European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

CONTRIBUTION OF TRADITIONAL MEDICINE IN HEALTH PROMOTION AND MANAGEMENT OF SICKLE CELL ANEMIA

*Atul Desai (BAMS, FIIM, PhD), Dr. Kavita Desai (BAMS, PGDHHM), Dr. Dexter Patel (MBBS, CIH, HM), Dr Ashvini Kumar Dwivedi (BHMS, MD, MBA, PhD), Dr. Amit Kumar Gamit (B.H.M.S.) and Dr. Danish Javed (BAMS)

ABSTRACT

Sickle cell anemia (SCA) is a hereditary hemoglobinopathy characterized by chronic hemolytic anemia, vaso‑occlusive crises, and multi‑organ complications. The global burden is substantial in sub‑Saharan Africa, India, the Middle East, and diaspora populations. While advances in hydroxyurea therapy, transfusion protocols, and curative options (gene therapy and transplantation) have improved outcomes for some, access, affordability, and long‑term safety concerns persist, particularly in low‑resource settings. Traditional medicine including Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani, and diverse African ethno medical systems offers complementary approaches emphasizing prevention, dietary and lifestyle optimization, herbal therapeutics, and rejuvenation (Rasāyana). This narrative review synthesizes classical Ayurvedic concepts (e.g., Janmabala Pravṛtta Pāṇḍu as a framework for congenital anemias), cross‑cultural traditional practices, and modern evidence on phytochemicals with anti‑sickling, hematinic, anti‑inflammatory, or immunomodulatory actions. We outline health‑promotion strategies, integrative management algorithms, and research priorities, and we discuss a case‑example of an Ayurvedic proprietary formulation (T‑AYU‑HM Premium) as an adjunct in SCA care. The goal is not to replace standard biomedical care, but to inform safe, context‑appropriate integration that can improve quality of life and reduce symptom burden for people living with SCA.

Keywords: Sickle cell anemia; Traditional medicine; Ayurveda; Ras?yana; Anti?sickling; Health promotion; Integrative care; T?AYU?HM Premium.