Table of Contents
Abstract
Background: The fresh juice of Triticum aestivum, or common wheat, made from wheat cotyledons is widely utilised for medicinal purposes. Chlorophyll, which has a structure similar to that of haemoglobin but lacks the central moiety, is abundant in wheat grass juice, along with amino acids, minerals (such as iron), vitamins (such as B12), and active enzymes. Blood and wheat grass juice both have the same pH, which is 7.4. As a result, wheat grass juice, sometimes known as “green blood,” is frequently used therapeutically to treat a variety of conditions, such as anaemia, thalassemia, and other issues.
Goal: To research how wheat grass juice affects blood haemoglobin levels in order to treat anaemia.
Methodology: After estimating the blood haemoglobin level biochemically using Sahli’s Method, anaemic women between the ages of 35 and 45 were chosen using purposive sampling. Thirty subjects (n=30) were chosen, divided into the test and control groups by 15 each. The test group received 30 ml of wheat grass juice each day for 30 days while adhering to the correct procedures and timings. After a month, the Sahli method was used to replicate the biochemical assessment of both groups’ haemoglobin levels.
Result: The majority of the individuals were first discovered to be moderately anaemic. After a month of intervention with wheat grass juice, the test group’s haemoglobin level increased on average by 3 g/dl whereas the control group showed no change. The juice eased constipation in a large number of subjects, which led to the conclusion that it also had laxative properties.
Organic wheat grass significantly affects blood haemoglobin levels and aids in the treatment of anaemia. None of the respondents reported any juice-related negative effects.
Introduction
The cotyledons of the common wheat plant Triticum aestivum are used to make wheat grass juice. Due to its healing abilities, it has been utilised therapeutically for many years all over the world. Wheat grass juice contains significant amounts of iron, active enzymes, vitamins, and chlorophyll [1]. With the exception of the central moieties, the structures of haemoglobin and the chlorophyll found in wheat grass are comparable. Additionally, the pH of wheat grass juice is 7.4, the same as blood. As a result, it enters the bloodstream swiftly and is frequently referred to as “green blood.” For the treatment of illnesses like anaemia, thalassemia, inflammatory bowel diseases, etc., this juice is widely utilised.
In accordance with the National Family Health Survey-3, 55% of women between the ages of 15 and 49 are anaemic. insufficient nutrition A lack of iron, proteins, vitamins including vitamin C and vitamin B12, coupled with folic acid, leads to anaemia, which is a decrease in the amount of haemoglobin in the blood. Red blood cell formation may be hampered by a deficiency in the aforementioned nutrients. An increased risk of morbidity and mortality is linked to anaemia, a widespread issue in public health. The prevalence of iron deficiency anaemia is among the highest in the world in India.
Many of the symptoms that anaemic persons feel are caused by the decreased amount of oxygen that is accessible to organs and tissues when haemoglobin levels are low. Anaemia has a negative impact on overall body strength, regular fatigue, and disease resistance. For pregnant women, anaemia can be a particularly dangerous issue that can result in early labour and low birth weight. Given that anaemia is linked to worse mental and physical development in children, it is a concern. The main technique for diagnosing anemia is hemoglobin testing.
Anaemia is categorised according to age, with older women having a slightly higher likelihood of being moderately or severely anaemic than younger women. Women between the ages of 35 and 49 have a rate of moderate-to-severe anaemia that is almost three times higher than females between the ages of 15 and 19.
Iron, folic acid, vitamin B12, and vitamin C-rich meals can all help alleviate anaemia. These nutrients can also be taken as supplements through medications or in other ways, such as wheat grass juice.
The term “wheat grass” refers to the young grass of the Triticum aestivum, or common wheat plant, which is freshly juiced or dried into powder form for use by both animals and people. Both forms contain active enzymes such as protease, amylase, lipase, cytochrome oxidase, transhydrogenase, and super oxide dismutase (SOD), as well as chlorophyll, amino acids, and vitamins. The components of digestion are enzymes. The WGJ has ingredients that are beneficial for dyspepsia. These are responsible for its pharmacological activities and aid in digestion, the development of a healthy body, and the prevention of premature ageing. Numerous minerals, including potassium, zinc, boron, alkaline earth metals, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, and iron are present in it. The “green blood” is a superior supply of chlorophyll and is aptly called that. Since ancient times, different chlorophyll-rich greens have been used from a variety of sources as blood builders. It has been believed that wheat grass can increase blood flow, help with digestion, and aid in overall body detoxification.
A natural food is wheat grass. Dr. Anne Wigmore, who found the nutritional benefits of wheatgrass juice in 1960, claims that the drink has assisted hundreds of thousands of individuals worldwide in overcoming life-threatening health issues.
The abundance of amino acids such arginine, serine, lysine, aspartic acid, glycine, alanine, methionine, leucine, tryptophane, phenylalanine, and valine in wheat grass is another noteworthy characteristic. Because of its high bioflavonoid concentration and subsequent antioxidant effect, wheat grass juice has a significant therapeutic benefit. Choline is one of the additional components that make this grass clinically beneficial. Consuming wheatgrass, which is extremely anti-bacterial, can aid to alkalize and detoxify the lymph and blood cells, assisting the body’s quick and efficient ability to repair and move toxins out of the body.
The wheat plant, when fully grown, harvested, stored, processed, and prepared, is very acidifying. But like with practically every grain, wheat grass is unquestionably quite alkaline after sprouting [9]. As a result, it is administered in juice form seven days after the cotyledons of the wheat plant have begun to sprout.
Chlorophyll as green blood [1] – By comparing the porphyrin heads of chlorophyll and haemoglobin, it is possible to show how the two molecules are similar. The tetra pyrrole ring structure of both molecules shows a startling likeness; the only variation between them is the type of the central metal atom, which is either magnesium (Mg) in chlorophyll or iron (Fe) in haemoglobin (Figure 1). Additionally, wheat grass juice has a PH of 7.4, which is close to that of blood and aids in its fast absorption into the blood. As a result, this fluid is frequently called “Green Blood.”
Consequently, wheat grass juice is medicinal and aids in blood formation.
The red blood count rises as a result.
Major blood builder for thalassemia.
Treatment adjuvant for hemolytic anemia.
Cancer patients receiving supportive care.
Inflammatory bowel disease treatment. It enhances metabolism and digestion.
Detoxifying agent that works. Antioxidants included in it help to renew ageing cells and restore damaged ones. It cleans the kidneys, liver, and urinary tract in addition to purifying the blood . Supplementing with wheat grass reduces oxidative stress.
Weakness and weariness are eliminated with wheat-grass juice. It provides instantaneous energy as soon as it enters the bloodstream.
It has been demonstrated to have a significant impact on the management of a variety of skin conditions, including burns, insect bites, wounds, psoriasis, and several types of cancer.
Anti-allergic and anti-asthmatic medication.
It strengthens the nervous system and immune system.
The capillaries are strengthened, and high blood pressure is decreased. It alleviates blood conditions.
Wheat-grass juice stops hair from going grey and gets rid of dandruff.
Wheat-grass juice can be gargled with to ease sore throat.
It is a fantastic cleaner for the skin. It addresses issues with acne and zits. The acne scars are removed.
Active distal ulcerative colitis is treated with wheatgrass juice.
Balancing the body’s fat. It is a suppressor of appetite.
Because it controls blood sugar levels, wheat-grass juice is appropriate for diabetics.
Wheat grass has an enzyme called P4D1 that can repair damaged DNA, according to a University of California study.
The most prevalent blood condition is anaemia. Anemia comes in a number of forms and has several underlying causes. Many people have it undetected, and symptoms can be slight or hazy. The anaemia itself or the underlying cause may be linked to the signs and symptoms.
Anemia can be broken down into various forms and categories. This is a condition when the body doesn’t produce enough red blood cells to meet the demands of the body for oxygen. Recognizing the symptoms and preventing anaemia in the first place can be made easier by being aware of the different classifications.
The frequency of anemia
Both developing and wealthy nations are affected by the worldwide public health issue of anaemia, which has serious negative effects on people’s health as well as social and economic development. It happens at every stage of life, but it tends to affect women and small children more frequently.
According to the National Family Health Survey-3, about a quarter of males (24%) and more than half (55%) of women have anaemia. Women experience mild anaemia in 39% of cases, moderate anaemia in 15%, and severe anaemia in 2% of cases. Anemia affects 1 percent of severely anaemic males, 10% of moderately anaemic men, and 13% of mildly anaemic men. Every group of women analysed has an anaemia level greater than 50%, with the exception of Sikhs, Jains, women with 10 or more years of education, and women in the top quintile of wealth. Women who are pregnant have a slightly higher chance of becoming anaemic (59%) than women who are not pregnant (55%).
Anemia types
Anemia due to a lack of iron in the blood is known as iron deficiency anaemia. For Indians, the recommended daily allowances for iron for a normal adult male are 17 mg/dl and for a normal adult female are 21 mg/dl, though these amounts can fluctuate during pregnancy and breastfeeding [16]. RBC size decreases from normal size is known as microcytic anaemia. Teenagers and women in the premenopausal stage of life are more likely to have this type of anaemia. This condition can be exacerbated by excessive blood donation, internal bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract, and significant menstrual bleeding. Poor eating habits or persistent digestive illnesses may also be the cause. Iron supplements taken orally and dietary changes are typically used as treatment methods.
Anemia caused by folic acid shortage is characterised by a lack of folic acid, a vitamin from the B group, in the blood. The RBC enlarges in macrocytic anaemia. This is typically brought on by a deficiency in folic acid, which is typically found in vegetables, or by overcooking the veggies. Alcoholism may also have a role in this type of anaemia. This condition may also become apparent in infancy or during pregnancy, when folic acid is taken more frequently. It may also result from other blood problems as a secondary effect. By eating folic acid-rich foods, this disorder can be prevented. These foods include red beans, asparagus, and cow liver.
Pernicious anaemia: Caused by a deficiency in vitamin B12, pernicious anaemia typically affects persons between the ages of 50 and 60. The disorder may be inherited, however some variations of it may be autoimmune diseases. Pernicious anaemia is more likely to affect people with any autoimmune illnesses. Additionally, it has macrocytic anemia.
Aplastic anemia is brought on by a lack of or a decline in red blood cells. This can occur when the bone marrow tissue responsible for producing blood is damaged. The patient is therefore unable to fight infection and is likely to bleed profusely. Aplastic anaemia is suspected to be brought on by exposure to specific chemicals as well as the hepatitis virus, while its exact aetiology is unknown.
Sickle cell anemia is a hereditary kind of anaemia that is brought on by defective red blood cells. There is no treatment for the fatal condition sickle cell anaemia. Leg ulcers, shock, brain haemorrhage, and orthopaedic issues are all complications.
Assessment of anemia
According to the blood’s level of haemoglobin, the WHO grades anaemia:
Grade 1 (Mild Anemia): < 10 g/dl
Grade 2 (Moderate Anemia): 7-10 g/dl
Grade 3 (Severe Anemia): < 7 g/dl
Grade 4 (Very Severe Anemia): <4g/dl
The major blood test for anaemia is the haemoglobin level. One of the most frequent blood tests is the determination of haemoglobin concentration, usually in conjunction with a complete blood count.
The units of results are g/L, g/dL, or mol/L. Typical ranges are:
Men: 13.8 to 18.0 g/dL (138 to 182 g/L, or 8.56 to 11.3 mmol/L)
Women: 12.1 to 15.1 g/dL (121 to 151 g/L, or 7.51 to 9.37 mmol/L)
Children: 11 to 16 g/dL (111 to 160 g/L, or 6.83 to 9.93 mmol/L)
Pregnant women: 11 to 12 g/dL (110 to 120 g/L, or 6.83 to 7.45 mmol/L) women.
Anemia is the term used when the concentration is below normal.
Objectives
The following goals guided the undertaking of the current study:
Analyzing the nutritional condition of women (35–45 years old) to determine whether anaemia is common.
30 ml of wheat grass juice per day for 30 days was used in therapeutic studies to prevent and treat anemia.
evaluating the effect of a wheat grass juice intervention on the levels of haemoglobin in the blood.
Subject selection
30 volunteers were chosen using the purposive sample approach (15 for the control group and 15 for the test group) [19]. Women between the ages of 35 and 45 served as the subjects since anaemia is more common in this age group (as it is their reproductive age and premenopausal age).
Anemia can be diagnosed biochemically.
The Sahli method for estimating or determining blood hemoglobin levels (both pre and post-supplementation of juice). It functions according to the following principle: Hydrochloric acid changes hemoglobin into acid hemotin. In a comparator, the brown-colored compound is compared to a brown glass standard.
The selection of the participants was based on the fact that anaemic patients did not use any medicine or other supplements to treat their anemia.
Gathering of data
With the aid of a questionnaire, general data such as age, marital status, educational background, and occupation were gathered. Specific data such as menarche ages, menstruation histories, and dietary habits were also gathered.
Complete nutritional status of the subjects was assessed, including dietary assessment, anthropometry, biochemical, and clinical assessment. Questionnaires were also filled out to learn more about the subjects’ eating patterns, number of meals, dietary habits, likes, and dislikes, as well as their three-day diet recall.
Utilizing wheat grass juice as a treatment
30 individuals, all women between the ages of 35 and 45, participated in the wheat grass juice intervention for one month.
15 of these 30 participants—the experimental or test group—were given 30 ml of wheat grass juice each day in the early morning for 30 days. It was specifically ensured that the individuals were not taking any additional medications or dietary supplements for the treatment and control of anaemia.
The remaining 15 participants were in the control group and did not get any supplements.
The wheat grass or cotyledons were harvested and ground to make the juice after growing for 7 days. Juice is served in 30 ml portions.
Extrapolation
One portion of wheat grass juice, which is around 30 ml and made from the cotyledons of wheat, can be consumed every day. It is often taken early in the morning on an empty stomach. As a result, it was administered to subjects after necessary precautions and procedures.
The biochemical assessment of blood haemoglobin level was carried out once more after a month of intervention. Statistical techniques were used to calculate the results.
Result
The test group’s subjects’ mean haemoglobin level was 8.7 g/dl before the intervention, but after it, it was discovered to have grown to roughly 11.4 g/dl. The blood’s haemoglobin level rose by roughly 3 g/dl. This demonstrates the beneficial effects of using wheat grass juice as a treatment for anaemia.
Furthermore, both before and after the intervention, the mean haemoglobin levels in the control group were discovered to be 8.6 g/dl. This demonstrates that there was no change in the haemoglobin level of the subjects in the control group because they did not receive any juice during the intervention period.
After consuming wheat grass juice, 53% of test group participants reported feeling less constipated. The remaining 47% weren’t experiencing constipation.
The 13 test volunteers reported no negative effects from the wheat grass drink. One subject only reported having a headache and one only reported having a stomachache at the beginning of the intervention. Because wheat grass is known to have a purifying impact on the body, that is the cause of the headache. The cleansing process can remove stimulants from our bodies that our bodies have grown accustomed to, such sugar or coffee. It frequently results in a headache since the brain gets accustomed to receiving these types of pick-me-ups and abruptly stops receiving them. Additionally, the juice’s ability to relieve constipation was the cause of the stomach soreness.
Conclusion
One easy treatment for anaemia is to use wheat grass juice to raise the haemoglobin content in the blood. Studies with individuals have proven that wheat grass juice has positive effects.
The results showed that the majority of the participants between the ages of 35 and 45 had mild anaemia. The flavour of the wheat grass juice was not a complaint from any test subject. A few patients initially reported experiencing headaches and stomachaches, but after some time as their bodies adapted to the juice, these complaints abruptly vanished. After drinking wheat grass juice, many respondents reported feeling alleviated from constipation, showing that wheat grass juice has the ability to do so.
All of the test group participants observed an increase in their blood’s haemoglobin level, according to the study on the effect of intervention with wheat grass juice. The haemoglobin level rose by approximately 3 g/dl. This was demonstrated using biochemical estimates at the start and end of the intervention. The individuals’ initial mean haemoglobin level was approximately 8.7 g/dl, which indicates that they were moderately anaemic; however, following intervention, the mean was discovered to be 11.4 g/dl.
This demonstrates that drinking wheat grass juice had a beneficial effect on blood haemoglobin levels, since the subjects’ haemoglobin levels increased after consuming the juice for 30 days. Therefore, wheat grass juice has shown to be effective in treating any type of nutritional anemia.
