İNCİ YILMAZ NAKİR, FUNDA YETKİN, NURHAN ŞAHİN
Turkish Journal of Internal Medicine - 2025;7(3):109-116
Background This study aimed to evaluate the in vivo antifungal effects of Ankaferd Blood Stopper (ABS) in a neutropenic rat model of systemic Candida albicans infection. Methods A total of 24 Wistar-Albino rats were divided into two groups: one receiving ABS and the other receiving normal saline (control group). Neutropenia was induced using cyclophosphamide, followed by intraperitoneal C. albicans inoculation. The ABS group received 1 mL of ABS via an orogastric tube, while the control group received 1 mL of saline. The rats were monitored for clinical changes, and histopathological evaluations were conducted on liver, lung, and kidney tissues. Results While no significant antifungal effect was observed in the lung (p=0.590) and kidney tissues (p=1.000), ABS-treated rats showed statistically significant lymphoid infiltration (p=0.014) and hepatocyte regeneration in liver tissue (p=0.001). This suggests that ABS may enhance immune response and promote tissue healing. Conclusion In this regard, our study is the first and only study to evaluate the in vivo antifungal efficacy of Ankaferd. The findings indicate that ABS may have immunomodulatory effects in systemic candidiasis, particularly in liver tissue. However, further studies are required to elucidate its pharmacokinetics and optimal dosing for antifungal efficacy.
