ANTIOXIDANT AND ANTI-SICKLING ACTIVITY OF EXTRACTS FROM THE STEM AND ROOTS BARKS OF STRYCHNOS INNOCUA (DEL.)

Objective: In Togo Strychnos innocua represents a plant traditionally used to cure sickle cell disease. This study aims to carry out a phytochemical study and evaluate the antioxidant and anti-sickling activity of Strychnos innocua root and stem barks to support its use. Methods: Hydroethanolic and ethanolic extracts of each plant organ were obtained by maceration. Polyphenol content was determined using the Folin-Ciocalteu’s reagent and the flavonoid content using Aluminium trichloride (AlCl3) method. The anti-sickling activity of hydroethanolic extracts of root and stem barks was tested on SS blood samples from sickle cell patients using the Emmel test. Antioxidant activity was assessed by DPPH and FRAP methods on both the hydroethanolic and ethanolic extracts. Results: Results indicate that the highest levels of polyphenols were measured in the hydroethanolic extract of the root barks (59.32±1.77 mg GAE/g) and the ethanol extract of the stem barks (98.27±2.44 mg GAE/g). The hydroethanolic extract of the root barks and the ethanolic extract of the stem barks showed high levels of flavonoids. Extracts from both organs significantly reduced falciformation (p<0.001) at a rate of 22% (root) and 35% (stem) compared with the control (94%). In addition, root and stem extracts showed slight antioxidant activity. Conclusion: Results justify the traditional use of Strychnos innocua roots in treating sickle cell anaemia.