An inventory of ethnoboatanicals used in the management of sickle cell disease in Oyo State, Nigeria

In view of the prevalence of Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) in Nigeria, this paper reports the findings of a survey of ethnobotanicals used in the management of SCD. Twenty herbalists with vast knowledge in the management of the disease in Oyo State were interviewed in Yoruba language. The age-range of respondents was between 30 and 85 years. Twenty recipes are used as anti-sickling remedies, as well as for the treatment of rheumatism, anaemia, swollen limbs and ulcers associated with SCD.  Some of the 53 plants with therapeutic values in SCD are Calotropis precera, Phyllathus amarus, Harungana madagascariensis, Tetracera potatoria, Telfaria occidentalis, Perquatina nigrescence, Waltheria indica, and Aframomum melegueta. Also recorded was the use of animal parts such as chicken and cattle bones in regimen. The modes of administration were compresses, powdered ash residue and charring of animal bones. The paper provides basis for future research on the documented medicinal plants.