In vitro Anti-erythrocyte Sickling Effect of Lunularic Acid of Natural Origin

Aims: To evaluate the antisickling activity of lunularic acid.

Study Design: Biological experiment in vitro (Emmet test), evaluation of cell morphological parameters such as radius, perimeter and surface.

Place and Duration of Study: University of Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, from February 2015 to June 2015.

Methodology: The antisickling activity is carried out in vitro in isotonic (NaCl 0.9%) and hypoxic conditions (Na2S2O5 2%) using Sickle red blood cells (RBCs) as model system. The RBCs phenotype were analyzed using a computer assisted image analysis program (Motic Images 2000, version 1.3; Motic China Group Co LTD) and statistical data analyses were processed using Microcal Origin 8.5 Pro package software.

Results: The biological testing revealed that lunularic acid has antisickling activity (Normalization rate > 95% at 25 µg/ml). This phenolic acid acts by reducing the perimeter of sickle RBCs and by increasing their surface. The treated SS RBCs demonstrated a remarkable similarity to normal blood cells values of morphological parameters.

Conclusion: The naturally occurring lunularic acid could serve as promising lead compound candidate for improving the quality life of SCD patients.