| Summary: | Ethnopharmacological relevance: Sickling of red blood cells (RBC) is known as the main phenomenon that initiates pathologic manifestations associated with several complications in sickle cell disease (SCD). In a previous work, the anti-sickling effect of the aqueous extract from the trunk bark and branches of Ceiba pentandra (L.) Gaertn (Malvaceae) has been demonstrated. Aim of the study: The present study was conducted to identify the fraction with the most anti-sickle activity of the aqueous extract and subsequently to determine its main phytochemical groups. A bio-guided fractionation of this extract was carried out and a phytochemical screening of the most active fraction was performed. Materials and methods: Blood samples from SCD patients were treated with 2% sodium metabisulfite solution to induce hypoxia and sickling of erythrocytes; and then, incubated with each obtained fraction. The results showed that, among the three main fractions from the freeze-dried powder of the aqueous extract, the methanol insoluble fraction (IR) was the most active. This fraction was therefore subjected to solvent-solvent partitioning. Results: The hydrophilic sub-fraction (FA) from fraction IR showed the highest anti-sickling effect among all the sub-fractions. Conclusion: The phytochemical analysis revealed that catechin tannins, anthocyanosides, reducing compounds and amino acids were the main phytochemical groups of FA fraction.
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