Histopathological Evaluation of the Protective Effect of Alpinia officinarum Hydroalcoholic Extract on Postoperative Peritoneal Adhesions in Rats

Background: Postoperative peritoneal adhesions are one of the most common and challenging complications following abdominal surgery, often leading to chronic pain, bowel obstruction, and infertility. Herbal agents with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties may offer effective preventive strategies with fewer side effects. Alpinia officinarum (Lesser galangal) contains bioactive phenolic compounds that may reduce fibrosis and collagen deposition. This study aimed to evaluate the histopathological effects of A. officinarum hydroalcoholic extract on peritoneal healing and adhesion formation in rats. Methods: Thirty male Wistar rats (۲۰۰–۲۵۰ g) were randomly divided into three groups (n=۱۰). Standardized peritoneal injury was induced by serosal abrasion and partial peritoneal excision. The control group received ۳ mL of distilled water intraperitoneally, while treatment groups received ۳ mL of A. officinarum extract at concentrations of ۱% and ۵%, respectively. After ۱۴ days, peritoneal tissues were collected, fixed, and stained with hematoxylin–eosin and Masson’s trichrome for histopathological evaluation. Results: Microscopic analysis revealed a significant reduction in fibroblast proliferation, collagen deposition, and inflammatory cell infiltration in both extract-treated groups compared to the control (P<۰.۰۵). The ۵% extract group showed nearly normal mesothelial regeneration and minimal fibrosis. Conclusion: The hydroalcoholic extract of Alpinia officinarum demonstrated a protective effect against postoperative peritoneal adhesions by reducing fibrosis and promoting peritoneal healing. These findings suggest that A. officinarum may serve as a promising natural candidate for adhesion prevention after abdominal surgery.

کلیدواژه ها:

Alpinia officinarum ، Peritoneal adhesion ، Histopathology ، Fibrosis ، Rat model