Sickling Cells Inhibition and Radical Scavenging Activities of Zanthoxylum leprieurii’s (GUILL) Bark Extracts: Comparative Study

Aims:In traditional medicine, several plant species from Rutaceae’s family have been used to treat sickle cell anemia. However, more studies are needed to corroborate the antisickling activity of Zanthoxylumleprieuriispecies. The objective of this paper was to evaluate the sickling cell inhibition and radical scavenging activities of hydroethanolic and aqueous extracts of Zanthoxylum leprieurii’s bark, a plant species used in the management of sickle cell anemia in eastern Côte d’Ivoire.Methods:Hydroethanolic and aqueous extracts of the stem bark of Zanthoxylum leprieuriiwere prepared. Qualitative and quantitative phytochemical tests were carried out. In addition, diphenyl 1 2 picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) was used to determine the antioxidant potential of these two extracts. The antisickling activity of two extracts was determined by the Emmel method.Resultsand Discussion: Zanthoxylum leprieurii’s barkextracts have demonstrated antioxidant property. The IC50value of the hydroethanolic extract (0.308±0.06) was lower than that of the decocted (0.434 ±0.06). At 10mg/mL, the sickling cell inhibition of DZL was 81% ±2.66 while EZL was 89% ±0.44. The presence of alkaloids, sterols, Polyterpenes and phenolic compounds in both extracts could explain the sickling inhibition activity of these extracts. All the extracts revealed an antioxidant and antisickling activities higher than the standard.Conclusion: The hydroethanolic extract (EZL) demonstrated a higher antisickling activity and exhibited a better free radical scavenging activity.The use of Zanthoxylum leprieurii’s bark in the traditional management of sickle cell anemia is justified

In vitro Antisickling Activity of Zingiber officinale Roscoe (Ginger) Methanolic Extract on Sickle Cell Disease.

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is caused by polymerization of abnormal haemoglobin S when oxygen tension decreases. This lead to changes in the shape of red blood cells and anemia. Previous studies have been indicated that some medicinal plants have shown an antisickling activity, which indicates a new therapeutic way to a range of people who are affected by this hemoglobinopathy. The current study aimed to assess the in vitro antisickling activity of ginger. Emmel test was used to assess antisickling activity of ginger. The natural shape of the red blood cells was observed after incubation of red blood cells with ginger extract and 2% sodium metabisulfite as compared to control. A significant increase in the percentage of unsickled red blood cells was observed after incubation of red blood cells with 2% sodium metabisulfite in the presence of 500 µg/ml and 1000 µg/ml of ginger extract. Moreover, the difference between the percentage of unsickled red blood cells after 30 min and 60 min incubation time was not significant. In conclusion significant in vitro antisickling activity of ginger extract was demonstrated in red blood cells pretreated with 2% sodium metabisulfite.

Antisickling Activity and Membrane Stabilizing Effect of Anthocyanins Extracts from Adansonia digitata L. Barks on Sickle Blood Cells.

Background: Parts of baobab tree (Adansonia digitata) including especially the barks are commonly used for their medicinal properties. Aims: The aim of this work is to evaluate the antisickling activity of baobab tree barks, which are used in Congolese traditional medicine to manage Sickle Cell Disease. Study Design: Baobab tree barks was extracted with water by maceration. Phytochemical tests were conducted with standard procedures. Antisickling activity and the minimum concentration of extract required to normalize sickled cells was determined by Emmel test. Place and Duration of Study: This work was done at department of chemistry, Science Faculty, University of Kinshasa (DR Congo), between November 2012 and February 2013. Methodology: The barks collected from Adansonia digitata were dried and powdered. A chemical screening was perform and extraction of anthocyanins done. Antisickling activity was evaluated by Emmel test, membrane stability by osmotic fragility test and Fe3+ evolution by following solution absorbance at 630nm. The rate of sickle cell shape normalization was determined at different plant aqueous extract concentrations in order to determine the minimal concentration of extract required to normalize sickle cells. The shape modification was quantitatively evaluated from the values of parameters such as surface, radius and perimeters of sickle blood cells before or after treatment with plant extract using Motic software. Results: The aqueous extract of Adansonia digitata showed an antisickling activity with a maximal normalization rate of 65.7% and a minimal concentration required to normalize sickled cells of 5.0mg/mL. The cell surface, perimeter and radius were significantly different before and after treatment with plant extract. The chemical screening showed the presence of polyphenols among which anthocyanins. The biological activity of this plant would be due to these pigments. The anthocyanins extract have also shown a stabilization effect on sickle blood red cells membranes and a reduction of methemoglobin to hemoglobin effect Conclusion: The results obtained show significant antisickling activity of Adansonia digitata barks thus justifying the use of this plant by traditional healers in Congolese traditional medicine in the management of Sickle Cell Disease.