Anti-sickling potential of Terminalia catappa leaf extract

Abstract

The ethanol extract of the leaves of Terminalia catappa L. (Combretaceae) has been found to inhibit osmotically-induced hemolysis of human erythrocytes in a dose-dependent manner. It also prolonged the clotting time of uncoagulated blood. A 1.0 mg/ml solution of the extract was effective in preventing and reversing the sickling of human 'SS' erythrocytes induced by 2% sodium metabisulphite solution. These promising initial results indicate Terminalia catappa leaves may indeed have potential in the management of sickle cell disorders, as claimed previously.