EFFECT OF AQUEOUS AND ETHANOLIC EXTRACTS OF DESERT DATE (BALANITES AEGYPTIACA) SEED IN DIABETEIC MANAGEMENT FOCUSING ON HEMOGLOBIN

ABSTRACT This study aimed to evaluate the effect of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Desert date (Balanites aegyptiaca) seed on diabetic management, with a specific focus on hemoglobin levels. Diabetes mellitus is often associated with reduced hemoglobin concentration due to oxidative stress and impaired erythropoiesis. In this study, diabetes was induced in albino rats, which were then divided into four groups: aqueous extract-treated, ethanolic extract-treated, metformin-treated (standard drug), and untreated control. The extracts were administered orally for a specified treatment period. Hemoglobin (HB) levels were determined using standard hematological methods. The results showed hemoglobin concentrations of 12.00 g/dl in the aqueous extract group, 13.15 ± 1.20 g/dl in the ethanolic extract group, 10.45 ± 0.68 g/dl in the metformin group, and 11.05 ± 0.21 g/dl in the control group. The ethanolic extract exhibited the highest hemoglobin level, surpassing both the aqueous extract and metformin, likely due to its higher concentration of bioactive compounds with hematopoietic and antioxidant properties. These findings suggest that Balanites aegyptiaca, particularly in ethanolic extract, has significant potential as a natural therapeutic agent in managing diabetes-related anemia.