Effect of Simarouba glauca Fractions on Haematopoietic Indices in Induced Hypertensive-Diabetic Wistar Rats
Samuel I. Ojeaburu
E.S.D Osagie-Eweka
Abstract
Hypertension and diabetes frequently coexist, compounding therapeutic challenges and substantially elevating cardiovascular risk. This study evaluated the effects of hydroethanolic and acetone fractions of Simarouba glauca (S. glauca) leaf extract on glycemic and hematological parameters in male Wistar rats with combined NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME)–induced hypertension and streptozotocin-induced diabetes. Rats were assigned to four groups: a normotensive, non-diabetic control; a hypertensive, diabetic control; and two treatment groups that received 25 mg/kg of either the hydroethanolic or acetone fraction of S. glauca orally for four weeks. Post-treatment hematological analysis revealed significant increases in white blood cell (WBC) counts in both extract-treated groups, suggesting enhanced immunomodulatory activity. The acetone fraction exhibited a more robust erythropoietic response and superior platelet production compared with the hydroethanolic fraction and control groups. Fasting blood glucose was markedly elevated in hypertensive/diabetic controls (462.40 ± 221.90 mg/dL) relative to normotensive controls (89.00 ± 5.72 mg/dL) (p ≤ 0.05). The acetone fraction showed a stronger hypoglycemic effect (270.99 ± 129.97 mg/dL) than the hydroethanolic fraction (386.85 ± 193.03 mg/dL) (p ≤ 0.05). Additionally, both extracts mitigated diabetes-associated weight loss. Collectively, these findings highlight the therapeutic potential of S. glauca leaf extracts in the management of hypertension–diabetes comorbidity, with the acetone fraction demonstrating greater efficacy in improving glycemic regulation and hematological function. The results further emphasize the importance of extraction methods in shaping the phytochemical composition and therapeutic outcomes, supporting the potential application of S. glauca in the integrated management of metabolic disorders.
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