A brief review of snake venom

Snakes are members of the class Reptilia or known as the reptiles. They constitute part of the order Squamata, which also comprises the closely related lizards and amphisbaenians. Snakes, of which there are roughly 2700 species, compose the sub-order Serpentes. Since some non-venomous snakes might resemble venomous ones, there is no universal criterion for determining which ones are venomous. Nevertheless, the pattern, shape, colouration, size, behaviour, and sound of some of the most notable venomous snakes can help to identify them. This review aims to assist in better understanding about the snake species with venoms. Snake venoms are classified into three groups: those that influence the blood, tissues, and nervous system. However, there are many other different toxins within each category and some toxins may have more than one harm. As an example, damage to the vascular endothelium, erythrocytes, leukocytes, platelets, peripheral nerves, and skeletal muscle, as well as the release of inflammatory mediators, can be caused by venom enzymes, such as phospholipase A2. Antivenom is significant as it stops or reverses envenomation in patients, thus curing snake envenomation. It is an immunotherapy that binds to venom toxins, inactivating them, and accelerating their elimination by forming immunocomplexes. This is particularly significant for hospital pharmacists and physicians to administer the proper antivenom for envenomated patients