Gastroprotective and Systemic Effects of Honey–turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) Blend on Haematological, Hepatic and Electrolyte Parameters in Ethanol-induced Gastric Ulceration in Wistar Albino Rats

Gastric ulceration (GU) is a gastrointestinal disorder characterised by disruption of the gastric mucosal barrier, resulting from an imbalance between aggressive factors and the body’s protective mechanisms. Adverse effects associated with conventional medications have increased interest in alternative therapeutic agents. This study investigated the effects of a honey–turmeric blend (HTB) on ulcer index, gastric pH, gastric volume, haematological parameters, hepatic function markers and serum electrolyte concentrations in male Wistar rats with ethanol-induced gastric ulceration. Thirty-six adult male albino rats (140–220 g) were randomly assigned to six groups (n = 6). Group A, the normal control, received clean water and rat chow. Groups B–F were administered 98% ethanol (1 mL/kg body weight) once daily for two consecutive days to induce GU. Group B served as the negative control, while Group C received omeprazole (20 mg/kg body weight) as the standard treatment. Groups D, E and F received HTB at doses of 200, 400 and 600 mg/kg body weight, respectively, by intragastric gavage twice daily for 21 days. The HTB preparation, gastric ulcer index, gastric pH, gastric volume, haematological parameters, hepatic markers and serum electrolytes were assessed using standard laboratory procedures. Ethanol administration significantly (p < 0.05) increased the ulcer index and decreased packed cell volume (PCV), haemoglobin (Hb) concentration and red blood cell (RBC) count, accompanied by a significant increase in white blood cell (WBC) count. Serum sodium (Na⁺), potassium (K⁺) and bicarbonate (HCO₃⁻) concentrations decreased significantly, whereas alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities, and bilirubin and albumin concentrations, increased significantly compared with the normal control group. Treatment with omeprazole and graded doses of HTB significantly (p < 0.05) attenuated these alterations compared with the negative control group. Overall, HTB improved the measured gastric, haematological, hepatic and electrolyte indices in this experimental model. These findings suggest that HTB warrants further investigation as a potential gastroprotective preparation.