ROLE OF CASSIA OCCIDENTALIS IN THALASSEMIC PATIENTS

Effect of the leaves suspension of Cassia occidentalis on the elimination of excess of iron from the artificially iron overloaded rabbits was studied. Leaves suspension of C. occidentalis (250mg/kg) were used for the elimination of iron from iron overloaded rabbits. Rabbits were divided into three groups; overloaded for five weeks and then treated with selected herb for four weeks. Iron concentrations in serum and body organs like heart, liver and kidneys were assayed in all groups of rabbits after iron overloading with jectosol plus injections as per dose of 0.3 ml (15 mg iron) per kg body weight intramuscularly daily for 5 weeks. There was a significant increase in iron concentration in the sera and organs studied. In iron overloaded animals changes, like loss of weight, loss of hair, loss of activity and increased heart rate were observed. After four weeks of herbal treatment (250mg/kg), there was a significant decrease in iron concentration in the serum and organs as compared with iron overloaded untreated with herb group. The decrease was more significant in kidneys and liver as compared to the heart. It was concluded that C. occidentalis leaves suspension was significantly effective in reducing the iron level from serum and organs studied