The Effect of Manna on Blood Bilirubin Level in Neonates with Hyperbilirubinemia and Identification of Its Constitutes

Background: Hyperbilirubinemia is the most common problems in 60% of term infants and 80% of preterm infants. In the case of severe indirect hyperbilirubinemia, it can cause neurotoxic disorders, however, the direct hyperbilirubinemia is considered as severe or systemic problems of liver. Phototherapy and in more severe condition the exchange transfusion are the main treatments that can be used to treat infant jaundice. In traditional medicine manna is also used orally to treat jaundice in infants. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of manna on blood bilirubin levels in neonates with hyperbilirubinemia.

Materials and Methods: In this clinical-trial study, a total of 124 neonates with non-hemolytic indirect hyperbilirubinemia, were randomly assigned into four groups (three experimental groups and one control group). The experimental groups were: (A) both mother and neonate respectively recipient 30 cc and 1 cc/kg of the 25% manna solution and phototherapy, (B) only mother recipient of the manna and phototherapy and (C) only neonate recipient of the manna and phototherapy. Control group receiving phototherapy with distilled water. Bilirubin levels were measured at the baseline of experiment and then daily during the experimental period.

Results: The results showed that the amount of bilirubin and days of hospitalization had no significant difference among different groups (p˃ 0.05) and the administered manna solution at these doses had no effect on neonatal bilirubin.

Conclusion: According to the results of the project, the prescribed doses of manna solution had no effect on neonatal bilirubin. Therefore, it must be used cautiously in infants.