BIOCHEMISTRY

Hypertension and diabetes are major global health problems that often occur together, worsening cardiovascular and hematological complications. Standard therapies such as Lisinopril and Glibenclamide are effective but can alter normal blood parameters during prolonged use. This study compared the effects of Lisinopril/Glibenclamide (50 mg/kg) and the methanol fraction of Sida acuta and Cleome rutidosperma (50 mg/kg) on hematopoietic modulation in hypertensive and diabetic male Wistar rats. Hypertension and diabetes were induced using L-NAME and
Streptozotocin. Rats were divided into seven groups, including normal, untreated hypertensive/diabetic, and treated groups. Treatments were administered orally for five weeks. Blood samples were analyzed for red and white cell indices, hemoglobin concentration, hematocrit, and platelet parameters. Data were analyzed using ANOVA at p ≤ 0.05. Induction of hypertension and diabetes caused elevated monocyte and granulocyte counts, indicating systemic inflammation. Both treatments significantly reduced monocyte levels (p < 0.001), but only the plant extract reduced granulocyte percentage (p = 0.003), suggesting stronger anti-inflammatory action. Lisinopril/Glibenclamide treatment lowered hemoglobin concentration (p = 0.016), while the Sida acuta/Cleome rutidosperma extract maintained normal red cell values, showing hematoprotective effects. The drug combination increased platelet count and size, whereas the plant extract preserved normal platelet balance. The methanol extract of Sida acuta and Cleome rutidosperma demonstrated comparable—and in some areas superior—hematopoietic and antiinflammatory effects to Lisinopril/Glibenclamide. Its ability to maintain erythroid and immune balance suggests potential as a natural adjunct or alternative therapy for managing hypertension– diabetes comorbidity.