Related Terms

• Ashanti pepper, Benin pepper, Eugenia caryophyllum, false cubeb, Guinea cubeb, Guinea pepper, Hemoxin™, 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

• Nicosan™ 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.

• Nicosan™ 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 Nicosan™ 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.

Scientific Evidence

Tradition/Theory

The below uses are based on tradition or scientific theories. 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 health care professional.

• Antiviral, HIV/AIDS.

Dosing

The below doses are based on scientific research, publications, traditional use, or expert opinion. Many herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested, and safety and effectiveness may not be proven. Brands may be made differently, with variable ingredients, even within the same brand. The below doses may not apply to all products. You should read product labels, and discuss doses with a qualified healthcare provider before starting therapy.

Adults (18 years and older)

• For sickle cell disease, 12 milligrams of Niprisan® per kilogram has been taken by mouth daily for six months.

Children (under 18 years old)

• 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.

Allergies

• Avoid with known allergy or hypersensitivity to Piper guineense, Pterocarpus osun, Eugenia caryophyllum, or Sorghum bicolor, their constituents, or members of the Piperaceae, Leguminosae, Myrtaceae, or Poaceae families.

Side Effects and Warnings

• Nicosan™ may cause catarrh (inflamed mucous membranes), headache, rash, and sore throat.

• Use cautiously in patients with skin sensitivities, in patients predisposed to headaches, or in combination with antisickling drugs or acetaminophen (paracetamol, Tylenol®).

• Avoid in pregnant and lactating women, due to a lack of safety data.

• Avoid with known allergy or hypersensitivity to Piper guineense, Pterocarpus osun, Eugenia caryophyllum, or Sorghum bicolor, their constituents, or members of the Piperaceae, Leguminosae, Myrtaceae, or Poaceae families.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

• Avoid in pregnant and lactating women, due to a lack of safety data.

Interactions

Most herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested for interactions with other herbs, supplements, drugs, or foods. The interactions listed below are based on reports in scientific publications, laboratory experiments, or traditional use. 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.

Interactions with Drugs

• Nicosan™ may interact with acetaminophen (paracetamol, Tylenol®), antiretroviral agents (indinavir, lamivudine, nevirapine, or zidovudine), and antisickling agents.

Interactions with Herbs and Dietary Supplements

• Nicosan™ may interact with antisickling herbs and supplements, clove, sorghum, and West Africa pepper.

Author Information

• 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).

References

Natural Standard developed the above evidence-based information based on a thorough systematic review of the available scientific articles. For comprehensive information about alternative and complementary therapies on the professional level, go to www.naturalstandard.com. Selected references are listed below.

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2. Ataga KI. Novel therapies in sickle cell disease. Hematology Am Soc Hematol Educ Program. 2009:54-61. Review. View Abstract

3. 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.

4. 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. View Abstract

5. Cordeiro NJ, Oniyangi O. Phytomedicines (medicines derived from plants) for sickle cell disease. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2004;(3):CD004448. View Abstract

6. 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.

7. 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. View Abstract

8. 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. View Abstract

9. 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. View Abstract

10. Okpala, I. Investigational agents for sickle cell disease. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2006;15(8):833-842. View Abstract

11. 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.

12. 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. View Abstract