Sickle cell disease is an inherited blood condition caused by defects in the production of haemoglobin. Haemoglobin is the part of the red blood cell that carries oxygen across the body. Sickle cell disease occurs when people inherit faulty genes responsible for producing haemoglobin from both parents. A variety of complications and a reduced life expectancy are linked with sickle cell disease. Phytomedicines are medicines derived from plants in their original state. People with sickle cell disease may come across them in terms of plant-remedies from traditional healers. Their benefits have not been evaluated systematically. Laboratory work has long suggested that these medicines may help to ease the symptoms of sickle cell disease.
This review includes two trials. Each trial looked at a different phytomedicine. This review found that Niprisan® (also known as Nicosan®), may help to reduce episodes of sickle cell disease crisis associated with severe pain. Ciklavit®, which has been reported to reduce painful crises in people with SCD, deserves further study before recommendations can be made regarding its use. The trial of Ciklavit® also reported a possible adverse effect on the level of anaemia. More detailed and larger trials of these medicines will need to be carried out before we can make any recommendations about their use. Further research should also assess long-term outcome measures.