Phytochemical and Antisickling Studies of Hymenocardia acida Tul (Euphorbiaceae)

Abstract

Various phytochemical tests were carried out to determine the different chemical constituents of the stem bark and leaves of Hymenocardia acida. The sickling of washed human red blood cells effected by 2 % sodium metabisulphite was observed under the microscope before and after treatment with 0.5 %, 1.0 % and 2 % w/v water extracts of the stem bark and leaves. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of carbohydrates, tannins, flavonoids, saponins, alkaloids, cardiac glycosides, resins, steroids and terpenes. The stem bark and leaves reversed the sickling of the red blood cells in a dose-dependent manner. Therefore, the use of the plant by traditional medical practitioners in the treatment of sickle cell anaemia may be justified