Anbarnesa: The Past Tradition, the Future Medicine

Abstract

Context:In the Iranian traditional medicine, anbarnesa smoke derived from burning female donkey’s dung has long been used for treatment of inflammatory ulcers and infections of the middle and external ear with no significant side effects. The aim of this study was to introduce anbarnesa and discuss its therapeutic effects.Evidence Acquisition:We conducted a systematic search in PubMed, Medline, Google, and Google Scholar databases to find studies on anbarnesa. The keywords searched were as follows: “anbarnesa,” “traditional medicine,” “medicinal smoke,” “donkey,” “dung,” “antimicrobial,” “inflammation,” “infection,” and “cytotoxicity.Results:Literature review reveals that ANNAS (anbarnesa smoke) enhances wound healing, decreases scar formation, inhibits growth of cancer cells (Hela and KB) and has antimicrobial properties. Also, ANNAS combined with propylene glycol is nontoxic in 1/64, 1/128, and 1/256 dilutions.Conclusions:The constituents of anbarnesa smoke mainly possess antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and growth inhibition effects on cancer cells.

GC-MS Analysis and Antimicrobial Activity of an Iranian Traditional Medicinal Smoke (Anbarnasara)

“…Candida albicans is one of the common causes of fungal vaginal infections [13]. Avicenna has recommended Anbarnasara smoke to treat vaginal infections [11]. In this study, our results showed the antifungal activity of ASS at low concentrations on C. albicans, corroborating Avicenna's recommendation on using Anbarnasara for vaginal infections.…”

“…In rural areas of Iran, Anbarnasara smoke is commonly used to treat infections. The healing effects of this traditional medicinal smoke have been reported in infected burn wounds, localized skin abscesses, sinusitis, and vaginal infections [11].…”

“…In over 50 countries, medicinal smokes are used to treat respiratory problems and wound infections [10[. In rural areas of Iran, people use Anbarnasara smoke to treat sinusitis and infected burn wounds [11]. The most common bacteria involved in sinus and wound infections are Staphylococcus spp., E. coli, Enterococcus spp., Acinetobacter spp., P. aeruginosa, E. aerogenes, Micrococcus spp., Bacillus spp., P. mirabilis, and K. pneumonia [14,20].…”

“…In Iran, among traditional smokes, using the smoke from burning the Espand (Peganum harmala) and female donkey dung (Anbarnasara) is very common. Anbarnasara smoke is used to treat infectious wounds, especially burn wounds, localized skin abscesses, sinusitis, and vaginal infections [10,11]. Anbarnasara smoke is known as a strong antibacterial and antiallergic compound among people in rural areas.…”

Pediatric Liver Diseases and its Management by Herbals: A Traditional Siddha Medicine Treatise

“…Donkey's dung (Anbarnesa) has an important role as a drug in Iranian Traditional Medicine. [21] Iron supplements when appropriate can prevent chronic liver diseases. [22] Siddha medicine also favors using iron in chendooram (sulfide form preferably in nanozie).…”