Abstract

Background:
Sickle cell disease is a hereditary hemoglobinopathy. It is characterized by the presence of abnormal hemoglobin S (HbS) levels at high concentrations in red blood cells.

Aim:
This study aimed to investigate the potential of a hydroethanolic extract from Oxytenanthera abyssinica leaves to inhibit red blood cell sickling in individuals with sickle cell trait (HbAS) and sickle cell disease (HbSS).

Methods:
Ten (10) grams of powdered Oxytenanthera abyssinica leaves were macerated in 100 mL of a 60% hydroethanolic solution. Following filtration, the macerate was concentrated using a rotary evaporator until a dry crude extract was obtained. The dry extract was reconstituted in water to prepare three test solutions at concentrations of , 2.5,, and 1.25 mg/mL Emmel tests were performed by incubating these extract solutions with blood samples obtained from individuals with sickle cell trait (HbAS), sickle cell disease (HbSS), and healthy controls (HbAA). The percentage of sickled red blood cells was determined using optical microscopy.

Results:
The hydroethanolic extract of Oxytenanthera abyssinica leaves significantly reduced the percentage of sickled red blood cells in individuals with sickle cell trait (HbAS) and sickle cell disease (HbSS). The antisickling effect exhibited a dose-dependent relationship.

Conclusion:
Our findings indicate that the crude hydroethanolic extract of Oxytenanthera abyssinica leaves has significant antisickling activity. This suggests a potential source of bioactive molecules for the development of low-cost therapeutic interventions against sickle cell disease.

Key words: Sickle cell disease, Antisickling, Oxytenanthera abyssinica