Translational Biomedicine

Commentary

Hemorrhoids and anal fissures can cause severe discomfort, pain, and itching to the anal region of the body. Hemorrhoids are cushions of submucosal tissue containing venules, arterioles, and smooth muscle fibres that are located in the anal canal. While hemorrhoids are very common and often cause bleeding, pain, itching, and swelling, they can usually be treated with simple home remedies. Anal fissure is a tear in the anoderm distal to the dentate line. While many cases can be resolved with home remedies, persisting anal fissures may require more extensive treatment or surgery. Both these conditions may also be treatable with a novel herbal remedy–Hemoherb 2. The potent antiinflammatory and analgesic properties of this ointment make it a promising treatment for hemorrhoids, fissures, and other conditions in the anal region. Pars Bioscience is pleased to be the first to make Hemoherb 2 commercially available.

Hemorrhoids are extremely common; nearly three out of every four adults will develop one or more at some point in their lives [1]. Straining bowel movements, long periods of sitting, obesity, and pregnancy are predisposing factors for hemorrhoids Symptoms usually end within a week after home treatment, which can include increased fiber intake, regular baths, and topical treatments. Severe cases of hemorrhoids, however, may require minimally invasive or surgical procedures [1].

Anal fissures are another rather common condition that can be caused by large and hard stools, constipation, chronic diarrhea, and childbirth. Like hemorrhoids, fissures result in pain, discomfort, irritation, and bleeding (especially during bowel movements). Home treatments such as bathing and increased fiber intake are often all that is necessary to treat hemorrhoids. When symptoms persist, however, more advanced medical treatments or surgery is required [2].

Hemoherb 2 is a novel herbal remedy that can contribute to the treatment of mild hemorrhoids and anal fissures. The anti-inflammatory activity of its contents makes Hemoherb 2 an effective pain reliever and a promising new technique for alleviating the symptoms of hemorrhoids, anal fissures, and other disturbances to the anal and rectal region of the body [3-7] (Figure 1).

Figure 1: Pars Bioscience LLC.

Hemoherb 2 is a novel herbal product, consisting of a mixture of pharmacopoieal herbs known as chamomile, aloe Vera extract, menthe piperita, plus sunflower oil, honey, beeswax and some preservative materials. Such novel combination seems to have anti-inflammatory, analgesic and wound healing properties.

Indications

It is indicated in the following conditions:

• External and internal hemorrhoids.

• Anal pain and fissures.

• Pre operatively and post operatively.

Hemoherb 2 is a unique preparation with significant effects in relieving some unpleasant symptoms that accompany hemorrhoids. These include pain, itching, and skin lesions, which are chiefly due to secondary inflammation in the anal region. So far, no reports are available to indicate that this preparation cannot be used during pregnancy.

Side effects: It is generally well-tolerated and has no serious side effects, with the exception of minor transient and itching reported in rare cases. Interactions: None reported so far.

Contraindications: It is contraindicated in microbial infection of the affected anal region and in cases of significant bleeding from the anal region.

Direction for use: Hemoherb 2 should be applied three to four times daily to the affected area. Before application, the anal area should be cleansed and washed with warm water only. Patients are advised not to defecate for at least three to four hours after dose administration. It is also important to avoid constipation and diarrhea during the treatment in order to obtain good results.

References

1. Mayo Clinic (2017) Hemorrhoids. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, USA.
2. Mayo Clinic (2015) Anal fissure. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, USA.
3. Eshghi F, Hosseinimehr SJ, Rahmani N, Khademloo M, Norozi MS, et al. (2010) Effect of Aloe vera cream on posthemorrhoidectomy pain and wound healing: Results of A Randomized, Blind, Placebo-Control Study. J Altern Complement Med 16: 647-650.
4. Al-Waili NS, Saloom KS, Al-Weili TN, Al-Waili AN (2006) The safety and efficacy of a mixture of honey, olive oil and beeswax for the management of hemorrhoids and anal fissures: A pilot study. Scientific World Journal 2: 1998-2005.
5. Abd Jalil MA, Kasmuri AR, Hadi H (2017) Stingless bee honey, the natural wound healer: A Review. Skin PharmacolPhysiol 30: 66-75.
6. Srivastava JK, Shankar E, Gupta S (2010) Chamomile: A herbal medicine of the past with bright future. Mol Med Rep 3: 895-901.
7. Fratini F, Cilia G, Turchi, B, Felicioli A (2016) Beeswax: A mini review of its antimicrobial activity and its application in medicine. Asian Pac J Trop Med 9: 839-843.