Effect of Rhynchospora corymbosa and Olax subscorpioïdea two plants used in the management of Korhogo sickle cell disease

Abstract

Sickle cell disease is the first genetic disease in the world. Rhynchospora corymbosa and Olax subscorpioïdea are two plant species used in traditional management of sickle cell disease in the department of Korhogo. After a chemical study of the decocted and the aqueous extract of these two plants, their effect on the in vitro reversal of sickling of HbSS genotype erythrocytes, has been evaluated according to Emmel method. An abundance of alkaloids, tannins, saponins, polyterpenes and sterols was found in the decocted and aqueous extract of Rhynchospora corymbosa (DRC and MRC). As for the decocted and aqueous extract of Olax subscorpioïdea (DOSA and MOSA), polyphenols, leucoanthocyanins and flavonoids were found in addition to the chemical compounds identified in Rhynchospora corymbosa. At the concentration of 0.312 mg/mL DRC, MRC DOSA and MOSA have obtained the reversal rate of 75, 50, 80 and 80% respectively. All four extracts demonstrated activity on in vitro reversal of sickle cells. This activity could be caused by the presence of chemical groups that would be used in the treatment of several diseases because of their anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Rhynchospora corymbosa and Olax subscorpioïdea are both an effect on the in vitro sickling reversal. Their use in the management of sickle cell disease in northern Côte d'Ivoire might be justified.