Effects of Probiotics with or without Honey on Radiation-induced Diarrhea

Background: Diarrhea is a well-recognized side effect associated with pelvic radia on; however, there is not any effec ve common treatment for radia on-induced diarrhea. A popular alterna ve is probio cs, which have been used in several gastrointes nal disorders. Probio cs are live microbial food supplements. Furthermore, honey is a puta ve nutri onal with a variety of health effects, including an bacterial, an oxidant, an -inflammatory and prebio c. The present study evaluated the effects of probio c with or without honey on radia on-induced diarrhea. Materials and Methods: Sixty-seven adult pa ents with pelvic cancer underwent radiotherapy for four weeks. They randomized to receive probio c (n = 22), probio c plus honey (n = 21) or placebo (n = 24) from one week before radiotherapy for five weeks. Diarrhea grade and stool consistency score were recorded weekly according to the Common Toxicity Criteria system and the Bristol scales, respec vely. Results: The results showed a decrease in the daily number of bowel movements (p = 0.003 and 0.006), diarrhea grade (p = 0.001 and 0.001) and the need for an diarrheal medica on (p = 0.021 and 0.041) also an increase in the stool consistency (p = 0.004 and 0.005) in pa ents who either used probio c or probio c plus honey (respec vely), these were significant in weeks 4 and 5 of treatment. Conclusion: Probio cs with or without honey can reduce the incidence of radia on-induced diarrhea and the need for an diarrheal medica on.