Proximate analysis and modulatory effects of ginger-and-honey drink on gastric emptying and gastric acid secretion in male albino rats

Abstract

Background: It is known that using ginger and honey individually has contrasting effects on gastric emptying and residual volume. There have been few reports on the effects of products containing both ginger and honey on gastric functions and standard drugs relevant in gastric disorders. Objectives: The study investigated the effect of ginger-and-honey drink (GHD) on gastric emptying and gastric acid secretion and its pharmacological interaction with standard drugs used in the management of gastric disorders. Methods: Proximate analysis was carried out on ginger, GHD and honey using standard methods of the Association of Official Analytical Chemists. Physiological study was done in four experimental phases, The first phase examined GHD relative effect at optimal dose on gastric emptying , Groups I, II, III, IV, V, VI and VII were given distilled water, GHD (0.25 g/kg BW.), Ginger extract (0.25 g/kg BW), Honey (2.5 g/kg BW.), Honey (5 g/kg BW), Metoclopramide (1 mg/kg BW) and Loperamide (0.5 mg/kg BW) respectively. Phase two examined graded doses of GHD on gastric empying; Group I (10 ml/kg of distilled water), group II,III,IV and V received GHD in increasing dosages of 0.25, 0.50, 2.50 and 5 g/kg BW respectively. The next phase examined GHD and loperamide interaction with gastric emptying, Control group (0.25 g/kg of GHD). Group II received Loperamide (5 mg/kg BW) + ginger-and-honey drink (0.25 g/kg BW). Group III received loperamide (5 mg/kg). The last phase on gastric acid secretion has group I received normal saline (10 ml/kg BW), groups II, III, IV, V and VI received 2.5 g/kg honey, 0.25 g/kg GHD, 0.25 g/kg ginger extract, 5 mg/kg histamine, and 100 mg/kg cimetidine respectively. Results: GHD contained carbohydrate, mineral contents, protein and fats in different proportions; ginger, GHD significantly increased gastric emptying. Also, ginger extract and GHD significantly enhanced gastric emptying, increased gastric acid secretion and  interfered with the actions of the Loperamide.  Conclusion: The study shows that ginger-and-honey drink enhanced gastric emptying and gastric acid secretion and attenuated the inhibitory action of Loperamide on gastric emptying.

Keywords: Gastrointestinal Motility, Loperamide, Pharmacological Interaction, Gastric Disorders, Residual Volume