Structural basis of phospholipase A 2 -like myotoxin inhibition by chicoric acid, a novel potent inhibitor of ophidian toxins.

•Chicoric acid offers a complete protection against myotoxic effect of the toxin.•The inhibitor binds to the toxin with high affinity measured for a natural compound.•The inhibitor blocks the hydrophobic channel access of the toxin.•The inhibitor interacts with the membrane disruption site of the toxin.•The present study supports the current myotoxic mechanism.