Study on anti-sickling properties of the aqueous and methanol leaf extract of Ficus mucuso (Wild figs)

Abstract

This study investigated the antisickling properties of the aqueous and methanol leaf extract of Ficus mucuso (wild figs) by determining its effect on haemoglobin-S (HbS) polymerization inhibition rate, haemoglobin/methaemoglobin (Fe2+/Fe3+) ratio and erythrocyte osmotic fragility. Preliminary phytochemical analysis of F. mucuso showed the presence of phenols, terpenoids, tannins, flavonoids, saponins and alkaloids. The extract significantly inhibited the rate of HbS polymerization up to 86.95±0.00%. Fe2+/Fe3+ ratio was significantly raised from 3.83±0.82 in the control group to 23.51±0.05 and 10.55±1.00 for aqueous and methanol extracts respectively. Erythrocyte osmotic fragility was significantly reduced. The results from this study strongly suggests that the extract of F. mucuso possess anti-sickling properties and can be used in alternative medicine for the management of the accompanying complications of sickle cell anaemia.