Plants Used in Anaemia

Abstract

Anaemia is a medical condition marked by a deficiency of healthy red blood cells necessary to supply the body's organs with oxygen. It represents a substantial global health challenge, leading to physical and mental developmental complications, compromised cardiovascular performance, and reduced quality of life. In this context, medicinal plants have emerged as promising adjuncts or alternatives for anaemia. ‘Plant extracts are favored over chemotherapy drugs because they typically have fewer side effects. Plants produce a vast array of structurally diverse compounds, including polyphenols, terpenoids, essential oils, lectins, polypeptides, and alkaloids, each with unique roles in plant defence mechanisms; they are categorized into primary and secondary metabolites. Various plants with the potential for anaemia treatments were discussed in this chapter. These compounds present in medicinal plants act synergistically with chemotherapeutic drugs, enhancing treatment efficacy while minimizing adverse effects. Overall, this chapter delves into the current challenges and future prospects surrounding certain medicinal plants used in the treatment of anaemia, as well as the active ingredients responsible for their therapeutic effects.