Effect of wheat grass therapy on transfusion requirement in beta-thalassemia major

Indian J Pediatr. 2009 Apr;76(4):375-6. doi: 10.1007/s12098-009-0004-6. Epub 2009 Feb 10.

Abstract

Objective: To assess the efficacy of wheat grass juice on transfusion requirement in patients with beta thalassemia major.

Methods: Fifty-three patients of thalassemia major with a median age of 16 years were given wheat grass juice tablets.

Results: The Mean pre and post wheat grass therapy, the pack cell requirement was 288.06 +/- 53.25 gm/Kg/year and 301.25 +/- 54.86 gm/Kg/year (p =0.054) respectively. No adverse effects were noted.

Conclusion: We conclude that wheat grass therapy for one year is not effective in reducing the transfusion requirement in transfusion dependent thalassemia.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Blood Transfusion / statistics & numerical data*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Plant Extracts / administration & dosage
  • Plant Extracts / therapeutic use*
  • Tablets
  • Triticum*
  • beta-Thalassemia / epidemiology*
  • beta-Thalassemia / therapy*

Substances

  • Plant Extracts
  • Tablets