Effect of a chamomile extract in protecting against radiation‐induced intestinal mucositis

Compounds that prevent radiation‐induced mucositis may offer new therapeutic strategies for maintaining intestinal integrity in patients undergoing radiotherapy. A specially formulated chamomile extract was studied with the hope of proving efficacy in this regard. Intestinal mucositis was induced in rats by exposing them to whole body gamma‐irradiation. Rats were treated orally with the extract for 5 days before and 2 days after radiation exposure. One day later, rats were sacrificed. Histological examination of segments of small intestine showed shortening and fusion of villi, activation of mucus secreting glands, inflammatory cell infiltration of lamina propria, and mucosal atrophy. Intestinal homogenates showed an increase in tumor necrosis factor, a pro‐inflammatory cytokine, and myeloperoxidase, an indicator of cellular infiltration, as well as in thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and a reduction in glutathione content. Intestinal injury was further evidenced by an increase in diamine oxidase and a reduction in citrulline levels in the serum. A rise in apoptosis was evidenced by an increase in cytosolic cytochrome c, caspase‐3, and depletion of mitochondrial B‐cell lymphoma‐2/ Bax ratio. Most histological changes and associated derangement in related parameters were largely prevented by the chamomile extract, thus paving the way to a new therapeutic approach towards the management of radiation‐induced intestinal mucositis.