haemin

Haemin is a dark red to brownish-black crystalline compound that is the chloride of hematin, a porphyrin derivative containing iron in the ferric state. It is closely related to heme, the iron-containing component of hemoglobin in red blood cells, which is responsible for oxygen transport in the bloodstream. Historically, haemin has been used in medicine as a treatment for various types of anemia, particularly those associated with iron deficiency or impaired heme synthesis.

The compound can be derived from hemoglobin through a process of oxidation and crystallization. In laboratory settings, haemin serves as an important reagent for biochemical research and diagnostic purposes. It has been utilized in studies related to blood disorders, enzyme inhibition, and as a component in certain culture media for microbiological applications.

While its therapeutic use has diminished with the development of more targeted treatments, haemin remains a valuable compound in scientific research. Its unique chemical properties make it useful for studying porphyrin metabolism and iron-related biological processes. The compound continues to be of interest in both medical and biochemical fields for its fundamental role in understanding heme-related functions and disorders.