Nicosan?

Related Terms

Ashanti pepper, Benin pepper, Eugenia caryophyllum, false cubeb, Guinea cubeb, Guinea pepper, HemoxinT, kale (Nigeria), kukauabe (Nigeria), masoro, Niprisan?, Nix-0699, Piper guineense, Pterocarpus osun, sasema (Nigeria), sorghum, Sorghum bicolor, Sorghum japonicum, soro wisa (Nigeria), uziza pepper, vanillin, West African pepper.

Background

NicosanT is an antisickling drug used for prevention of symptoms and pain management in patients with sickle cell disease (SCD). It is prepared from a mixture of four Nigerian plant materials: the seeds of Piper guineense, the stems of Pterocarpus osun, the fruits of Eugenia caryophyllum, and the leaves of Sorghum bicolor.
NicosanT was developed at the Nigerian National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD). It had been produced by Xechem International, Inc., an American-based company that filed for bankruptcy. It is unclear when production will resume.
Although the evidence supporting the use of NicosanT for SCD is promising, it should be noted that most of these studies were carried out by the Nigerian government, which has a vested interest in the drug's success. Further large-scale, randomized, controlled studies need to be performed before conclusions may be drawn.

Evidence Table

These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *


According to available clinical trials, NicosanT appears to be safe and effective for preventing and reducing sickle cell disease (SCD) crises associated with severe pain. Future research with larger sample sizes are needed to assess the role of NicosanT in the management of patients with SCD.

 B


According to available clinical trials, NicosanT appears to be safe and effective for preventing and reducing sickle cell disease (SCD) crises associated with severe pain. Future research with larger sample sizes are needed to assess the role of NicosanT in the management of patients with SCD.

 B
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)

Tradition / Theory

The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.

Dosing

Adults (18 years and older)
For sickle cell disease, 12 milligrams of Niprisan? per kilogram has been taken by mouth daily for six months.

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Interactions

Interactions with Drugs
NicosanT may interact with acetaminophen (paracetamol, Tylenol?), antiretroviral agents (indinavir, lamivudine, nevirapine, or zidovudine), and antisickling agents.

Attribution

This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

Bibliography

Adzu B, Garba M, Haruna A, et al. Effect of niprisan on single oral dose pharmacokinetics of paracetamol in rats. Eur J Drug Metab Pharmacokinet. 2001;26(3):201-204.
Ataga KI. Novel therapies in sickle cell disease. Hematology Am Soc Hematol Educ Program. 2009:54-61. Review.
Awodgan AO, Wambebe C, Gamaniel K, et al. Acute and short-term toxicity of NIPRISAN? in rats I: a biochemical study. J Pharm Res Dev 1996;1(1):39-45.
Babalola OE, Wambebe CO. When should children and young adults with sickle cell disease be referred for eye assessment? Afr J Med Med Sci 2001;30(4):261-263.
Cordeiro NJ, Oniyangi O. Phytomedicines (medicines derived from plants) for sickle cell disease. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2004;(3):CD004448.
Gamaniel K, Amos A, Akah PA, et al. Pharmacological Profile of NIPRD 94/002/1-0: A Novel Herbal Antisickling Agent. Journal of Pharmaceutical Research 1998;3(2):39-45.
Fawibe AE. Managing acute chest syndrome of sickle cell disease in an African setting. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 2008;102(6):526-531.
Iyamu EW, Turner EA, Asakura T. Niprisan (Nix-0699) improves the survival rates of transgenic sickle cell mice under acute severe hypoxic conditions. Br J Haematol 2003;122(6):1001-1008.
Iyamu EW, Turner EA, Asakura T. In vitro effects of NIPRISAN (Nix-0699): a naturally occurring, potent antisickling agent. Br J Haematol 2002;118(1):337-343.
Okpala, I. Investigational agents for sickle cell disease. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2006;15(8):833-842.
Wambebe CO, Bamgboye EA, Badru BO, et al. Efficacy of niprisan in the prophylactic management of patients with sickle cell disease. Current Therapeutic Research, Clinical & Experimental 2001;62(1):26-34.
Wambebe C, Khamofu H, Momoh JA, et al. Double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomised cross-over clinical trial of NIPRISAN in patients with Sickle Cell Disorder. Phytomedicine 2001;8(4):252-261.