SICKLE CELL ANAEMIA AT AHMADU BELLO UNIVERSITY TEACHING HOSPITAL ZARIA, AND SOME PHARMACOLOGICAL STUDIES ON SICULINE SYRUP

SICKLE CELL ANAEMIA AT AHMADU BELLO UNIVERSITY TEACHING HOSPITAL ZARIA, AND SOME PHARMACOLOGICAL STUDIES ON SICULINE SYRUP

Abstract:

In Part I of this two-part study, the pharmacological and non-drug management as well as several indices relating to sickle cell anaemia patients at the Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH), Zaria were studied based on hospital records (154 patients) and discussions with doctors and other staff. Age/weight correlations showed a retarded growth in these children compared to healthy children, and this effect was seen by the 5th month and could be as much as 18%. Most of the sickle cell patients found in Zaria were Hausa/Fulani muslims of possibly middle and low socio-economic status. The hand foot syndrome, fever, cough and hepatosplenomegaly (especially hepatomegaly) were the most common signs and symptoms of sickle cell anaemia. Laboratory investigations showed extremely low PCV (average values being 24.89%) and haemoglobin (average being 7.64g/dl). Drug therapy included antimalarials, haematinics, analgesics, antibiotics and anthelmintics. Non-drug management measures such as advice on good nutrition, general health care and counselling were also given. Patients were mostly asked to see their doctors every three months, although appointments scheduling could be as frequent as one week. In Part II, ‘siculine syrup’ a plant extract was screened pharmacologically for antisickling and other activities using laboratory animals. Siculine (0.625 – 5%) inhibited the sickling process dosedependently in both human Hb-AS and Hb-SS genotypes but had no reversal effect on already sickled red blood cells. The drug exhibited a dose-dependent analgesic effect in mice. Siculine contained cardiac glycosides, flavonoids, terpenes and sterols. The drug also demonstrated antimicrobial activity against S. aureus but not against P. aeruginosa and E. coli. Rat uterine and intestinal smooth muscles (rabbit and guinea pig) were contracted while both skeletal and cardiac muscles were relaxed. Siculine did not affect food intake, but water intake in both male and female rats was increased and diuretic effect was observed especially in the female. In conclusion, both pharmacological and non-drug management of sickle cell anaemia patients, in and out of crises situations, at the ABUTH, Zaria are in accordance with good medical practice. Inhibition of sickling and pain relief by siculine are probably the pharmacological basis for its purported usefulness in sickle cell crises. This study also revealed other pharmacological effects of siculine and emphasises the rationale for screening of traditional herbal preparations that may be useful in prevention and treatment of diseases.

SICKLE CELL ANAEMIA AT AHMADU BELLO UNIVERSITY TEACHING HOSPITAL ZARIA, AND SOME PHARMACOLOGICAL STUDIES ON SICULINE SYRUP

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