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

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.