Antisickling Activity and Membrane Stabilizing Effect of Anthocyanins Extracts from Adansonia digitata L. Barks on Sickle Blood Cells

Background: Parts of baobab tree (Adansonia digitata) including especially the barks are commonly used for their medicinal properties.

Aims: The aim of this work is to evaluate the antisickling activity of baobab tree barks, which are used in Congolese traditional medicine to manage Sickle Cell Disease.

Study Design: Baobab tree barks was extracted with water by maceration. Phytochemical tests were conducted with standard procedures. Antisickling activity and the minimum concentration of extract required to normalize sickled cells was determined by Emmel test.

Place and Duration of Study: This work was done at department of chemistry, Science Faculty, University of Kinshasa (DR Congo), between November 2012 and February 2013.

Methodology: The barks collected from Adansonia digitata were dried and powdered. A chemical screening was perform and extraction of anthocyanins done. Antisickling activity was evaluated by Emmel test, membrane stability by osmotic fragility test and Fe3+ evolution by following solution absorbance at 630nm. The rate of sickle cell shape normalization was determined at different plant aqueous extract concentrations in order to determine the minimal concentration of extract required to normalize sickle cells. The shape modification was quantitatively evaluated from the values ​​of parameters such as surface, radius and perimeters of sickle blood cells before or after treatment with plant extract using Motic software.

Results: The aqueous extract of Adansonia digitata showed an antisickling activity with a maximal normalization rate of 65.7% and a minimal concentration required to normalize sickled cells of 5.0mg/mL. The cell surface, perimeter and radius were significantly different before and after treatment with plant extract. The chemical screening showed the presence of polyphenols among which anthocyanins. The biological activity of this plant would be due to these pigments. The anthocyanins extract have also shown a stabilization effect on sickle blood red cells membranes and a reduction of methemoglobin to hemoglobin effect

Conclusion: The results obtained show significant antisickling activity of Adansonia digitata barks thus justifying the use of this plant by traditional healers in Congolese traditional medicine in the management of Sickle Cell Disease.