ABSTRACT
Hypertension and diabetes frequently coexist, presenting significant therapeutic challenges and increased cardiovascular risk. This study investigates the comparative effects of hydro-methanol and acetone fractions of Simarouba glauca on hemodynamic indices and glucose levels in L-NAME/streptozotocin induced hypertensive/diabetic male Wistar rats.
Male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: normotensive/non-diabetic control, hypertensive/diabetic control, and two treatment groups receiving either 25 mg/kg hydro-methanol or acetone fractions of Simarouba glauca. Blood pressure parameters, heart rate, fasting blood glucose, and body weight were monitored throughout the experimental period.
The results showed significant differences in blood pressure parameters across groups. The hypertensive/diabetic control group exhibited elevated systolic (139.20 ± 19.536 mmHg) and diastolic (91.366 ± 4.092 mmHg) blood pressure compared to normotensive controls (112.51 ± 5.349 mmHg; 76.356 ± 4.349 mmHg). Both extracts demonstrated antihypertensive effects, with the acetone fraction showing superior efficacy in reducing blood pressure (127.99 ± 15.622 mmHg systolic; 79.732 ± 3.491 mmHg diastolic). Fasting blood glucose levels were markedly elevated in the hypertensive/diabetic control (462.4 ± 221.9 mg/dL) compared to normotensive controls (89.00 ± 5.717 mg/dL), with the acetone extract demonstrating superior glucose-lowering effects (270.994 ± 129.97 mg/dL) compared to the hydro-methanol extract (386.85 ± 193.03 mg/dL). Body weight was significantly affected in diabetic groups, with both treatments showing protective effects against weight loss.
These findings demonstrate the therapeutic potential of Simarouba glauca extracts in managing hypertension-diabetes comorbidity, with the acetone fraction showing superior overall efficacy. The dual action on both cardiovascular and glycemic parameters suggests promising applications in integrated approaches to metabolic disorder management. This study provides evidence supporting the traditional use of Simarouba glauca while highlighting the importance of extraction methodology in optimizing therapeutic outcomes.
