IN VITRO ANTI-SICKLING ACTIVITIES OF SORGHUM BICOLOR (L.) MOENCH

The use of medicinal plants to cure and prevent human ailments, including Sickle Cell Disease (SCD), is an old traditional method. Sorghum bicolor has been used traditionally in the management of SCD. The objective of the current study was phytochemical evaluation and screening of anti-sickling activity of various fractions on sodium metabisulphite induced sickling of HbSS erythrocytes. Chemical screening of extract of Sorghum bicolor seeds revealed the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, phenol, and tannin. The sickle reversal test results showed that ethyl acetate soluble fraction had highest anti-sickling activity following n-hexane, butanol and water-soluble fractions. In hypoxia, sickle erythrocytes reverse into their usual biconcave form was observed after treating with the extract. These results further indicate Sorghum bicolor seed extract as potential phytotherapy for sickle cell anemia.