Effect of Manna from Cotoneaster discolor on infant Jaundice (effect on blood bilirubin level)

Abstract

Background: Jaundice is observed during the first week of life in approximately 60% of term infant and 80% of preterm infant. The risk of hyperbilirubinemia is related to the development of kernicterus (bilirubin encephalopathy), hearing loss, spasticity, and convulsion at high serum bilirubin levels. For treatment of neonatal jaundice is recommended that phototherapy and if unsuccessful, exchange transfusion is used to keep the maximum total serum bilirubin below levels at which risk of injury to the CNS occurrs. In Iranian traditional medicine, the manna from Cotoneaster spp. (Shir-e-Khesht) are being commonly used in the treatment of neonatal jaundice. It is also the purpose of this study to design the formulation of drop with exact dose. Method: Shir-e-Khesht with browse of Cotoneaster discolor pojark were prepared from south of Khorassan (a province in east of Iran). Drop was prepared from total extract of this manna and, then the quantitative and qualitative controls and microbial tests were accomplished on it and were administrated to jaundice newborn. 100 babies (case group) received Shir-e-Khesht drop and phototherapy, and the 100 others (control group) were also given placebo drop with phototherapy. (Dosage: 5 droplets, TID) Results: On case group the time required to reduce the serum bilirubin level to 10 mg/dl was significantly shorter than control group (p < 0.00001). Conclusion: The drop in addition to phototherapy was recommended in treatment of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia.

Keywords

• shir-e-khesht
• hyperbilirubinemia
• jaundice
• cotoneaster spp
• iranian traditional medicine