ANTIDIABETIC AND HEMATOPROTECTIVE EFFECTS OF BUCHHOLZIA CORIACEA SEED EXTRACT ON HEMATOLOGICAL PARAMETERS IN STREPTOZOTOCIN-INDUCED DIABETIC RATS

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by persistent hyperglycemia and associated hematological abnormalities, including anemia and inflammatory alterations. Conventional therapies such as metformin are effective but may present accessibility and side-effect limitations, particularly in developing regions. This study evaluated the antidiabetic and hematoprotective effects of ethanol seed extract of Buchholzia coriacea in streptozotocin-induced diabetic Wistar rats. High-performance liquid chromatography identified major phytochemicals including caffeic acid, luteolin, orientin, and beta-sitosterol. Molecular docking analysis revealed strong binding affinity of luteolin against GAD65, suggesting possible immunomodulatory activity. Forty-eight male Wistar rats were grouped into induced and non-induced categories and treated with graded doses of extract (100–400 mg/kg) or metformin. Results showed significant restoration of red blood cell count, hemoglobin concentration, packed cell volume, and normalization of white blood cell indices in treated diabetic groups compared to untreated controls. The extract demonstrated comparable and in some parameters superior effects to metformin. These findings support the therapeutic potential of Buchholzia coriacea as an affordable plant-based intervention for diabetes management and its hematological complications. Introduction Diabetes mellitus is a global health challenge characterized by impaired insulin secretion, insulin resistance, or both. Chronic hyperglycemia contributes to oxidative stress, inflammation, and progressive organ damage affecting the kidneys, eyes, nerves, and cardiovascular system. Hematological alterations are common in diabetes due to increased production of reactive oxygen species and glycation of hemoglobin. These changes often manifest as reduced hemoglobin levels, altered red blood cell indices, and elevated white blood cell counts, increasing the risk of vascular complications. Given the limitations of conventional drugs, there is increasing interest in medicinal plants with antidiabetic properties. Buchholzia coriacea, commonly known as wonderful kola, is widely used in African traditional medicine for treating diabetes and inflammatory disorders. This study investigates its effects on glucose regulation and hematological parameters in diabetic rats.