Phytochemical And Anti-Sickling Properties Of <i>Hymenocardia acidia</i> (<i>Tul</i>)

Abstract

The plant Hymenocardia acidia is a member of the family Euphorciaceae. The various morphological parts are used in Nigeria for the treatment of eye infections, diarrhoea, dysentery, rheumatic pains and most importantly sickle cell anaemia. The present study aims at unveiling the reality or otherwise of its anti-sickling claim. To this end, the plant was processed accordingly and assayed for anti-sickling activity using a standard method. The stem-bark and leaves reversed sickling red blood cells in a dose dependent manner. Moreover, this study also revealed the presence of tannins, flavonoids, saponins, alkaloids, resins, steroids, terpenes, etc. Thus the use of the plant in traditional medicine practice in the treatment of sickle cell disorder might be justified.

Key words: Hymenocardia acidia, traditional medicine practice, anti-sickling activity, red blood cells.

Nigerian Journal of Physiological Sciences Vol.18(1-2) 2003: 82-86