What is Sickle Cell Disorder?
Sickle cell anemia is a genetically inherited disease in which the "SS" individual possesses an abnormal beta globin gene. A single base substitution in the gene encoding the human β-globin subunit results in replacement of β6 glutamic acid by valine, leading to the devastating clinical manifestations of sickle cell disease. This substitution causes drastic reduction in the solubility of sickle cell hemoglobin (HbS) when deoxygenated. Under these conditions, the HbS molecules polymerize to form long crystalline intracellular mass of fibers which are responsible for the deformation of the biconcave disc shaped erythrocyte into a sickle shape.
Global Impact of Sickle Cell Disease
- Sickle cell anaemia affects over 12 million people, mostly with origins in sub-Saharan Africa, India, Saudi Arabia and Mediterranean countries
- One in 12 Blacks worldwide carries the SCD trait. About 1 in 400 has SCD
- About 75% of global SCDs are in Africa. About 50 million Nigerians carry the gene for SCD, while over 3.5 million have the disease
- The disease is regarded as a silent baby killer as an estimated 50% to 80% of infants born with the disorder die before the age of 5 years
- Each year about 300,000 infants are born with major sickle-cell disorders—including more than 200,000 cases in Africa, according to WHO
Symptoms of Sickle Cell Disorder
- Sickle cell "crisis" - intense, unbearable pain all over the body lasting hours to weeks
- Anaemia and delayed growth
- Fevers and leg/skin ulcers
- Jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes)
- Excessive thirst and frequent urination
- Priapism in males (prolonged erection of the penis)
- Poor eyesight and strokes
Goals of Treating SCD: About 90% of patients survive to age 20, and close to 50% survive beyond the fifth decade. The goal of managing sickle cell disease is to control symptoms and reduce the number of crises to a minimum or none. Medicinal plants have been found to be very effective in treating anaemia, pain, and infections associated with SCD.
How Does Niclovix Manage Sickle Cell Disorder?
Niclovix is a natural product containing four different herbs which have anti-sickling effects. Red blood cell sickling involves the polymerisation (molecules joining together into a chain) of haemoglobin S. It effectively blocks (inhibits) the polymerisation of this haemoglobin S and therefore reduces the number of sickle cells in the blood. This reduces the severity of the disease and allows the individual to live a normal crisis free life.
Mechanism of Action
- Prevents sickling, thereby preventing crisis
- Increases oxygen affinity of Hb S, reducing sickling
- Contains proteins, minerals, alkaloids and essential oils with pain management properties
- Potent antioxidant activities prevent crisis
- Hematinic activity increases Hemoglobin levels, preventing low PCV
- Reverses sickling of affected cells at a low dose while helping to manage pain
Natural Product Development
Natural plant extracts and products discovered from medicinal plants have provided numerous drugs which are being used clinically for different diseases. Natural products isolated from plants will remain the future in the management of SCD. Nature Care, in partnership with the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD), has brought to the reach of all Nigerians a natural product shown to demonstrate efficacy, tolerability, safety and affordability in the management of SCD.
Sickle cell shouldn't stop anyone - Live Life to the Fullest!
Benefits of Niclovix - Seen within 3 months of daily use
- Reduces episodes of acute pain
- Reduces the rate of hospitalization
- Prolongs survival
- Improves growth in children with SCD
- Reduces complications from SCD
- Improves quality of life
- Safe with minimal side effects
- Affordable, reducing cost of treatment
Why Use Niclovix for Sickle Cell Disease?
- Niclovix prevents sickling, thereby preventing crisis
- It increases oxygen affinity of Hb S thus reducing sickling
- It is natural and safe
- It contains proteins, minerals, alkaloids and essential oils. The active ingredients also manage pain
- Niclovix has potent antioxidant activities, prevents crisis
- It possesses hematinic activity by increasing the Haemoglobin levels of sickle cell individuals, thereby preventing low PCV
- It reverses sickling of affected cells at a low dose while helping to manage pain
Dosage of Niclovix
Administration: Niclovix should be taken at mealtime with water. The capsule should be swallowed whole.
- Children (5-11 years): 1 capsule once a day. If child cannot swallow, empty contents in a spoon, mix with water and administer.
- Adults and above 12 years: 2 capsules once a day.
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Safety Information and Lifestyle Adaptations
Side Effects and Contraindications
Niclovix is a natural product with few or no side effects for many when used within the regular dose. It may cause slight headache in a few individuals.
Important Note: Concomitant administration of Niclovix along with medications that are CYP3A4 substrates should be done with caution so as not to compromise Niclovix's established beneficial effect in the management of SCD. Such drugs include paracetamol (Boslan, a natural product from Nature Care, is a better option).
Adequate Lifestyle Adaptations to Reduce Sickle Cell Crisis
- Eat regularly
- Drink lots of water
- Get vaccinated
- Take prescribed medications regularly and before crisis
- Avoid extreme temperatures
- Get adequate rest
- Manage stress effectively
- Regular medical check-ups
First-line Clinical Management Context
First-line clinical management of sickle cell disorder includes use of anti-sickling agents, folic acid, amino acids supplementation, penicillin-prophylaxis, and antimalarial prophylaxis to manage the condition and blood transfusions to stabilize the patient's hemoglobin level. Niclovix offers a natural alternative that has proven to not only reduce crisis but also reverse sickling (in vitro), with immense benefits from phytomedicines and nutraceuticals used in the management of sickle cell anemia.