Efficacy of traditional medicine in the management of sickle cell disease: a scoping review of current evidence.

INTRODUCTION

While conventional medicine (CM) has improved outcomes for individuals with sickle cell disease (SCD), issues with accessibility, affordability, and potential adverse effects limit its widespread use. As a result, many patients and caregivers turn to traditional medicine (TM) as an alternative approach to managing SCD. This scoping review aims to systematically evaluate the efficacy, safety, and potential mechanisms of action of TM in SCD, while exploring its integration with CM.

CONTENT: A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and AYUSH Research Portal. Clinical trials, observational studies, in vitro and in vivo studies, and ethnopharmacological surveys investigating TM interventions in SCD were included.

SUMMARY AND OUTLOOK: Of the 27 selected studies, 11 were in vitro, four in vivo, six clinical trials, and six qualitative surveys. Several medicinal plants demonstrated promising anti-sickling, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties. Formulations such as Niprisan®, Ciklavit®, and T-AYU-HM™ Premium showed potential in reducing vaso-occlusive crises and improving hematological parameters. However, limitations include variability in herbal formulations, lack of standardization, and inadequate RCTs. While preliminary findings are promising, further well-designed RCTs are needed to establish the efficacy of TM in SCD. Integrating evidence-based TM with CM options could provide a holistic and patient-centered strategy for SCD.