Use of Herbal Preparations for the Management of Sickle Cell Disease Among Patients in Benin City, Edo State, South South Nigeria

Sickle cell disease is one of the most prevalent genetic disorders in Nigeria, and patients frequently resort to herbal preparations as adjunctive or alternative therapies due to perceived inadequacy of conventional management and the high cost of care. This study assessed the prevalence, types, and motivations for herbal medicine use among sickle cell disease patients in Benin City, Edo State, South South Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among 200 sickle cell disease patients attending the sickle cell clinic at a tertiary hospital. A structured questionnaire captured data on demographics, specific herbal preparations used, frequency of use, disclosure to healthcare providers, and perceived benefits. A prevalence of 58 percent for herbal preparation use was recorded. Commonly used preparations included Niprisan, neem leaf extracts, and various unspecified root preparations marketed locally. Only 30 percent of users disclosed their herbal use to their hematologists or pharmacists, with fear of disapproval cited by 48 percent as the reason for non-disclosure. Perceived reduction in crises frequency and bone pain were the most common benefits reported. The study recommends pharmacist integration into sickle cell multidisciplinary teams to provide objective information on evidence-based herbal therapies and assess potential herb-drug interactions with hydroxyurea and folic acid. Structured documentation of herbal use in clinical records is also advised. Keywords: sickle cell disease, herbal preparations, Benin City, herb-drug interactions, complementary medicine