Piceatannol: a potential futuristic natural stilbene as fetal haemoglobin inducer

Beta thalassaemia is an autosomal recessive inherited blood disorder which results in abnormal formation of Haemoglobin molecule and ineffective erythropoiesis. Patients need to be dependent on habitual blood transfusion and on unaffordable exorbitant therapies for continued existence. It has been hypothesized that if the level of foetal Haemoglobin increases, it compensates the need of adult Haemoglobin and hence, ameliorates clinical symptoms associated with beta thalassaemia major. Illation from previous studies has proved that reactivation of foetal Haemoglobin with the aid of natural compounds is a better alternative therapy for patients of beta thalassaemia because of its cost effectiveness and occurrence in natural eatables. Piceatannol, a naturally occurring stilbene, is less studied compound in comparison to resveratrol, but it shows a wide range of biological activities. This article has mainly focused on piceatannol and its application as a foetal Haemoglobin inducer in future.