Mitigating Thrombotic and Inflammatory Events in Sickle Cell Disease Using a Polyherbal Formulation

The hypercoagulability, thromboembolic and endothelial complications associated with hemoglobinopathies often results in vascular blockage and occasionally death; which has, therefore, become a challenge to the physician over time. This study aimed at evaluating the protective effects of a polyherbal formulation on endothelial dysfunction, venous thrombosis, coagulation indices; D-dimer and inflammation using 2-butoxyethanol (2BE) -induced experimental model of thrombosis and vaso-occlusive disorders in female albino rats. Forty-two (42) healthy twelve-week old female albino rats were randomly selected for this study and divided into six groups, the rats were administered 2.5mL/kg of 2-BE p.o. and 1mL/Kg of 100mg/mL polyherbal formula for 15 days respectively pre- and post-2-BE administration. The levels of coagulation indices, D-dimer and inflammation marker were thereafter evaluated. Histological assessment of the liver was used to evaluate the expression of microvascular occlusion and ischemia. Polyherbal formulation treatment significantly (p<0.05) reduced circulating D-dimer and C-reactive protein levels, as well as the platelet dyscrasias, associated endothelial dysfunction and venous thrombosis in the vessels by decreasing the levels of coagulation indices of the treated groups. There was also down-regulation of the expression of tissue necrosis in the liver of rats treated with 2-BE as a result of Polyherbal treatment. The polyherbal formula, therefore, shows potential for use in the management of conditions associated with thrombotic, thromboembolic disorders and the associated endothelial dysfunction. Molecular investigation of the bioactive components is however expedient to better understand the specific mechanisms of action.