Abstract

The roots of Plumbago zeylanica (Plumbaginaceae) and Uvaria chamae(Annonaceae) have been used in folklore medicine in the management of sickle-cell disease (SCD) in South-West Nigeria. Using both crude methanol extract and its aqueous fraction, in vitro antisickling activities of these plant parts were evaluated using p-hydroxybenzoic acid and normal saline as positive and negative controls, respectively. Phytochemical screening of the investigated plant specimens revealed the presence of flavonoids, saponnins, alkaloids, tannins, cardiac glycosides free and combined anthraquinones. Extracts/fractions of P. zeylanica had a significantly higher (P < 0.05) antisickling activity at the tested concentrations of 10.0, 1.0 and 0.1 mg/ml. Therefore, the use of these plants by the traditional medical practitioners in the treatment of SCD in Ogun State, Nigeria is justified. The implication of these results is in defining the role of each plant specimen in traditional recipes for SCD management and drug development is presented.

Key words: Antisickling activity, phytochemicals, Plumbago zeylanica, sickle cell disease, Uvaria chamae.