Journal of Pharmaceutical Research

Abstract

The prevalence of this disorder is estimated to be 1 in /100,000 of total world population. It is most common in people of African, Mediterranean and Southeast Asian descent. Major complications associated with Beta thalassemia are hemolytic anemia, poor body growth and skeletal abnormalities during infancy as a result regular lifelong blood transfusion is required. The minor complication is the carrier of genetic trait for beta thalassemia and do not experience major health problem except mild anaemia.

Diagnosis of thalassemia is based on hematologic and molecular genetic testing. Differential diagnosis is usually upfront but may include genetic sideroblastic anemias, congenital dyserythropoietic anemias, and other conditions with high levels of Haemoglobin - F (such as juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia and aplastic anemia). Regular RBC transfusions, iron chelation ,management of complications of iron overdose are some treatment approaches for thalassemia major.

While, Bone marrow transplantation is the definite cure currently available. Individuals with thalassemia intermedia may require splenectomy, folic acid supplementation, treatment of extramedullary erythropoietic masses and leg ulcers, prevention and therapy of thromboembolic events.

Prognosis for individuals with beta-thalassemia has improved substantially in the last 20 years. However, cardiac disease remains the main cause of death in patients with iron overload. Induced pluripotent stem cells, prenatal diagnosis, oral sodium phenyl butyrate therapy,drugs such as Deferoxamine , Deferasirox (ICL670), Deferiprone which are clinical trials are new approaches to treat beta thalassemia.

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Abstract

Purpose: Traditional herbal plants have been used ever since human civilization started for treating various notable disorders. Semecarpus anacardium (SA) commonly called as Bhilwa is an ancient plant known as half physician for its ability to cure almost half of the known disorders and is available in form of various formulations in Ayurveda and siddha system of medicine. In the current review, complete pharmacological utility of the plant along with its geographical location, chemical constituents, its role in apoptosis and various other uses will be discussed.

Approach: Information from the published research article available from Pubmed, google scholar and othersources were used in the preparation of this review article.

Finding: SA has been reported to be a potential plant for the cure of diseases such as diabetes, myocardial infraction, asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, piles, cancer of liver, oesophagus, breast, mouth etc. It is a rich source of antioxidant having high free radical scavenging effect and is useful in treating heart diseases, CNS disorders and in cancer such as hepatocellular carcinoma, mammary carcinoma etc.

Conclusion: SA can be used as an alternative therapy for various ailments however the precise mechanism underlying its various effects has not been determined fully. The phyto constituents present in this plant need to be isolated and can be developed into phyto-pharmaceuticals.

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