The Effectiveness of Manuka Honey on Fibroblast and Collagen Growth in Gastric Rupture Repair

Abstract

Background: Gastric rupture is a rare but life-threatening surgical emergency characterized by leakage of gastric contents into the peritoneal cavity, leading to severe inflammation and infection. Optimal wound healing depends on fibroblast proliferation and collagen deposition. Manuka honey has shown anti-inflammatory and regenerative properties, yet its efficacy in gastric tissue repair remains unclear.

Objective: To evaluate the effect of topical and oral Manuka honey on fibroblast proliferation and collagen deposition in gastric wound healing after gastric rupture in rabbits.

Methods: Eighteen male New Zealand White rabbits were induced with a standardized gastric rupture, surgically repaired, and randomly allocated into three groups: Group A received topical Manuka honey (2 mL, UMF 16+, MGO 573+) applied to the sutured area; Group B received oral Manuka honey (2 g/kg/day for 7 days); Group C served as control with standard feeding only. On day 7, gastric tissues were collected for histopathological examination. Fibroblast and collagen levels were evaluated using hematoxylin–eosin and Masson’s Trichrome staining, scored semi-quantitatively (0–4). Statistical analysis used the Kruskal–Wallis and post-hoc Mann–Whitney tests (p < 0.0167).

Results: The oral group showed the highest median fibroblast and collagen scores (3+), significantly greater than topical and control groups (p = 0.014 and p = 0.011, respectively). Post-hoc analysis confirmed significant differences between the oral group and both topical (p = 0.013) and control groups (p = 0.007) for collagen deposition, while fibroblast proliferation showed a similar trend.

Conclusion: Oral administration of Manuka honey significantly enhances fibroblast proliferation and collagen deposition in early gastric wound healing following gastric rupture in rabbits. Compared with topical application, oral therapy provides superior regenerative outcomes, suggesting its potential as an adjunct treatment in gastrointestinal surgical repair.