Pharmacobiological management of hemostasis within clinical backgrounds via Ankaferd hemostat (Ankaferd blood stopper)

Abstract

Ankaferd hemostat (Ankaferd blood stopper [ABS], Istanbul, Turkey) is a hemostatic agent affecting red blood cell-fibrinogen interactions. ABS has been traditionally used in Anatolia as a hemostatic agent for centuries. ABS contains a standardized combination of the plants namely Glycyrrhiza glabra, Thymus vulgaris, Alpinia officinarum, Vitis vinifera, and Urtica dioica. The hemostatic effect of ABS depends upon the quick promotion of a protein network, particularly fibrinogen gamma, in relation to the erythrocyte aggregation. The aim of this review is to indicate pharmacobiological basis and clinical backgrounds of ABS. Current perspective for using ABS is to provide hemostasis and accelerating wound healing particularly in cases which are difficult to manage. Future controlled trials are needed to elucidate the actions of ABS with in hemostasis, antithrombotic, anti-inflammatory, anti-infective, antifungal, and anti-oxidative effects.

Comparison of hemostatic efficacy of topical Ankaferd Blood Stopper on heparinized and nonheparinized rats in bleeding related to liver injury

“…In the ABS network, the physiological hemostatic process develops independently of the individual blood coagulation structure (without affecting it). Therefore, ABS is effective both in normal individuals and individuals with impaired primary or secondary hemostasis 24 .…”

Assessment of Ankaferd Blood Stopper in experimental liver ischemia reperfusion injury

“…ABS has also been shown to have efficient antiinfective, antineoplastic, and curative modulator properties. The current perspective for the use of ABS is to provide hemostasis and promote wound healing [22]. In addition to hemostatic effects, ABS also has antioxidant and antiinflammatory effects due to the integral components.…”

Evaluation of the effects of Ankaferd haemostat application on bone regeneration in rats with calvarial defects: histochemical, immunohistochemical and scintigraphic study

“…On the other hand, Ankaferd Blood Stopper (ABS), consisting of Thymus vulgaris (thyme), Glycyrrhiza glabra (liquorice), Vitis vinifera (grape vine), Alpinia officinarum (blue ginger), and Urtica dioica (nettle) plant extracts, has been used as an alternative hemostatic agent in folk medicine for many years [5,6,12]. Recently, it has been widely used in some clinical trials for various tissue injuries as a topical agent for control of minor or major hemorrhages that occur spontaneously, such as gastrointestinal bleeding, or during or following some surgical interventions, including adenoidectomy and tyroidectomy [5,7]. Thus, it is wellknown that it has a very rapid hemostatic effect in clinical practice, but few studies have assessed the influence of ABS hemostat on connective tissue and bone healing.…”