Abstract

Thalassemia major is characterized by anemia, iron overload, further potentiation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and damage to major organs, especially the cardiovascular system. Antioxidant and other supportive therapies protect red blood cells (RBC) against antioxidant damage. Chelation therapy reduces iron-related complications and thereby improves quality of life and overall survival. The poor oral bioavailability, short plasma half-life and severe side effects of available chelators are still not optimal. In this study, iron chelating activity of some medicinal plants was determined to find alternative sources with lower side effects in thalassemic patients. Extracts were prepared by soaking dry material of the selected plant in appropriate solvent. Phenol and flavonoid content of the extract were measured by folin ciocalteu and AlCl₃ assays. Phenol content of the extracts varied between 9 - 290 mg/g. The largest amount of phenolic compounds and highest chelating activity were found inMellilotus arvensis. All extracts contained various amount of flavonoids from 10 to 60 mg/g. Extracts with high phytochemicals and chelating activity can be observed as a good source of new agents for thalassemic patients.

Key words: Iran herbs, Iron chelating, thalassemia, phenol, flavonoid.