THALASSEMIA TREATMENT WITH AZADIRACHTA INDICA (NEEM): A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW USING AN IN SILICO METHOD

Abstract

Thalassemia, a pervasive genetic blood disorder, stems from impaired hemoglobin synthesis, leading to chronic anemia and substantial global health burdens, particularly in regions like Pakistan. Existing treatments, such as transfusions of blood and chelation care, are life-saving but come with significant costs and adverse effects like iron overload, alloimmunization, and Thalassemia-Induced Bone Disease (TIBD). Advanced therapies like gene therapy and hematopoietic transplanting stem cells remain largely inaccessible due to high costs and infrastructure demands, especially in developing nations. This review emphasizes the critical need for novel, affordable, and accessible therapeutic options, particularly from natural sources. Azadirachta indica (Neem), a plant with a rich history in traditional medicine, exhibits documented anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory properties, suggesting its relevance in mitigating thalassemia-related complications, including TIBD. This article explores the application of in silico drug discovery methodologies—including target prediction, ADMET profiling, molecular docking, and network pharmacology—to systematically identify and evaluate potential therapeutic compounds derived from Neem. The proposed in silico pipeline aims to bridge the current research gap by rigorously investigating Neem's phytochemicals against thalassemia-related protein targets, offering a promising avenue for developing affordable and effective treatments that address both primary hematological issues and secondary morbidities like TIBD.