Determination of the Effects of Ankaferd Wound Dressing on the Wound Healing Process in Rats

Objectives: The effects of a composite nanofiber wound dressing material consisting of a polyvinylidene alcohol and polyvinylidene pyrrolidone polymer mixture with a hemostatic agent doped with Ankaferd Blood Stopper (ABS) on the healing of experimentally induced dermal wounds in rats were examined. Materials and Methods: Rats were divided into 4 groups (n= 6). Histological material was examined on tissues taken from the wound site, whereas total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), and oxidative stress index (OSI) analyses were performed on blood samples taken from the cardia. The material that was produced had hydrophilic properties, and both the ABS-doped and-undoped forms of the material positively affected wound healing. Results: In the histopathological examinations, macroscopic evaluations revealed a statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of wound diameter, reepithelialization, and inflammation formation ( p = 0.019). In parallel with wound healing and histological outcomes, TAS values increased in the ABS-doped groups, and TOS and OSI values decreased in the wound dressing groups ( p < 0.05). Conclusion: It was concluded that the ABS-dopped dressing did not have a negative effect on wound healing, it accelerated healing, and it could be used effectively and safely to treat skin injuries. However, further studies are needed to evaluate the clinical and histopathological benefits and potential adverse effects of wound dressings produced using ABS-doped polymers on wound healing.