COMPARATIVE EFFECT OF TREATMENT WITH 50mg/kg HYDRO-METHANOL OR 50mg/kg ACETONE FRACTIONS OF SIMAROUBA GLAUCA ON SODIUM AND POTASSIUM CONCENTRATIONS OF L-NAME/STREPTOZOTOCIN INDUCED HYPERTENSIVE/DIABETIC MALE WISTAR RAT

ABSTRACT

Hypertension and diabetes comorbidity is associated with significant electrolyte imbalances, particularly sodium retention and potassium depletion, contributing to cardiovascular complications. This study evaluated the comparative effects of 50 mg/kg hydro-methanol (HM 50) and acetone (A 50) fractions of Simarouba glauca on plasma sodium and potassium concentrations in L-NAME/streptozotocin-induced hypertensive/diabetic male Wistar rats. The results demonstrated that both HM 50 and A 50 fractions significantly reduced plasma sodium levels, with the acetone fraction showing slightly greater efficacy (131.99 ± 5.92 mEq/L) compared to the hydro-methanol fraction (134.41 ± 2.19 mEq/L). Similarly, both fractions improved plasma potassium levels, with A 50 exhibiting a more pronounced effect, restoring potassium concentrations to 13.40 ± 0.54 mEq/L compared to 4.00 ± 6.21 mEq/L in the HM 50 group. These findings suggest that Simarouba glauca possesses diuretic and potassium-sparing properties, potentially mediated by bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, alkaloids, and terpenoids. The acetone fraction’s superior performance may be attributed to enhanced extraction of lipophilic phytochemicals with greater biological activity. While the study highlights the potential of Simarouba glauca as a natural therapeutic agent for hypertension-diabetes management, further research is required to explore dose-response relationships, molecular mechanisms, and clinical applicability.