Gastroprotective Role of Myrtus Communis in a Dual-Condition Model Combining Diabetes and Postmenopausal Rats: Comparable Outcomes to Estrogen Therapy

Abstract

Purpose: Hormonal changes during menopause, especially the decline in estrogen and progesterone levels, can impair gastrointestinal function by slowing digestion. This study aimed to evaluate the protective effects of Myrtus communis subsp. communis (MC) extract on gastric tissue in a postmenopausal diabetic rat model and to compare its efficacy with estrogen (E2) treatment. Materials and Methods: Female Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into six groups: control (C); ovariectomy (OVX); diabetes (D); ovariectomy and diabetes (OVX+D); ovariectomy, diabetes and estrogen (OVX+D+E2); ovariectomy, diabetes and MC (OVX+D+MC). OVX groups had bilateral ovariectomy utilizing the double dorsolateral method. After a seven-day recovery, diabetes was induced using streptozotocin. OVX+D+E2 and OVX+D+MC groups were treated with 10 mu g/kg s.c. E2 and 100 mg/kg p.o. MC extract, respectively, for four weeks. Stomach tissues were analyzed for biochemical parameters. Results: The OVX, D, and OVX+D showed significant reductions in antioxidant enzyme activities and glutathione levels, and increases in oxidative stress markers and lipid peroxidation compared to the C group. E2 and MC treatments effectively mitigated these alterations, with MC showing comparable or superior effects to E2 in many parameters. MC treatment significantly improved blood glucose levels (-60% reduction in the OVX+D), stomach Na+/K+-ATPase activity (-110% increase in the OVX+D), and glycoprotein component levels. Conclusion: MC extract exhibits potent antioxidant and gastroprotective effects in postmenopausal diabetic rats, comparable to E2 treatment. These findings highlight its potential as a natural therapeutic agent for managing menopause-and diabetes-associated gastric complications.