In vitro Antisickling Activity of Zingiber officinale Roscoe (Ginger) Methanolic Extract on Sickle Cell Disease

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is caused by polymerization of abnormal haemoglobin S when oxygen tension decreases. This lead to changes in the shape of red blood cells and anemia. Previous studies have been indicated that some medicinal plants have shown an antisickling activity, which indicates a new therapeutic way to a range of people who are affected by this hemoglobinopathy. The current study aimed to assess the in vitro antisickling activity of ginger. Emmel test was used to assess antisickling activity of ginger. The natural shape of the red blood cells was observed after incubation of red blood cells with ginger extract and 2% sodium metabisulfite as compared to control. A significant increase in the percentage of unsickled red blood cells was observed after incubation of red blood cells with 2% sodium metabisulfite in the presence of 500 µg/ml and 1000 µg/ml of ginger extract. Moreover, the difference between the percentage of unsickled red blood cells after 30 min and 60 min incubation time was not significant. In conclusion significant in vitro antisickling activity of ginger extract was demonstrated in red blood cells pretreated with 2% sodium metabisulfite.