Beyond hemostasis: a narrative review on the multifaceted therapeutic potential of Ankaferd Blood Stopper

Effective hemorrhage control is essential in managing trauma and surgical patients, with uncontrolled bleeding being a leading cause of mortality. Ankaferd Blood Stopper (ABS), a hemostatic agent historically used in Anatolia, has gained recognition for its ability to modulate red blood cell-fibrinogen interactions to form a stable protein network for rapid bleeding cessation.

This review explores the multifaceted applications of ABS, evaluating its efficacy, safety, and potential therapeutic roles across various medical fields, including hemostasis, wound healing, antimicrobial activity, and antineoplastic effects.

A comprehensive synthesis of clinical trials, case reports, and experimental studies was conducted to assess the performance and implications of ABS. This narrative review highlights its application in trauma, surgery, dental procedures, and other clinical contexts, and compares its efficacy with that of established hemostatic agents.

ABS demonstrates significant efficacy in achieving hemostasis in diverse clinical settings, particularly in patients with coagulopathies. Its wound healing and antimicrobial properties enhance its therapeutic versatility. Neurotoxic effects of ABS are also reported, with recent studies providing mixed evidence on nerve safety in animal models. Emerging evidence suggests potential antineoplastic effects, with studies reporting apoptosis induction in cancer cells and protective effects in experimental models.

ABS is a promising hemostatic agent with applications in bleeding control, wound healing, and infection management. While it has shown efficacy in various clinical settings, its safety profile remains a subject of debate, with some studies confirming its biocompatibility and others reporting potential neurotoxic effects. Further large-scale human studies are needed to clarify its long-term safety and establish standardized clinical guidelines for its use.