ABSTRACT
The effects of honey on stress-induced ulcers were examined in rats. Stress was induced by using the Strain and Water Immersion technique [6 hours]. Ulcer incidence and severity were quantified by an ulcer index.A honey solution, which consisted of 40% honey in water, was administered orally in dose volumes of I, 3, 5, 7 and 14 ml/kg, 20 mm before stress induction in 48 hr-fasting rats. Control rats received equivalent volumes of a Honey Control Solution [HCS]. The systemic effects of honey on stress induced ulcers were examined by intraperitoneal injection of honey [3.5 ml/kg] 10 mm. before stress induction. The effect of a honey solution on gastro-intestinal tract motility was examined by using a charcoal meal incorporated with honey or HCS. Results show that intraluminal honey administration lowers the incidence of stress-induced ulcers by 15% relative to that of control rats who received saline [X2 = 3.1, P =.07]. Rats pretreated with a honey solution [3, 5, 7 and 14 ml/kg] showed a significantly lower ulcer index than HCS-pretreated rats [P <.05]. Incorporation of honey into a charcoal meal lowers G.I.T. stress-induced hypermotility by 37.8% of matched control received saline incorporated charcoal meal. It was concluded that intraluminal administration of honey decreases the severity of stress-induced ulcers in rats