Oyenike Musiliu. A. et al / International Journal of Biomedical Research 2018; 09(11): 373-379. 373 IJBR (2018) 09 (11) www.ssjournals.com International Journal of Biomedical Research ISSN: 0976-9633 (Online); 2455-0566 (Print) Journal DOI: https://doi.org/10.7439/ijbr CODEN: IJBRFA Original Research Article In vitro Anti-drepanocytary (anti-sickle cell anemia) and membrane stability potential of mishenland polyherbal extract on Sickle Red Blood Cells Oyenike Musiliu. A. 1 , Akpan Helen. B. 2 , Otulana Jubril. O. 2 , Adefule Adebayo. K. 2 , Adedokun Kamoru. A. *3 , Suleiman Ibrahim. E. 4 , Ojokuku Hammed. O. 1 , Oluogun Waheed. A. 5 , Muhibi Musa. A. 6 and Tijani Busira. A. 6 1 Department of Biomedical Science, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Osogbo. Osun State, Nigeria 2 Department of Anatomy, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, Nigeria 3 Department of Oral Pathology, DUH, King Saudi University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia 4 Department of Chemical Pathology, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria 5 Department of Morbid Anatomy and Histopathology, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Teaching Hospital, Osogbo, Osun State, Nigeria 6 Department of Haematology and Blood Transfusion, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Teaching Hospital, Osogbo, Osun State, Nigeria QR Code *Correspondence Info: Dr. Adedokun Kamoru Ademola Department of Oral Pathology, DUH, King Saudi University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia *Article History: Received: 08/10/2018 Revised: 17/10/2018 Accepted: 17/10/2018 DOI: https://doi.org/10.7439/ijbr.v9i11.4928 Abstract Background: Drepanocytosis (sickle cell anaemia) is a genetic disorder that causes stiff, rod-like sickle-shaped haemoglobin in red blood cells (RBCs) and consequently poses serious health complications. We investigated in vitro anti-sickling potential of a novel polyherbal formula (MPF). Methods: Sickling of RBCs induced with 2%sodium metabisulphite (MBS) was followed by treatment with MPF mixtures in different saline concentrations (7mg/ml, 9mg/ml, 14mg/ml and 28mg/ml). The red cell morphology was examined microscopically. Percentage sickling was quantified 30-minute interval at 37 0 C for 2-hours. Effect of the MPF on membrane stability of RBCs was analyzed using osmotic fragility testing. Results: Qualitative phytochemical screening demonstrated the presence of some secondary metabolites namely; alkaloids, glycosides, phenols, saponin, tannin and terpenoids. Sickling of RBCs induced by MBS was inhibited by MPF. This antisickling effect was directly proportional to concentration of the MPF, dose-dependently. There was significant difference (P<0.05) between MPF-treated and untreated sickle cell counts. Osmotic fragility curves obtained from MPF-treated RBCs showed leftward shift against the untreated control indicative of increased membrane stabilization and/or haemolytic resistance. Conclusion: MPF demonstrated significant anti-sickling and erythrocyte membrane stability properties. These effects under hypoxia signify a promising effect of the bioactive components as probable drug candidates against sickling of red cells. Keywords: Drepanocytosis; erythrocyte membrane stability; in vitro antisickling; Mishenland polyherbal formula; phytochemical screening; sickle cell anaemia. 1. Introduction Drepanocytosis, also known as sickle cell anaemia (SCA) is the commonest sickle cell disease (SCD) in Africa with high mortality rate [1, 2]. SCD is a genetic disorder that causes deformed, rigid, rod-like and sickle-shaped red blood cells (RBCs) occasioned by abnormal β-globin gene. This gene defect causes substitution of β-6 glutamic acid for valine thereby leads to severe reduction in haemoglobin solubility in sickle cells when oxygenated [3, 4]. Also, at low oxygen tension, haemoglobin S (HbS) goes through polymerization, resulting in deformation of RBCs, which assumes a typical sickle shape [5]. Sickling of red cells increases the risk of blood flow obstruction resulting in various serious complications such as sickle cell crisis (sudden and severe pain), severe haemolytic anaemia and multiple organ damage involving heart, brain, lungs, kidneys, skin, penis, skeleton, eyes and spleen [6].