Antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities of Apis mellifera honey on the Helicobacter pylori infection of Wistar rats gastric mucosa

Abstract

Considering that Helicobacter pylori, a bacterium able to colonize the upper gastrointestinal tract and cause mucosal injury, not always can be effectively eradicated by the traditional approaches, there is an interest in alternative therapies until a vaccine be available. Honey is a food supplement with high carbohydrate content and antioxidant activity, as well as broad antimicrobial spectrum. After analyzing the physicochemical and in vitro antimicrobial properties of an Apis mellifera honey from the Atlantic forest of Alagoas / Brazil, the purpose of the present work was evaluate its in vivo effects against Helicobacter pylori in the gastric mucosa of Wistar rats. First, it was verified the success of inoculation/infection of the pathogen in the gastric mucosa of the rats, through the subsequent removal of their stomachs for histological analysis (hematoxylin and eosin stain and Giemsa stain). Then, four groups of animals were treated with sterilized distilled deionized water, the Apis mellifera honey, a combination of omeprazole, amoxicillin and clarithromycin, and an association of such medicines and honey (1:1). Except the control, all treatments were effective in combating infection, however, honey reduced the inflammatory process, whilst the antibiotics increase the number of eosinophils.

Gastric histopathological features after the administration of omeprazole, amoxicillin, and clarithromycin in gastritis Helicobacter pylori rat model

“…The fundamental rule of this technique is to create a milieu that supports the accretion of H. pylori in the stomach. This procedure begins with streptomycin and omeprazole’s initial administration to prevent other bacteria’s accretion and degrade gastric acidity separately [ 19 , 21 ].…”

Chemical Composition, Nutritional Functions, and Antioxidant Activities of Honeys in Africa

“…The anti-H. pylori activity of honey seems to be due to the presence of phenolic and flavonoid compounds (Amaral et al, 2017). Another study showed that the South African honeys had a more inhibitory effect on S. anginosus (NCTC 10708) and S. oralis (NCTC 11427) (Basson & Grobler, 2008).…”

Volatile Compounds, Chemical Composition and Biological Activities of Apis mellifera Bee Propolis

“…Although flavonoids are the most studied components, they are not the only responsible for its pharmacological properties. Several other compounds have been related to the medicinal properties of Apis mellifera [68,69].…”

“…Amaral et al [69] evaluated the anti-inflammatory potential of Apis mellifera against stomach inflammation induced in healthy adult female Wistar rats infected with Helicobacter pylori. This bacterium may cause chronic irritation and increase the risk of developing gastric ulcers.…”