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ARTICLE
The effect of Sambucus nigra extract in the treatment of interstitial cystitis
Arif Kol1, Hüseyin Günizi2,*, Özlem Ceren Günizi3
1 Department of Urology, Aydın Adnan Menderes University Medical School, Aydin, 09100, Türkiye
2 Department of Otolaryngology, Antalya City Hospital, Antalya, 07170, Türkiye
3 Department of Medical Pathology, Akdeniz University Medical School, Antalya, 07070, Türkiye
* Corresponding Author: Hüseyin Günizi. Email: 
Canadian Journal of Urology https://doi.org/10.32604/cju.2025.070231
Received 11 July 2025; Accepted 09 December 2025; Published online 04 January 2026
Abstract
Objective: Sambucus nigra (SN) has been found to exhibit strong antioxidant properties and anti-inflammatory effects. In our study, we aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects of Sambucus nigra extracts (SNe) in interstitial cystitis, a condition in which inflammation plays a significant role in its pathophysiology. Methods: Thirty Wistar albino adult female rats were used in this study. All rats were housed at an average room temperature of 23°C, with a 12-h light/dark cycle, and had ad libitum access to food. The rats were divided into three groups: Group 1 (n = 10): Control (sham) group, Group 2 (n = 10): Interstitial cystitis group, and Group 3 (n = 10): Treatment group. Rats in Group 3 were administered oral Sambucus nigra extract at a dose of 0.040 g/kg every other day for a total of 8 weeks. Bladder tissues were examined both histologically and immunohistochemically, with a focus on mast cells and the presence of Interleukin-6 (IL-6), Interleukin-8 (IL-8), Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF), and Tumor Necrosis Factor-α (TNF-α). Results: The findings of chronic inflammation were striking in the bladder sections of the interstitial cystitis group. In the treatment group, regenerating transitional epithelium, a compact appearance in the lamina propria, and a decrease in inflammatory cells and mast cells were observed. While significant improvements were noted in IL-8, TNF-α, and mast cell counts, there was a reduction in IL-6 and VEGF levels, although this reduction was not statistically significant. Conclusion: Sambucus nigra, significantly reduces TNF-α, Mast cell, VEGF, IL-6, and IL-8 levels in interstitial cystitis (IC) bladder tissue. It provides recovery in damaged bladder epithelium, smooth muscle, and basal membrane. SN attracts attention as an important agent due to its effects in the treatment of IC.
Keywords
interstitial cystitis; Sambucus nigra; inflammation; interleukin-8; tumor necrosis factor-α
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