Bio-Synthesis of Iron Oxide Nanoparticles Using Iraqi Propolis as a Reducing Agent for the Treatment of Iron Deficiency Anemia

The present study aimed to restore homeostasis of iron regulatory mechanism in the treatment of iron deficiency anemia by using a synthesized form of iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs), which are characterized by their small size, low toxicity, cost-effectiveness, and high efficacy. The study included two parts. First part involved the biosynthesis of IONPs using aqueous extract of Iraqi propolis as a reducing agent. The synthesized magnetite nanoparticles were characterized by color changes, UV–visible absorption spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques. Results of this part revealed that the best temperature was 80 °C, pH 3.8, and the volume ratio was 1:2 (propolis to iron precursors). The involvement of propolis phenolic groups in iron oxide nanoparticles synthesis was evident from the results of the FTIR analysis. The XRD results at 2θ revealed that the average particle size of magnetic nanoparticles formed from a mixture of FeCl3 and FeCl2 was found to be in the range of 31.71–46.20 nm, and SEM analysis of these nanoparticles showed crystalline structured particles. The second part of the study included two experiments: The first aimed to induce iron deficiency anemia (IDA) in a population of experimental rats, while the second experiment investigated the efficacy of propolis-coated IONPs (Pr-IONPs) in restoring iron homeostasis and iron regulatory mechanisms that were disrupted in IDA. Results of this study showed that magnetized iron oxide nanoparticles are essentially a new method characterized by a one-step synthesis, lower cost, and healthier profile, due to the synthesis of small sized particles. Furthermore, the use of propolis–IONPs improved the regulatory mechanisms for iron homeostasis in iron-deficient anemia. A single I/p dosage of 60 mg/kg of Pr-IONPs could be considered an appropriate treatment for iron deficiency anemia when compared with iron dextran, which requires several injections. From the results of the present study, it can be concluded that the bio–production of Magnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles were successfully achieved through an easy, non-toxic, low cost, and eco-friendly method.