Abstract
The management of sickle cell disease is a major challenge at the international level. In many African countries, sickle cell anemia is one of the major causes of mortality and is a critical public health problem in Niger. In this part of the continent, the estimated prevalence is around 18 to 22%, which is amongst the highest in Africa. Nowadays, despite the existence of some ways to improve the prognosis of sickle cell anemia as allograft, it turns out that these resources are expensive and out of reach of underdeveloped countries. The purpose of this study was to identify the preliminary anti-sickle cell plants in Niger's traditional pharmacopoeia. To do this, an ethnobotanical survey was conducted among the patients consulting the National Reference Center for Sickle Cell Disease (CNRD) and the traditional healers in the city of Niamey. At the end of this survey, 29 plant species were identified. The phytochemical study of 12 plants showed the presence of large chemical groups known for important biological properties (polyphenols, alkaloids, gallic tannins, sterols and polyterpenes). Key words: Phytochemical study, sickle cell disease, Niger, medicinal plants, ethnobotanical survey.
Highlights
Sickle cell disease is a genetic, hereditary disease that attacks red blood cells and deforms them (Pliya, 1994)
This study aimed to identify, through an ethnobotanical survey in the region of Niamey (Niger), the medicinal plants used for the treatment of sickle cell disease and carry out the phytochemical screening of these plants
Niamey region is located at the extreme West of Niger Republic where the National Reference Center for Sickle Cell Disease created in 2009 is located; and at the same time the place where the survey was conducted with the patients or their parents of CNRD and with traditional healers (Issaka, 2012)
Summary
Sickle cell disease is a genetic, hereditary disease that attacks red blood cells and deforms them (Pliya, 1994). It is due to a point mutation of the gene coding for the synthesis of the β chain of hemoglobin. This results in the replacement of glutamic acid by valine (André and Marc, 1988). Abnormal hemoglobin (Hbs) deforms red blood cells that take the form of a lunar crescent (sickle cell). These sickle cells block the fine vessels of certain organs: lungs, eye, brain, etc., the clinical manifestations of sickle cell disease (Pliya, 1994). In black Africa, sickle cell disease is one of the leading causes of infant mortality; almost 95%
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