An open-label, randomized, parallel-group comparative study of the efficacy of sorghum bicolor extract in preoperative anemia.

•Sorghum bicolor extract supports erythropoiesis.•Sorghum bicolor is effective in treating iron-deficiency anemia.•Blood transfusion and surgery postponement can be avoided in an additional 15% of patients due to sorghum bicolor.•Sorghum bicolor could serve as an alternative to erythropoietin injections.•The use of sorghum bicolor extract may be justified in resource-poor countries.