STW 5 protects against radiation induced intestinal mucositis in rats

Abstract

Intestinal inflammation is a common adverse effect in cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy. The condition has been simulated in rats by exposing them to radiation from a Cobalt 60 source. Acute exposure to radiation dose levels of 2, 6, and 8 Gray produced graded extents of intestinal mucositis as judged by histological examination with evidence of apoptotic cells with the highest exposure level. The histological changes were accompanied by a nearly twofold increase in cytosolic calcium and a marked increase in serum LDH. Derangements in the apoptosis biomarkers, BCl2 and diamineoxidase activity, were also noted as well as in the levels of the inflammatory mediators, TNF alpha and myeloperoxidase activity. STW 5 is a herbal preparation consisting of 9 components in tincture form which is effectively used clinically in functional dyspepsia and irritable bowel syndrome. The preparation has been previously shown to have good anti-inflammatory and anti-ulcerogenic activity as well. The drug was given orally in dose levels of 5 and 10 ml/kg for 5 days before exposure to radiation and continued for 2 days after. Treatment was shown to protect to a large extent against the histological changes induced by radiation and to counteract the derangement in nearly all the parameters previously measured. The findings add further evidence to the anti-inflammatory effect of STW 5, showing that this preparation could also help to prevent intestinal inflammation arising from exposure to ionizing radiation.