Abstract:
We previously observed that aqueous extracts of the stem bark and leaves
of Khaya senegalensis exhibited a strong antisickling
activity. These results prompted us to find out the constituent(s) responsible
for these properties using an in vitro bio-guided
fractionation. The bioassay was based on sickle cells countings, before and
after deoxygenation, in blood samples taken from patients with severe sickle
cell anemia and pre-incubated with the drugs to be tested. The main active
constituent was identified as a rearranged limonoid whose structure was recently
elucidated. In comparison with pentoxifylline used as standard, the
in vitro antisickling activity of this limonoid was much higher at any
concentrations and incubation conditions. In addition, it did not alter significantly
the corpuscular indices.
Key words:
Khaya senegalensis
- Meliaceae - rearranged limonoid - antisickling activity - corpuscular indices
