EFFECTS OF HELLENIA SPECIOSA (AKARA OBI) STEM EXTRACT WITH ETHANOL ON THE HAEMATOLOGICAL PARAMETERS OF STREPTOZOTOCIN (STZ) INDUCED DIABETES OF ALBINO RATS

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Hellenia speciosa leaf extract on the hematological parameters of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Fresh leaves of Hellenia speciosa were collected, rinsed in clean water, and air-dried at room temperature. The dried leaves were blended into a powder using an electric blender. Ethanol extraction was performed using a Soxhlet extractor to obtain the plant extract. Thirty-six (36) Albino Wistar rats were randomly divided into six groups (n = 6 per group), including control and experimental groups. Diabetes was induced in the experimental groups by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (1 mg/kg body weight). The control group remained untreated, while the experimental groups received varying doses (low, medium, high) of Hellenia speciosa extract. Hematological parameters such as hemoglobin, hematocrit, and platelet count were monitored. The high-dose group (2000 mg/kg) of Hellenia speciosa extract showed a significant improvement in hemoglobin (11.5 ± 1.0a g/dL), hematocrit (38.0 ± 2.5a %), and platelet count (220,000 ± 16,000a cells/μL) compared to the normal control and did not show any significant difference at (p < 0.05). The medium-dose group (1500 mg/kg) also exhibited notable improvements (hemoglobin: 11.0 ± 1.2a g/dL, hematocrit: 38.0 ± 3.0a %, platelets: 225,000 ± 17,000a cells/μL), while the low-dose group (1000 mg/kg) showed moderate effects (hemoglobin: 10.5 ± 1.5b g/dL, hematocrit: 36.0 ± 2.7b %, platelets: 205,000 ± 19,000b cells/μL). The findings suggest that Hellenia speciosa leaf extract, particularly at higher doses, significantly improves hematological parameters in diabetic rats, indicating its potential as a therapeutic alternative for managing diabetes.