Hematological Effects of Newbouldia laevis Leaf Extract and Homeopathic Remedies in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: The defining characteristic of diabetes mellitus, a chronic metabolic disease, is persistent hyperglycemia caused by insufficient insulin secretion, defective insulin action, or both. This study evaluated the hematological effects of N. laevis leaf extract and its homeopathic formulations in diabetic rats induced with streptozotocin. The homeopathic mother tincture was prepared by dissolving the plant extract in absolute ethanol and further diluting it to obtain various X and C potencies via the serial dilution and succussion methods. Diabetes was induced in the rats via a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (50 mg/kg). The rats were assigned to eleven groups, including normal and diabetic controls; a standard drug group (glibenclamide); three crude extract doses (200, 400, and 600 mg/kg); and five homeopathic potencies (1X, 2X, 3X, 6X, and 30C). Treatments were administered orally for 21 days, and hematological parameters were determined via standard methods. The results showed that the 600 mg/kg dose and 3X potency of N. laevis significantly restored RBC, hemoglobin, and PCV levels and normalized WBC and platelet counts, comparable to those of the standard drug. In contrast, the 6X and 30C groups showed minimal improvements, with hematological parameters remaining similar to those of the diabetic control. These findings suggest that N. laevis possesses dose-dependent hematopoietic and immunomodulatory properties and may serve as a promising adjunctive treatment for diabetes-related hematological disorders.
Authors: Chidozie S Okoye, Anthony A Attama, Uduma E Osonwa, Emmanuel M Uronnachi
Institutions: Nnamdi Azikiwe University, University of Nigeria
Language: English
Subfield: Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W4414049047