Enhanced Gastric Ulcer Recovery: Synergistic Therapeutic Benefits of Cabbage (Brassica oleracea) and Honey in Indomethacin-Induced Wistar Rats

Abstract

Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD) remains a major global health concern due to its significant morbidity and mortality. Although Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) are commonly used for treatment, they are often costly and associated with adverse effects. This study evaluated the therapeutic efficacy of combining cabbage (Brassica oleracea) extract and stingless bee honey in healing indomethacin-induced gastric ulcers in albino Wistar rats. Twenty-four male rats were randomly assigned to six groups (four treatment, one negative and one positive control groups (n = 4 per group). The four treatment groups received cabbage extract (300 mg/kg bw), stingless bee honey (0.6 g/kg bw), their combination, or omeprazole (20 mg/kg bw) for seven days. Ulcer healing was assessed by measuring ulcer index, gastric juice volume, total and free acidity, and gastric pH. All treatment groups showed significant improvements (p < 0.05) compared to the ulcer control group. The combination therapy resulted in the greatest reduction in ulcer index and acidity parameters and the highest increase in gastric pH. These findings suggest that co-administration of cabbage extract and stingless bee honey may offer a natural, cost-effective alternative to conventional anti-ulcer therapy.