The Use of Natural Products in the Treatment of Sickle Cell Disease

Sickle cell disease is the world's leading inherited genetic hemoglobinopathy, originating from African peoples, characterized by the presence of more than 50% hemoglobin S in red blood cells, which causes the red blood cell to assume a sickle shape when deoxygenated, leading to clinical vaso-occlusion and hypoxia. The objective of this study was to review the natural products based on medicinal plants used in the treatment of sickle cell disease, as well as the patents registered internationally that use phytomedicines in their compositions. The most recent advances in research on the biochemistry involved in pathology, such as the various studies on intramolecular interaction, the kinetics of the viscosity enhancement process, and the effect of reactive oxygen species have been surveyed, as well as the most recent studies on the mechanisms of anti-sickling activity of the compounds. The research evidenced the presence of many plant-derived compounds with anti-sickle cell disease activity, notably polar compounds. Antioxidant and antibacterial activities were also explored. It was concluded that there is a high potential for herbal medicines in the therapeutic approach to sickle cell disease, with the possibility of adoption to treat both the cause and the symptoms of the disease.