FERRUGENOUS ULTISOLS

Hypertension and diabetes are two of the most prevalent metabolic disorders, often coexisting and contributing to increased morbidity and mortality. Conventional treatments for these conditions frequently involve multiple pharmacological agents, which can lead to adverse effects and reduced patient compliance. Consequently, there is a growing interest in natural plant-based therapies with antihypertensive and anti-diabetic properties. This study aims to investigate the efficacy hydro-methanol and acetone extracts of Simarouba glauca in mitigating diabetic hypertension in male Wistar rats induced by Streptozotocin (STZ) and Nω-Nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME). Experimental animals were divided into four groups: a normotensive/non-diabetic control, an untreated diabetic/hypertensive group, and two treatment groups receiving hydro-methanol and acetone extracts of Simarouba glauca (25 mg/kg body weight) for four weeks. Plasma sodium and potassium ion levels were assessed to determine the extracts' effects on electrolyte regulation. Results revealed a significant increase in sodium levels (164.34 ± 5.46 mEq/L, P < 0.05) in the untreated diabetic hypertensive group compared to the normotensive control (138.77 ± 2.33 mEq/L). Hydro-methanol extract slightly reduced sodium levels (153.14 ± 11.02 mEq/L) without statistical significance (P > 0.05), whereas acetone extract significantly lowered sodium levels (129.96 ± 6.43 mEq/L, P < 0.05), indicating superior efficacy in mitigating sodium retention. Similarly, potassium levels were markedly depleted in the untreated group (0.33 ± 0.23 mEq/L), while acetone extract significantly restored potassium levels (12.80 ± 0.71 mEq/L, P < 0.05), outperforming hydro-methanol extract (0.32 ± 0.19 mEq/L, P > 0.05). These findings suggest that Simarouba glauca, particularly its acetone extract, has promising potential in correcting ele trolyte imbalances associated with diabetic hypertension. Further studies are recommended to elucidate the bioactive compounds responsible for these effects and their underlying mechanisms.