Anti-sickling effect of Senna alexandrina, Aerva javanica, and Ficus palmata extracts on sickle cell disorder

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate the anti-sickling activity of Senna alexandrina, Aerva javanica, and Ficus palmate extracts. Methods: The leaves were extracted with water and methanol. The anti-sickling effect of extracts was determined using blood from 20 sickle cell disease (SCD) patients by mixing it with 500 and 1000 μg/mL of extract. The treated blood samples were then examined under a light microscope. The osmotic fragility of erythrocytes was determined using 4 mL (0 – 0.9 %) buffered saline mixed with 1 mL extract (500 μg/mL) and 0.05 mL sickled red blood cells (RBCs). Results: Aerva javanica extract significantly (p < 0.0001) reduced the percentage of sickle cells compared to control. The sickle-shaped cells were 29.47 % when treated with 125 μg/mL concentration of methanol extract of A. javanica that was further decreased to 0.35 % on increasing the concentration to 500 μg/mL. A similar trend was also observed with extracts of F. palmata. Extracts had protective effect on erythrocyte osmotic fragility. Results of comet assay suggested that extracts did not damage DNA. Conclusion: These plant extracts have promising anti-sickling activity and protect erythrocyte osmotic fragility. However, in vivo studies are required to validate these results and for further development of the extracts for therapeutic use.