Hydrophilic Phytochelators in Iron Overload Condition

Abstract

Background: Iron overload can cause many complications and damage many organs as well as physiologic functions. Consumption of phetochemicals and flavonoids with iron chelating ability, instead of synthetic iron chelators, can be less harmful and more effective. The aim of this review is to investigate hydrophilic phytochelators in iron overload condition. Methods: In this review, the possible natural iron chelators including quercetin, rutin, bailcalin, silymarin, resveratrol, mimosine, tropolone, curcumine, catechin, kojic acid, and caffeic acid were investigated. Furthermore, the mechanisms through which they chelate iron were discussed. Results: The mentioned antioxidants eliminated excessive iron, decreased iron absorption, exerted antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity without causing adverse effects and other metal deficiencies in iron overload condition. Conclusion: The combination of synthetic chelators with these antioxidants or their replacement with natural chelators could be possible treatments for iron overload.