The recent communication(1) and the article(2) about beneficial effects of wheat grass juice (WGJ) in thalassemia patients were interesting. The possible explanation for beneficial effect of wheat grass juice (WGJ) in thalassemia could be as follows:

Taking a look at heme synthesis, it takes place partially in mitochondria and partially in cytosol. The 1st step in hemesynthesis–condensation of succinyl CoA and glycine to form D aminolevulinic acidis the rate-limiting step. Hence, synthesis of heme can occur at a limited rate. Iron gets incorporated in protoporphyrin in the final step only(3).

Comparing chemical structure of chlorophyll and heme(4), we find that they have strikingly similar structure each having 4 pyrrole rings, with some differences in side attachments, and at centre, there is iron in heme and magnesium in chlorophyll. Considering kinetics of iron absorption, it is known that heme iron is absorbed much better than any other form(5), and hence perhaps chlorophyll also. Considering all these facts together, it is possible that when we give wheat grass juice to patients of thalassemia.

Chlorophyll (being structurally similar to heme), gets absorbed rapidly and to a large extent. At cellular level (in bone marrow), the cells get almost a "readymade" molecule, which after few changes, can be converted to heme. Thus heme production occurs faster.

Since heme production occurs faster, globin chains combine with it and form less of in soluble inclusion bodies, hence less destruction of RBCs. Thus the RBC life span is prolonged. Perhaps studies with radio-isotope labeled WGJ can help us understand absorption, transport and fate of ingested chlorophyll.

S. Neeta Pole,
12, Sudha Vihar, Rampur,
Jabalpur, MP 482 008,
India.