Comparison of the sickling and gelation properties of acidic metabolites of <i>Aloe Vera</i> and <i>Cajanus Cajan</i>

Abstract

The effects of acidic metabolites of A. vera and C. cajan extracts on the sickling and gelation times of human HbSS erythrocytes were investigated to obtain a better understanding of the anti-sickling compounds contained in them for use in the management of sickle cell disease. The results obtained showed that the acidic metabolites of A. vera extract exhibited a greater ability to revert already sickled erythrocytes to their normal morphology. The number of unsickled erythrocytes increased remarkably with metabolite concentration from 565 to 800 (x 10⁶/ne) A. vera extract as against 127 to 380 (x 10⁶/ne) for C. cajan. A similar trend was observed in the gelation times, which also increased with metabolite concentration. In all, the A. vera metabolite showed a complete absence of sickled erythrocytes, the highest number of unsickled erythrocytes and best gelation times at all concentrations. Therefore, it was concluded that the acidic metabolite of A. vera was a better gelation inhibitor and erythrocytes reverser. The active principle in the anti-sickling and reversal processes probably involves flavonoids, simple phenols and/or tannins.

Keywords: Aloe vera, Cajanus cajan, sickle cell disease, erythrocytes, gelation times

International Journal of Natural and Applied Sciences, 7(1): 104 - 108, 2011