THERAPEUTIC POTENTIAL OF BUCHHOLZIA CORIACEA IN MODULATING HAEMATOLOGICAL AND ELECTROLYTE PARAMETERS IN DIABETIC RATS

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder associated with hyperglycemia and various systemic complications. This study investigated the potential therapeutic effects of methanolic and flavonoid-rich extracts of Buchholzia coriacea leaves on haematological and electrolyte parameters in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. A total of 30 male albino rats were divided into six groups: negative control, positive control, metformin-treated group (50 mg/kg), flavonoid-rich extract-treated groups (60 and 100 mg/kg), and methanolic extract-treated group (100 mg/kg). Diabetes was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of STZ (45 mg/kg body weight). The extracts were orally administered for two weeks, and various haematological and electrolyte indices were analyzed. Results showed that the methanolic extract at 100 mg/kg significantly improved kidney electrolytes and serum electrolyte balance, particularly Na⁺, K⁺, and Cl⁻. Haematological analysis revealed that the flavonoid-rich extract at 60 mg/kg significantly increased platelet count and maintained white blood cell balance, indicating immunomodulatory properties. These findings suggest that methanolic and flavonoid-rich extracts of B. coriacea may offer therapeutic potential for managing diabetes-related complications, such as immune dysregulation and electrolytes imbalance. Further studies are recommended to isolate and characterize the active compounds responsible for these effects and explore their mechanisms of action.