Q2). Adicionalmente, a atividade hemorrágica do veneno de Philodryas olfersii foi demonstrada em embriões de galinha, pele e peritônio de rato. Os sintomas neurológicos foram demonstrados em camundongos inoculados com veneno de Philodryas olfersii. Em conclusão, o veneno da Philodryas olfersii mostrou atividade proteolítica, hemorrágica, e neurotóxica, assim aumentando o interesse na elevada acão tóxica do veneno da Philodryas olfersii.

Evaluation of the effects of photooxidized Echis carinatus venom on learning, memory and stress

Snake venoms are a mixture of complex proteins, which have many physical and pharmacological properties. Photochemical detoxification has been suggested to generate photooxidized Echis carinatus venom product (POECVP). Antigenically-active photooxidized species of Echis carinatus venom could be obtained by exposing the venom to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) in the presence of methylene blue. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of POECVP on learning, memory and stress in rats. Detoxification of the photooxidized venom was evident since the POECVP-treated group had longer survival time than the group of mice treated with Echis carinatus venom product (ECVP) following intraperitoneal and intracerebral injections. Photooxidized Echis carinatus venom product showed antidepressant activity by prolonging sleep onset and shortening the duration of pentobarbitone-induced hypnosis in mice. In single and chronic dose studies with rats, we observed that POECVP significantly decreased the time needed to reach food in T-maze, shortened transfer latency in elevated plus-maze, and decreased immobility time in forced swim test. We concluded that although there is a possibility of employing POECVP in the treatment of depressive and chronic degenerative illnesses as a nonherbal and nonsynthetic alternative for patients not responding to the available therapy, further investigation is still needed.(AU)

Effects of three fractions obtained from Naja haje venom on hemolysis and lipid metabolism in rabbits

Three fractions (F1, F2 and F3) were obtained from the venom of the Egyptian cobra Naja haje by gel filtration. F1 and F2 had indirect hemolytic effects on rabbit erytrocytes. The HU50 (the amount of the fraction causing 50 per cent hemolysis) values of F1 and F2 were 12.04 ñ 3.89 and 36.57 ñ 2.20 ug, respectively. The effects of the three cobra venom fractions on lipid metabolism were studied after 1, 2 3 and 4 hours. Serum total lipids and cholesterol were significantly decreased at almost all tested times, but variable changes were observed in the serum triglycerides. Serum inorganic phosphorus levels were significantly increased with F1 and F2 administration more than that with the F3 fraction. These results suggest that F1 and F2 possess phospholipase A2-like activities and their effects on the lipid metabolism is more intense than that of F3.

Use of an ELISA assay to evaluate venom, antivenom, IgG and IgM human antibody levels in serum and cerebrospinal fluid from patients bitten by Crotalus durissus terrificus in Brazil

A sandwich-type ELISA technique for specific and sensitive detection of Crotalus durissus terrificus venom antigens, horse-antivenom, human IgG and IgM antibodies was set up. Sixteen patients, 13 males and 3 females aged between 13 to 63 years (mean 33 ñ 15) bitten by Crotalus durissus terrificus snakes were studied. Of the 15 patiens, 6 had previously received anti-Crotalus venom and no seric venom was detected. For the other 9 patients studied, the venom levels ranged from 2 to 108mg/ml according to the severity of each case. Seric antivenom was detected up to 44 days after the bite. IgM human antibody levels against Crotalus venom were higher between 3 and 18 days after specific treatment. IgG human antibody levels against Crotalus venom were detected between 30 and 90 days after envenoming. Venom and antivenom levels in cerebrospinal fluid were not observed 24 h after the bite. This suggests that neither the venom nor the antivenom is capable of crossing the blood-brain barrier. In addition, when either venom or the antivenom is presented to the immune system cells an immune response is prepared.

A sensitive and specific immunoassay for the measurement of the antibodies present in horse antivenoms endowed with the capacity to block the phospholipase A2-dependent hemolysis induced by snake venoms

Phospholipase A2(PLA2), a component of most snake venom toxins, cleaves 3-sn-phosphoglycerides releasing lysophosphatidyl-choline. The indirect quantitative assay method for PLA2 was standardized for specific antivenom titration in a fast and sensitive assay by the similarity with the hemolysis induced by PLA2 and by complement system in sheep erythrocytes. The curves obtained by plotting the degree of hemolysis against the doses of snake venom are concave to the abscissa to the abscissa axis following an equation similar to that previously described for the hemolysis induced by the C system. We observed that venoms of some Bothrops, Crotalus and Micrurus species contained around 1 X 10(3) to 10(4) Z/mg of venom, while the venom of Naja contained over one million Z/mg. Antibodies against PLA2 were titrated by incubating amounts of venom predetermined to give 1 to 5 Z with various dilutions of the antivenoms, and the remaining active PLA2 was determined in the hemolytic assay. We observed the following: a) the antivenoms contained specific antibodies against the PLA2 present in the corresponding venoms; b) cross-reactivity was not detected among PLA2 epitopes from venoms and nonspecific antivenoms: and c) the assay quantitatively performed determined the specific antibodies directed to epitopes on the molecule of PLA2. The method described in this highly specific, sensitive and reproducible, besides being fast and inexpensive.

Una nueva especie de serpiente venenosa terrestre del género Porthidium (Serpientes: Viperidae), del Suroeste de Costa Rica / A new species of terrestrial pitviper, Porthidium, Southwestern Costa Rica

Se describe una nueva especie de serpiente venenosa terrestre, Porthidium volcanicum, de tierras bajas cercanas a Buenos Aires, dentro del Valle del General, en el suroeste de la provincia de Puntarenas, Costa Rica. Es el octavo miembro del grupo de serpientes de este género conocidas como hocicos de cerdo. Se distingue por su patrón de color, un alto número de diseños dorsales y escamas ventrales, y por la presencia de solo una escama cantal. Se considera extrechamente relacionada con Pothidium lansbergii.