This Week In Sickle Cell News: June 23rd to 29th

By Sean Marshall
This week had some interesting developments with a new possible treatment for sickle cell disease emerging out of Nigeria. According to an article posted on The Guardian's website British and Nigerian researchers have been collaborating their efforts in developing a herbal treatment to sickle cell anemia with the aid of the pigeon pea plant.

It was explained that the plant's leaf extracts could use plant based enzymes to combat and even balance out defects brought on by sickle cell disease. The plant would have to be taken orally on a regular basis but this is big news for the sickle cell community.

This is in no way a permanent cure but it could lead to reduced pain and longer less painful lives of those suffering from sickle cell anemia. The Guardian's article also pointed out that further research is being done combining the pigeon pea plant with other herbal remedies.

Links to the story can be found here:
http://www.ngrguardiannews.com/sunday-magazine/living-wellbeing/167919-pigeon-pea-tops-list-of-local-cures-for-sickle-cell

Other news updates this week include a new form of cancer treating drug could help battle blood diseases such as sickle cell anima. NewsMedica.com explained that the drug repamycin, a drug used to slow cancer growth, can in fact "deliver a therapeutic dose of genes to the blood steam cells while preserving stem cell functions."
This means the drug according to NewsMedia.com could "lead to more effective and affordable long term treatment for blood cell disorders."

What's interesting is seeing both the herbal and non-herbal ways the world is treating sickle cell disease. In both articles progress is being made one just in different ways. It will be interesting to follow how both treatments turn out and compare them. Which will turn out more beneficial the herbal or the scientific methods.

If you would like to read the whole article just head to the link below:
http://www.news-medical.net/news/20140627/Cancer-drug-shows-promise-in-treating-blood-cell-disorders.aspx

To follow up on a previous story the testing of medical marijuana for the treatment of sickle cell disease will begin next month. According to MedicalJane.com a leading medical marijuana activism and treatment web site the medical testing will begin July 2015 and will test the effects that medicinal marijuana has on the pain caused by sickle cell anemia. it was explained that "During the clinical trials, the researchers will test the effects of vaporized cannabis in 35 sickle cell patients."

It was noted that according to the doctors conducting the testing that it could "potentially lead to sickle cell disease being added to Minnesota's list of qualifying conditions to receive pain treatment and aid." As of right now it does not but  the study could change all that.

Of course if you'd like to read the article for yourself head to the link below:
http://www.medicaljane.com/2014/06/25/sickle-cell-disease-and-cannabis-human-trials-set-to-begin-in-california-next-month/#

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