Therapeutic potential of polyphenols in managing thalassemia: A comprehensive review

This study aims to review the potential effects of polyphenols on iron overload and inflammation in patients with β-thalassemia.

A literature search in electronic databases was carried out to identify studies exploring the therapeutic effects of flavonoids in thalassemia.

Patients with thalassemia suffer from excess iron in their bodies. In these patients, splenectomy is usually performed as an effective method to reduce the iron load and the need for blood transfusion. However, since the removal of the spleen in these patients to reduce the excess iron load is faced with serious side effects, it has been suggested to harness iron-chelators. Dietary polyphenols and polyphenol-rich products such as quercetin, curcumin, and silymarin prevent iron overload by reducing the serum levels of iron and ferritin. Polyphenols also reduce inflammation and oxidative stress by reducing tumor necrosis factor-α, C-reactive protein and malondialdehyde, and increasing total antioxidant capacity.

The iron-chelating capacity of polyphenols and flavonoids which may have fewer side effects in patients with thalassemia, has garnered significant attention and holds a promise for therapeutic purposes.