russell's viper venom

Russell's viper venom is the natural secretion from the Russell's viper (Daboia russelii), a medically important snake found across the Indian subcontinent. The venom is a complex cocktail containing enzymatic proteins such as phospholipase A2, snake venom metalloproteinases (notably SVMPs like the factor X activator RVV-X), serine proteases, and other toxin classes. Its primary pharmacological effect is potent activation of the blood coagulation cascade, particularly through activation of factor X (via RVV-X) and factor V (RVV-V), leading to rapid blood clotting and, in clinical envenoming, to coagulopathy, hemorrhage, shock, and acute renal failure. Mechanistically, the metalloproteinases (notably RVV-X) cleave specific peptide bonds in clotting factors, a process critically aided by a Zn2+ ion in the catalytic site. Russell's viper venom is also used as a diagnostic reagent in laboratory coagulation tests (e.g., for lupus anticoagulant). The venom as such is not a pharmaceutical drug, but purified proteins derived from it or its components are being investigated as tools in drug discovery and diagnostics, while small-molecule inhibitors (e.g., marimastat, varespladib) are under development to treat snakebite envenoming.

Other names

daboia russelii venomvipera russelli venomRVVrussell viper venom