Role of Herbal Medicines in Glucose-6 Phosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency

Abstract

Favism is an acute hemolytic reaction triggered in people with an inherited deficiency of the enzyme glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD). Glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is one of the commonest human enzymopathies, caused by inherited mutations of the X-linked gene G6PD. It is estimated that about 400 million people are affected by this deficiency. The G6PD enzyme catalyzes the first step in the pentose phosphate pathway, leading to antioxidants that protect cells against oxidative damage. Most individuals with G6PD deficiency are asymptomatic, with no clinical manifestations of illness unless triggered by certain drugs, metabolic conditions, infections, and ingestion of fava beans. A G6PD-deficient patient, therefore, cannot protect red blood cells against oxidative stresses. Typically, hemolysis ensues in about 24-48 hr after a patient has ingested a substance with oxidant properties. The degree of hemolysis varies with the inciting agent, the amount ingested, and severity of the enzyme deficiency. On the other hand nowadays, more people are frequently turning to herbal medicines as treatments for various medical conditions, often without medical advice. It has been documented that as many patients who take herbal medicine are unaware of their potential adverse effects, so they continue to use the products. The objective of this study examines the herbal medicines that people with G6PD deficient use for other treatments, But their unaware consumption causes symptoms of this disease, so they shouldn't consume them, or about herbal medicines that studies have shown were able to protect against hemolytic damage in human with G6PD-deficient.