The Preventive Effect of Hydroalcoholic Extract of Bee Pollen on Ethanol-Induced Gastric Ulcers in Rats

Background: Peptic ulcer is a mucosal lesion in the stomach or duodenum. The formation of ulcers and resistance to them depend on the balance between aggressive factors such as acid, pepsin, and leukotrienes, and mucosal defense factors, particularly blood flow, nitric oxide, and prostaglandins. In ulcers caused by alcohol, stress, or infection, oxygen reactions, particularly the production of hydroxyl free radicals, are responsible for gastric ulcer formation. Therefore, many studies focus on finding compounds that act as antioxidants. Bee Pollen is a natural substance noted in traditional medicine for its various effects and possesses antioxidant properties due to its flavonoid content. Objectives: This study investigates the effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Bee Pollen in preventing ethanol-induced gastric ulcers. Methods: This study utilized 42 male Wistar rats, each weighing between 200 and 250 g. The hydroalcoholic extract of Bee Pollen was prepared through maceration. Animals were randomly divided into 7 groups of 6. The experimental groups were administered varying doses of the hydroalcoholic extract of Bee Pollen (200, 400, and 800 mg/kg). The positive control group was administered ranitidine (50 mg/kg), while the negative control group received normal saline (5 mL/kg) one hour prior to the administration of 96% ethanol (5 mL/kg). One group received normal saline (5 mL/kg), and another group received the extract (800 mg/kg) alone. After one hour, the stomachs of the animals were removed, and factors such as the number of ulcers, length of ulcers, and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were assessed. The stomachs were also examined macroscopically and microscopically. Results: The hydroalcoholic extract of Bee Pollen significantly reduced the number and length of ulcers as well as MDA levels in a dose-dependent manner. The optimal dose for preventing gastric ulcers was found to be 800 mg/kg. Conclusions: According to the findings of this research, the hydroalcoholic extract of Bee Pollen may be effective in preventing ethanol-induced gastric ulcers in rats.