Surveys of Plant Species Used in Management of Sickle Cell Crisis Pain in Ibadan, Oyo State, South West Nigeria

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a prevalent haematological disorder in Nigeria, and its associated vaso-occlusive crises cause debilitating pain that frequently remains inadequately managed through orthodox analgesics alone. In Ibadan, Oyo State, South West Nigeria, a substantial proportion of SCD patients and caregivers supplement prescribed medications with herbal remedies for pain and crisis management. This study surveys the plant species used in managing SCD pain in Ibadan through interviews with 90 patients, their caregivers, and 25 traditional healers attending the SCD clinic at University College Hospital. A structured ethnobotanical questionnaire documented plant names, preparation methods, and perceived efficacy. Voucher specimens were identified at the University of Ibadan Herbarium. Twenty-seven plant species were recorded, with Cajanus cajan, Fagara zanthoxyloides, and Zanthoxylum chalybeum most frequently cited. Oral decoctions were the dominant preparation mode. Six of the surveyed plants were supported by pharmacological literature demonstrating anti-sickling, analgesic, or anti-inflammatory properties. Notably, concurrent use of herbal preparations with hydroxyurea was reported by 34% of surveyed patients without physician knowledge, indicating significant pharmacovigilance risks. The study emphasises the need for clinician-patient dialogue about concurrent herbal use and for systematic pharmacological evaluation of anti-sickling plants in the Nigerian context. Keywords: sickle cell disease, pain management, ethnobotany, Ibadan, pharmacovigilance