Study on the Hemostatic Effect of Semen Vaccariae Before and After Charcoal Preparation

Abstract

<i>Aims</i>: This study is aimed to verify the records in ancient Chinese classics that semen vaccariae was mainly used for traumatic hemorrhage caused by metal sharp weapons but need to be burned into ash first. Methods: The bleeding time and clotting time of tail-amputated bleeding experiment and capillary coagulation experiment of mice were measured to evaluate the hemostatic effect of semen vaccariae before and after charcoal preparation. <i>Results</i>: While semen vaccariae was used topically to mice, the bleeding time of charcoal group was significantly shortened (P < 0.05), but there was no significant difference in raw group. While semen vaccariae was used orally to mice, the bleeding time and clotting time in the low and high dose groups of raw groups decreased significantly (P < 0.05 or 0.01). In addition, the bleeding time in the high dose of raw group also decreased significantly (P < 0.05). However, animal death and animal weight loss were found in the raw group during the experiment. The clotting time was also decreased significantly in low, middle and high dose charcoal groups (P < 0.05 or 0.01). <i>Conclusions</i>: Semen vaccariae used topically after charcoal preparation has hemostatic effect, while semen vaccariae used orally both before and after charcoal preparation shows hemostatic effect, but raw semen vaccariae used orally has potential risk. This study to some extent verifies the records in ancient Chinese classics.