IN VITRO EVALUATION OF METAL CHELATING PROPERTIES OF T. CATAPPA AND T. KIRILOWII LEAF EXTRACTS
Abstract
Thalassemia, a genetic blood disorder, often requires regular blood transfusions, leading to iron overload and severe organ damage if not managed properly. This study investigates the in vitro metal chelating properties of Terminalia catappa and Trichosanthes kirilowii leaf extracts, focusing on their potential to manage iron overload in thalassemia patients. The leaves were collected from Adilabad district, Telangana, and processed using a sequential maceration method with solvents like chloroform, ethyl acetate, and acetone. The extracts were then subjected to in vitro assays to assess their metal chelating activities. The findings could provide valuable insights into the potential of T. catappa and T. kirilowii as natural chelators, offering a safer and more cost-effective alternative for managing iron overload in thalassemia patients. At higher concentrations, T. catappa and T. kirilowii displayed chelating activities of 76.8% and 71.2% respectively at 1.6 mg/ml, compared to EDTA’s 68.1%. At the highest concentration of 3.2 mg/ml, T. catappa and T. kirilowii exhibited superior activities of 88.3% and 84.5%, respectively, while EDTA showed 71.5%. Regression curve analysis revealed IC50 values of 0.28 mg/ml for T. catappa and 0.35 mg/ml for T. kirilowii, both lower than the 0.76 mg/ml for EDTA. The findings could provide valuable insights into the potential of T. catappa and T. kirilowii as natural chelators, offering a safer and more cost-effective alternative for managing iron overload in thalassemia patients. This research not only contributes to the growing body of knowledge on plant-based metal chelators but also underscores the therapeutic potential of these plants in treating iron overload and improving the quality of life for thalassemia patients This research highlights the potential of these plant extracts as natural chelators, offering a promising alternative for managing iron overload in thalassemia patients.
