Nutraceuticals interventions in the management of sickle cell anemia: bridging nutritional support and therapeutic strategies

The primary cause of Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a mutation in the HBB gene, which plays an important role in haemoglobin production. This genetic mutation brings about the synthesis of an unusual variant of haemoglobin, haemoglobin S (HbS), which possesses a unique molecular configuration in contrast to the standard adult haemoglobin (HbA). SCD arises from an atypical HbS (α2βS2) where in the amino acid glutamic acid residue at position 6 in the β-globin chain of haemoglobin is substituted with valine. The genetic determinants of SCD include possessing two copies of the rs334 mutation (referred to as HbSS or SCA) or having one copy of the rs334 mutation in conjunction with other mutations that produce alternative forms such as mutation in the β-globin gene (e.g., HbC, cause to HbSC) or reduced β-globin production, as seen in β-thalassemia. The treatment for the management of sickle cell anemia includes hydroxyurea, folic acid, amino acid supplements, penicillin prophylaxis, antimalarial prophylaxis, and blood transfusions are the principal therapies in the clinical management of sickle cell anaemia. Investigations into the antisickling attributes of medicinal plants have yielded promising results. In vitro studies have shown that phytomedicine-based alternative therapy can reverse sickling and alleviate crises. This review focuses on identifying the diverse advantages of phytomedicines and nutraceuticals utilised in the management and treatment of sickle cell anaemia.