Beneficial effects of a polyherbal formulation in the management of sickle cell disease

Abstract

Objectives: Inflammation and pain among other comorbid conditions are prominent clinical complications associated with sickle cell disease (SCD). Despite significant improvement in the understanding of SCD pathophysiology, adverse effects of current treatment options are of great concerns. Faradin® (TD) is a polyherbal mixture used in the management of SCD. This study evaluates the acute toxicity, antinociceptive, and anti-inflammatory actions of TD. Materials and Methods: Acute toxicity study of TD was conducted according to test guidelines-423 of the Organization for Economic, Cooperation, and Development. Anti-inflammatory effect was assessed with carrageenan-induced paw edema and xylene-induced ear edema while antinociceptive effect was assessed using tail immersion, acetic acid-induced writhing, and formalin-induced nociceptive methods. Results: Oral administration of TD showed no acute toxic behavior. TD showed non-dose-related inhibition of inflammation in carrageenan- and xylene-induced edema when compared with vehicle-treated control. Post hoc analysis also revealed that TD caused significant increase in pain threshold in acetic acid, formalin, and tail immersion model of nociception. However, TD-induced antinociception was reversed by naloxone (opioid receptor antagonist) indicative of opioidergic system involvement. Conclusion: Findings from this study showed that TD has wide margin of safety and possessed anti-inflammatory as well as antinociceptive properties which lend credence to its potentials in the management of painful and inflammatory conditions associated with SCD.