Methods: A total of 145 articles from January 2014 to December 2024 were obtained from 5 databases, and the PRISMA flowchart was implemented as a guideline for article inclusion and exclusion. 36 full-text articles were assessed, and finally, 21 eligible articles were selected for data extraction.

Results: Among these, the anti-ophidian potential of 32 medicinal plant species was assessed against Bothrops spp. (14 studies), Naja spp. (5 studies), Crotalus spp. (2 studies), Deinagkistrodon acutus (2 studies), Daboia russelii (1 study), and Lachesis muta (1 study) with various in vitro neutralisation assays and mice models. Metabolite profiling of active plant extracts/ fractions revealed a diverse range of secondary metabolites, with flavonoids and other phenolic compounds being the most prevalent across most samples.

Discussion: Correlating these active plant constituents with their biological properties facilitates identification of potential mechanisms of action underlying their anti-ophidian effects.

Conclusion: Collective findings underscore the promising potential of secondary metabolites as effective anti-ophidic agents, supporting future bioprospecting efforts aimed at isolating and purifying key bioactive metabolites via bioassay-guided approaches for the development of natural anti-ophidian therapeutics.

A bibliographic search of PubMed was conducted for all publications on homicidal paraquat poisoning from January 1^st, 1975 to August 31^st, 2025. Scientometric analysis assessed authorship patterns, publication trends, country contributions, and collaboration networks.

A total of 21 articles on homicidal paraquat poisoning were identified. Most articles (n=4, 19%) were published in 2019. The relative growth rate decreased from 0.41 in 1981 to 0.04 in 2024, while doubling time increased from 1.71 in 1981 to 17.33 in 2024. Most articles were case reports (28.6%), followed by original research and review articles (19% each).

Homicidal paraquat poisoning remains a rare and under-researched area with limited global publications and declining growth rates. Toxicologists, forensic pathologists, and clinicians should consider PQ poisoning in differential diagnoses, especially in cases of unexplained rapidly worsening respiratory illness. Further research is needed to develop diagnostic criteria and treatment strategies for homicidal PQ poisoning.