Oral high-dose ankaferd administration effects on gastrointestinal system

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Herbal Medicine
• Gastroenterology

Background:

• Ankaferd Blood Stopper (ABS) is a multi-plant herbal extract with potential for managing external hemorrhage and gastrointestinal bleeding.
• The systemic and gastrointestinal effects of oral ABS administration, particularly at high doses, require thorough investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the short- and long-term systemic safety and gastrointestinal effects of high-dose oral Ankaferd Blood Stopper (ABS) in a rat model.

Main Methods:

• Eighteen male rats were divided into four groups: three receiving high-dose ABS (2ml/Kg) for one week, one month, or three months, and a control group.
• Histopathological analysis of the gastrointestinal tract (esophagus to anus) and liver was performed upon study termination.

Main Results:

• No mortality or signs of intoxication were observed. While the stomach remained unaffected, prolonged ABS exposure (1 and 3 months) led to increased mucosal inflammation, goblet cell reduction, and intra-epithelial lymphocyte infiltration in other gastrointestinal sections.
• Liver examination revealed no inflammation or fibrosis, but did show vascular dilatation and erythrocyte accumulation in sinusoids.

Conclusions:

• Ankaferd Blood Stopper (ABS) appears safe for short-term use and may be suitable for hemorrhage from gastric lesions.
• Long-term oral administration warrants caution due to observed gastrointestinal inflammatory changes. Further studies are necessary to ascertain ABS's effectiveness in controlling gastrointestinal bleeding.