Anemia, characterized by decreased hemoglobin levels and impaired oxygen-carrying capacity, remains a major global public health concern. Conventional therapies, such as blood transfusions and oral iron supplementation, are often associated with adverse effects and limited absorption, highlighting the need for safer and more effective alternatives. Natural products rich in polyphenols and essential minerals have attracted increasing attention due to their multifunctional therapeutic potential. In this context, the present study is the first to investigate the anti-anemic potential of Pinus pinaster Aiton and Pinus halepensis Mill. bark extracts through an integrated phytochemical, nutritional, in vivo, in vitro, and in silico approach. Phytochemical profiling by HPLC-MS/MS revealed several major phenolic compounds, including quercetin, catechin, protocatechuic acid, and taxifolin-3-O-glucoside. The extracts exhibited high total polyphenol and flavonoid contents and strong antioxidant activity, as demonstrated by DPPH, ABTS, PR, and TAC assays. Mineral analysis revealed significant levels of essential elements, including iron, magnesium, potassium, sodium, and zinc. In phenylhydrazine-induced anemic Wistar rats, 21-day treatment with the extracts significantly restored hematological parameters (RBC, Hb, and HCT), serum iron and ferritin levels, and improved renal and hepatic biomarkers compared with untreated anemic controls. In vitro assays further demonstrated anti-hemolytic activity and enhanced erythrocyte membrane stability. Molecular docking analysis supported these findings by revealing favorable interactions between the major phenolic compounds and key targets involved in erythropoiesis, iron metabolism, and oxidative stress, including the erythropoietin receptor, superoxide dismutase, and ferrochelatase. Collectively, these findings highlight the potent anti-anemic and protective effects of Pinus bark extracts and suggest their potential as promising natural therapeutic agents.

This study investigated the polyphenolic composition, antioxidant capacity, and antianemic effects of aqueous leaf (JPEL) and berry (JPEB) extracts of Juniperus phoenicea ssp. turbinata L. (J. phoenicea ssp. turbinata). The plant is traditionally used to treat various ailments. HPLC-DAD analysis identified quercetin as the major compound (JPEB 49.09%; JPEL 31.34%), followed by p-coumaric acid (27.07% in JPEB), catechin (14.69% in JPEL), and gallic acid (JPEB 13.69%; JPEL 12.08%). Antioxidant activity was assessed using DPPH and reducing power assays, with the most active extract showing IC50 = 23.95 ± 0.64 µg/mL and EC50 = 300 ± 1.41 µg/mL. In vivo, 25 rats were assigned to 5 groups: negative control, PHZ-induced anemic control (40 mg/kg), JPEL-treated, JPEB-treated (300 mg/kg/day for 21 days), and a positive control (ascorbic acid, 10 mg/kg/day). Both extracts significantly ameliorated PHZ-induced hematological disturbances, restoring values toward normal. Molecular docking revealed favorable binding affinities of key phytochemicals with deoxy-hemoglobin and the TRPV4 ankyrin domains, suggesting potential interactions at these targets. However, these in silico findings are predictive and do not confirm functional protection or protein stabilization. The experimental results demonstrated antioxidant activity and improvement of hematological parameters in the animal model. These findings suggest that J. phoenicea ssp. turbinata extracts may warrant further investigation as natural sources of bioactive compounds. Nevertheless, additional pharmacological, toxicological, and clinical studies are required to validate these effects and assess their relevance for therapeutic applications.

Cardiovascular disease represents the leading cause of mortality among patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). CKD-associated cardiomyopathy is characterized by pathological left ventricular hypertrophy and myocardial fibrosis. Pegmolesatide, a novel pegylated continuous erythropoietin receptor activator, has demonstrated efficacy in treating renal anemia. However, the biological effects of Pegmolesatide beyond erythropoiesis remain poorly characterized.

Bovine hemoplasmas, including Mycoplasma wenyonii (M. wenyonii) and Candidatus Mycoplasma haemobos (C. M. haemobos), are vector-borne pathogens that can cause significant clinical diseases in cattle. This case report from Türkiye describes the clinical findings, hematological analysis, and serum biochemistry results of a cow presenting with hemoglobinuria caused by C. M. haemobos. Blood samples from the infected animal were analyzed using hematological, biochemical, microscopic, and molecular methods. Multiplex polymerase chain reaction assay confirmed the infection, and microscopic analysis revealed a parasitemia rate of 6.99%. Clinical signs included hemoglobinuria, icterus, and anemia. The treatment included fluid therapy, antibiotic (oxytetracycline), and antianemic drugs. The cattle died 1 month post-treatment, reportedly due to a lower respiratory tract infection. This case report describes the diagnostic methods, clinical findings, and laboratory results. A widescale molecular survey of C. M. haemobos in cattle is warranted, with investigation of its pathogenicity and pathogenies.

Anemia is a public health issue affecting people of all ages worldwide. 43% of children under five in Egypt are suffering from anemia. Hemolytic anemia (HA), characterized by the premature destruction of red blood cells, is often associated with oxidative stress. Phenylhydrazine (PHZ) is a chemical substance frequently used to induce HA in experimental animal models. Studies indicate that niacin (nicotinic acid) activates antioxidant pathways through nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2). This study aimed to evaluate the antianemic effects of niacin in PHZ-induced hemolytic anemia in rats. Twenty-four rats were divided into four groups (n=6). The control group received saline for two days, then 5% CMC. The anemia group received PHZ (40 mg/kg/day, i.p.) for two days, followed by 5% CMC. The low- and high-dose niacin groups received PHZ for two days, then niacin (100 or 360 mg/kg/day, orally) for six days. Niacin-treated groups showed hematological parameters close to normal levels, affected the expression of Nrf2/ARE genes, preserved histological architecture, and reduced caspase-3 protein expression. Niacin protected rats from hemolytic anemia by restoring blood parameters and promoting red blood cell survival. It may serve as a potential treatment by reducing oxidative stress, ferroptosis, and inflammation, while supporting erythropoiesis.

Anemia is a global health problem with diverse etiologies and significant impacts on morbidity and mortality. Despite the widespread use of antianemic drugs, therapeutic outcomes vary considerably between male and female. Biological sex and gender roles influence anemia risk, symptom presentation, drug metabolism, tolerability, and response, yet these dimensions are often underexplored in clinical practice and research. This review was undertaken to synthesize current knowledge on sex- and gender-specific differences in anemia and antianemic therapy. The rationale lies in the growing recognition that precision medicine requires integration of sex and gender into pharmacological and clinical frameworks, moving beyond uniform treatment strategies. The review demonstrates that sex hormones, baseline physiology, and gendered behaviors collectively shape anemia risk and therapeutic trajectories. Females often present earlier with symptoms, experience higher rates of adverse drug reactions (ADR), and respond differently to iron and erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA) therapy, while males show delayed symptom recognition, require higher ESA doses, and underreport side effects. Drug metabolism stages-absorption, distribution, and elimination-also diverge via sex, influencing exposure and efficacy. This review provides a comprehensive synthesis of sex- and gender-specific differences in anemia and antianemic therapy. The rationale for this work is to inform clinicians, researchers, and policymakers that integrating sex and gender into diagnostic thresholds, dosing strategies, monitoring protocols, and patient counseling is essential to optimize outcomes, reduce adverse events, and advance equity in anemia management.

A hydroxylamine-O-sulfonic acid (HOSA)-enabled, switchable C-H functionalization/annulation of acetophenones with α,β-unsaturated ketones is disclosed, providing a tunable one-pot route to either quinoline or isoquinoline derivatives. The identity of the HOSA-derived transient directing group, coupled with solvent and temperature control, dictates the divergent reaction pathway with high selectivity. This strategy features a broad substrate scope and excellent functional group tolerance. Its utility is demonstrated by a significantly streamlined three-step synthesis (formerly nine) of the antianemic drug roxadustat. This work establishes HOSA as a powerful catalytic transient directing group for selective C-H annulation, offering a new paradigm for heterocycle synthesis.

Seaweed is increasingly recognized as a multifunctional ingredient in confectionery products, owing to its exceptional nutritional profile, functional properties, and environmental sustainability. This review highlights the integration of seaweed and seaweed-derived compounds into a wide range of confectioneries, including chocolates, puddings, snack bars, gummies, drinking jellies, and jelly candies. Green, brown, and red seaweed varieties are rich in antioxidants, dietary fiber, essential minerals, and bioactive compounds, such as sulfated polysaccharides, polyphenols, pigments, and phytosterols. These compounds exhibit a range of biological activities, including antioxidant, anti-obesity, anti-anemic, and photoprotective effects. Moreover, functional hydrocolloids such as agar, alginate, and carrageenan, derived from seaweed, could substitute animal-based gelling agents and improve the texture, stability, and shelf life of plant-based confectionery products. While the inclusion of seaweed enhances the nutritional quality of confectionery products by increasing protein, fiber, and mineral content, challenges persist regarding sensory attributes, formulation optimization, and regulatory approval. Future perspectives should prioritize the application of innovative processing technologies, increased consumer education, clinical trials, and in vivo experiments to substantiate the health benefits of final products, and the exploration of underutilized seaweed species to meet the growing demand for clean-label, sustainable, circular economy-aligned, and plant-based confectionery.

Anemia remains a widespread public health concern, and the search for interventions demonstrating potent anti-anemic activity is critical for reducing its impact among high-risk populations. Conventional iron therapies are associated with several complications and potential adverse effects. This study explored a polyherbal approach to develop a safer and more effective alternative treatment for anemia. A molecular docking study was initially performed to screen and evaluate alizarin, catechin, kaempferol, recesmol, rubiadin, and rutin, which are known for their antioxidant and hematinic potential. Using AutoDock Vina, these compounds were docked against the target protein (PDB ID: 6MOE) with EPE and ferrous ions as controls. Rutin demonstrated the highest binding affinity of -6.4 kcal/moL, whereas alizarin and rubiadin both followed closely with -6.3 kcal/moL, while kaempferol and ellagic acid exhibited a binding affinity of -6.2 kcal/moL. In comparison, the reference compounds tested ferrous ions, and native ligand EPE (-5.0 kcal/moL) and iron (-4.8 kcal/moL), showed mild affinities. Moreover, the tested compounds demonstrated stable binding, suggesting their potential relevance in modulating anemia-related pathways. Based on the docking results and traditional therapeutic values, a polyherbal formulation (PHF) was developed using methanolic extracts of Trigonella foenum-graecum, Emblica officinalis, Pterocarpus marsupium, Withania somnifera, Asparagus racemosus, Zingiber officinale, Rubia cordifolia, Boerhavia diffusa, and Adhatoda vasica. Phytochemical screening via HPTLC analysis was used to quantify the presence of gallic and ellagic acids. In addition, PHF showed significant antioxidant potential (DPPH IC50: 14.29 µg/mL; FRAP IC50: 58.57 µg/mL) and iron content (98.47 ppm) values. Furthermore, in vivo evaluation using a phenylhydrazine-induced hemolytic anemia model in Sprague Dawley rats revealed that the PHF achieved complete restoration of RBCs (6.15 ± 0.04), hemoglobin (14.82 ± 0.03 g/dL), and hematocrit (43.08 ± 0.28%) in anemic rats and improved histopathological features in the liver, spleen, and bone marrow. These results demonstrate that combined molecular and pharmacological evidence support the efficacy of PHF as a promising candidate for the management of anemia by enhancing erythropoiesis, improving iron metabolism, and reducing oxidative stress.