BITS Pilani, Hyderabad develops plant-based cure for Thalassaemia, Sickle Cell Anaemia
BITS Pilani
, Hyderabad, have developed a
plant-based drug formulation
that could offer more affordable treatment for iron overload, a condition common in patients with Thalassaemia and
Sickle Cell Anaemia
. The new formulation, tested successfully on rats and mice, uses compounds found in plants to remove excess iron from the body and does so using a much lower dosage than the standard treatment available in the market today.
Published in the journal Molecular Pharmaceutics, the study explains how the team combined caffeic acid, a naturally occurring compound, with amino acids to create two formulations: Caffeic Acid–Spermine (CA-Sp) and Caffeic Acid–Histidine (CA-His). "When compared with the current drug in use, CA-Sp required just one-fifth of the dosage to remove excess iron," said department of biological sciences professor Jayati Ray Dutta. She worked on the project along with Ramakrishnan Ganesan from the department of chemistry. Researchers pointed out that even though the treatment duration was kept the same for comparison, the new drug showed better iron removal and lower toxicity. "We tested for liver inflammation and found that our drug performed better than the standard one," Dutta said. Apart from effectiveness, the formulation also scores high on affordability. "The current drug costs about 300 per dose. Our plant-based formulation could cut the cost by more than 50%," she added. The researchers used the natural iron-binding ability of polyphenols and paired them with compounds known as biogenic amines, which are commonly found in nature. "This is a step forward in developing green, affordable therapies for transfusion-dependent patients. It has the potential to transform iron overload treatment, not just in India but globally," said Ganesan. Iron overload is a growing concern in India, especially among patients with Thalassaemia and Sickle Cell Anaemia who depend on frequent blood transfusions. Left untreated, excess iron can severely damage the liver, heart, and endocrine system, they added and pointed out that India is home to over 100,000 Thalassaemia patients, many of whom require perpetual
iron chelation therapy
(ICT) to manage iron toxicity.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Kidney stones: Doctors warn about 10 normal foods that could land you in the ER, and the healthy ones that can stop it
Kidney stones are a painful and surprisingly common health problem, affecting millions of people around the world. These small, hard lumps form inside the kidneys and can cause intense pain, trouble passing urine, and in severe cases, long-term kidney damage. While your genes, medical history, and how much water you drink all play a role, Healthline says diet is one of the most important factors, both in causing and in preventing stones. By understanding what you eat, you can cut your chances of developing them. Finance Value and Valuation Masterclass Batch-1 By CA Himanshu Jain View Program Finance Value and Valuation Masterclass - Batch 2 By CA Himanshu Jain View Program Finance Value and Valuation Masterclass - Batch 3 By CA Himanshu Jain View Program Artificial Intelligence AI For Business Professionals By Vaibhav Sisinity View Program Finance Value and Valuation Masterclass - Batch 4 By CA Himanshu Jain View Program Artificial Intelligence AI For Business Professionals Batch 2 By Ansh Mehra View Program What Are Kidney Stones? Kidney stones (also called renal calculi) are solid crystals that form when substances in your urine, like calcium, oxalate, or uric acid, build up too much. If there isn't enough fluid to dilute these substances, they can join together and harden. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like These Are The Rolls-Royce Of Hearing Aids (And Under $100) Hear True Learn More Undo Sometimes the stones stay in the kidney, but they can also move through the urinary tract. Large stones can block urine flow, which may cause: Sudden, sharp pain in the lower back or belly Blood in the urine Feeling sick or vomiting Pain when passing urine Main Types of Kidney Stones Calcium oxalate stones – the most common type, often linked to high oxalate foods. Uric acid stones – linked to eating too much red or organ meat. Struvite stones – usually after urinary infections. Calcium phosphate stones – linked to high urine pH or certain health problems. Cystine stones – rare and genetic. How Kidney Stones Form Kidney stones form through a process called crystallisation. When you don't drink enough water, your urine becomes concentrated. If it contains too much calcium, oxalate, or uric acid, and not enough protective substances like citrate, crystals can start to form. Over time, these crystals can join and grow into stones. Live Events Risk factors include: Not drinking enough water Eating too much salt High doses of vitamin C supplements Drinking a lot of cola or fizzy drinks Too much red meat 10 Foods That Can Trigger Kidney Stones Spinach – Very high in oxalates, which can form calcium oxalate stones (Healthline). Beets – Another food rich in oxalates, risky in large amounts. Nuts and nut butters – Almonds, cashews, and peanuts are healthy but high in oxalates. Chocolate – Contains oxalates, especially dark chocolate. Black tea – A major source of oxalates if consumed heavily. Red meat – High purine content can raise uric acid levels. Salt – Excess sodium makes the kidneys release more calcium into urine. Cola drinks – Contain phosphoric acid, which may increase stone risk. Processed snacks – Often high in salt and preservatives, straining the kidneys. Rhubarb – Extremely high in oxalates. 10 Foods That May Help Prevent Kidney Stones Water – The best prevention; 2–3 litres daily helps dilute urine (Healthline). Citrus fruits – Lemon, lime, and orange are high in citrate, which blocks stone formation. Calcium-rich foods – Milk, yoghurt, cheese bind oxalates in the gut. Bananas – Low oxalates and rich in potassium for healthy kidneys. Barley water – May help flush out small crystals. Cucumbers – Hydrating and low in oxalates. Whole grains – Oats, brown rice, and barley provide magnesium to block stones. Basil leaves – In Ayurveda, believed to lower uric acid. Watermelon – Hydrating and supports urine flow. Pomegranate – Rich in antioxidants, may protect kidneys. Extra Tips to Prevent Stones Limit vitamin C supplements. Get calcium from food, not pills. Avoid too much animal protein. Stay active to keep kidneys healthy. Monitor urine pH if you've had stones before. When to See a Doctor Seek medical help if you have: Severe back or belly pain Bloody or cloudy urine Fever or chills Nausea or vomiting A doctor may order scans like an ultrasound or CT, and treatments can range from more fluids and medicine to procedures like shockwave therapy. Inputs from TOI
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Perseids shower: Will US witness 100 meteors per hour? Check timings, best places to watch the rare celestial event
Are you ready for Perseid meteor shower- one the year's most dazzling displays? The Perseid meteor shower is widely regarded as the best of the year but better than that, it is happening this week. The Perseid meteor shower is an annual event that occurs as Earth passes through the trail of debris shed by comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle. Every summer, the night sky in the northern hemisphere lights up with one of the most eagerly awaited astronomical events: the Perseid meteor shower. The rare celestial event occurs when the Earth passes through the trail of debris left by the comet Swift-Tuttle. Although this comet has an orbit of 133 years and its last visit to the inner solar system was in 1992, its debris is still in the path, offering a beautiful display of meteors every year. Finance Value and Valuation Masterclass Batch-1 By CA Himanshu Jain View Program Finance Value and Valuation Masterclass - Batch 2 By CA Himanshu Jain View Program Finance Value and Valuation Masterclass - Batch 3 By CA Himanshu Jain View Program Artificial Intelligence AI For Business Professionals By Vaibhav Sisinity View Program Finance Value and Valuation Masterclass - Batch 4 By CA Himanshu Jain View Program Artificial Intelligence AI For Business Professionals Batch 2 By Ansh Mehra View Program ALSO READ: Perseids 2025: How to watch the year's best meteor shower despite full moon? NASA's secret tips by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Undo When can you see Perseid meteor shower? The Perseid meteor shower peaks on the night of 12 to 13 August and is active from mid-July until the end of August. It can be possible to see as many as 100 meteors an hour streaking across the sky in all directions from the radiant point. From more urban environments, expect an average of as many as one a minute. Unfortunately, this year the moon will be a waning gibbous with more than 80% of its visible surface illuminated. The Perseid meteor shower is considered the best of the year due to how many meteors viewers can see, about 50 to 100 per hour, according to NASA. Live Events ALSO READ: Last planet parade of 2025 happening today? How to watch the rare planetary alignment in the US When is the Perseid meteor shower? While the Perseid meteor shower is active from July 17 to Aug. 23, the peak is between August 12 and 13 during pre-dawn hours, NASA said. It may be possible to see meteors from the shower as early as 10 p.m. though, according to NASA. Will you watch Perseid meteor shower in US? The night of Tuesday, August 12, sky cover will be higher in southeastern U.S. states such as Georgia and North Carolina. Among the best states to see this event are the following: Utah, Arizona, Colorado, California. The astronomical phenomenon can be seen from July 17 and extends until August 24, but the peak will be between 11:00 p.m. on August 12 and 4:00 a.m. on August 13 (local time). The best times to observe them will be between 2:00 a.m. and 4:00 a.m. ALSO READ: Trump deploys National Guard in Washington DC, places it under direct federal control Why Perseid meteor showers may be hampered? During this year's peak on Aug. 12, the Perseid meteor shower may be "hampered" due to an 84%-full moon, NASA said. "Unfortunately, this year the Moon is nearly full on the peak night, and its glare will wash out all but the brightest meteors," NASA wrote. 'A few bright meteors may still be seen in the pre-dawn hours, but viewing conditions are not ideal,' NASA wrote, adding that skywatchers could look forward to another favorite meteor shower, the Geminids, which is set for "moon-free viewing in December." Sky condition, or the average amount of the sky covered with thick clouds, also plays a role in how well viewers can see the meteor shower. How to watch Perseid meteor showers? Finding a spot to watch with darker skies. Allowing your eyes to become dark adapted (which can take an hour or more Minimizing your use of bright mobile devices and flashlights, and using only ultra-dim light sources; NASA said the best lights for stargazing are red lamps and red LEDs because red light has the smallest impact on your night vision
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Time of India
New York to Los Angeles in just 3 hours? Supersonic travel may be back sooner than you think, as early as 2027
The James Webb Space Telescope ( JWST ) has once again amazed scientists by capturing an image of a galaxy so distant that its light has traveled over 13 billion years to reach Earth. The newly identified galaxy is thought to date back to just a few hundred million years just after the Big Bang a period when the initial stars and galaxies were starting to take shape. For astronomers, this is more than a stunning picture; it's a rare opportunity to witness the early stages of the snapshots in time help to explain how cosmic structures evolved from simple clouds of gas into the rich, star filled systems we see today. Finance Value and Valuation Masterclass Batch-1 By CA Himanshu Jain View Program Finance Value and Valuation Masterclass - Batch 2 By CA Himanshu Jain View Program Finance Value and Valuation Masterclass - Batch 3 By CA Himanshu Jain View Program Artificial Intelligence AI For Business Professionals By Vaibhav Sisinity View Program Finance Value and Valuation Masterclass - Batch 4 By CA Himanshu Jain View Program Artificial Intelligence AI For Business Professionals Batch 2 By Ansh Mehra View Program How Webb Achieves the Impossible Unlike the Hubble Space Telescope, Webb made use of advanced infrared technology , which enabled it to see through clouds of space dust and detect even extremely faint light from the distant past. This technology is significant for spotting out galaxies at extreme distances, where light has been stretched or 'redshifted' by the expansion of the universe. By combining long observation times with precision optics, Webb can find out the details that are invisible to any other telescope in operation. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Become Fluent in Any Language Talkpal AI Sign Up Undo Why This Discovery Matters Studying such old galaxies helps scientists to get to know how rapidly stars were formed, what elements were present, and how massive black holes grew up so fast in the early universe. Every new observation adds to the information of cosmic history and enables them to refine scientific models. What Comes Next? NASA and its international partners' plans to use Future Webb missions that will target even fainter and older galaxies, pushing the boundaries of what's observable. Scientists also look forward to studying the atmospheres of exoplanets, map distant galaxy clusters, investigate the mysteries of dark matter and dark energy as well. Live Events In just over a year, the James Webb Space Telescope has already transformed our knowledge of the cosmos. This recent find is proof that we now have the technology to go back to the universe's earliest moments and perhaps reveal secrets that have been hidden for over 13 billion years. FAQs: Q1. What is the James Webb Space Telescope? A1. The James Webb Space Telescope is a powerful infrared observatory made to study the universe's earliest moments and distant celestial objects. Q2. When was the James Webb Space Telescope launched? A2. It was launched on December 25, 2021, as a collaboration between NASA, ESA, and CSA.
