The comparison of prednisolone and honey activities in the experimental corrosive esophagitis model

Abstract

Aim: Honey is well known for its beneficial wound healing-related effects, including anti-edematous effects, stimulation of granulation tissue formation, chemical debridement, and immune system enhancement. In this experimental study, the effects of honey and prednisolone on stricture formation in sodium hydroxide-induced corrosive esophagitis were investigated.Methods: This study was carried out on Wistar albino rats weighing between 200-250 grams. Rats were divided into four equal groups. Corrosive esophagitis induced by 37.5% sodium hydroxide was formed in three groups. The first group received no specific treatment. The second group was treated with honey via the oral route, and the third group was treated by prednisolone intraperitoneally. The control group underwent a sham laparotomy. All subjects were sacrificed by the end of the 28th day. A 20-mm long segment of the distal esophagus was harvested for histopathological examination. The tissue damage scores and stenosis index scores of the groups were measured and compared.Results: A total of 32 rats were included in the study, with eight subjects in each group. The mean values of stenosis index score and tissue damage score were significantly lower in the honey-treated group (P=0.001).Conclusion: Oral honey treatment seems to reduce the severity of esophageal strictures associated with corrosive esophagitis, when compared to untreated and prednisolone-treated groups.