Quercetin and Gongronema Latifolium Improved Hematological Parameters, Lipid Profile and Blood Glucose Levels in Diabetic Male Wistar Rats

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus is a major chronic metabolic disorder characterised by persistent hyperglycaemia and associated disturbances in lipid metabolism and blood indices that increase morbidity and mortality. Although standard therapies exist, cost, side effects, and limited access have increased interest in evidence-based plant-derived adjuncts with antihyperglycaemic and cardioprotective potential. This study evaluated the effects of quercetin and graded doses of Gongronema latifolium on fasting blood glucose (FBG), lipid profile, and haematological indices in alloxan-induced diabetic male Wistar rats. Using a randomised controlled experimental design, fifty-five rats were procured and acclimatised; diabetic rats meeting inclusion criteria were allocated into six groups (n = 6/group): normal control, diabetic control, diabetic + quercetin (50 mg/kg/day), and diabetic + G. latifolium (250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg/day), treated orally for 4 weeks. Data were analysed as mean ± SD using one-way ANOVA with Tukey post hoc test (p < 0.05). Alloxan induction produced significant hyperglycaemia, dyslipidaemia and inflammatory changes. FBG differed significantly across groups at week 2 (F = 3.710, p = 0.049) and week 6 (F = 13.452, p = 0.001); by week 6, G. latifolium reduced FBG dose-dependently (low: 126.00 ± 14.10; medium: 123.00 ± 1.00; high: 111.50 ± 0.71 mg/dL) compared with the diabetic group (185.00 ± 9.89 mg/dL), approaching the control (101.67 ± 4.16 mg/dL). Triglycerides (p = 0.025) and VLDL (p = 0.036) were significantly elevated in diabetic rats (TG 1.42 ± 0.00; VLDL 0.65 ± 0.00 mmol/L) and improved with treatment. WBC showed significant group differences (F = 7.740, p = 0.006), with diabetic leukocytosis (11.70 ± 0.00) reduced toward control (4.50 ± 0.20). Among red cell indices, only MCV differed significantly (F = 6.478, p = 0.011). In conclusion, quercetin and G. latifolium improved glycaemic control and key cardiometabolic/inflammatory markers in diabetic rats, with stronger effects at medium–high extract doses. Further studies should assess oxidative stress markers, organ histopathology, and combination/synergy dosing to guide translational use.