Evaluation of Red Blood Cell in Streptozotocin--Induced Wistar Rats Treated With Albemechus Esculentum Ethanol Extract

ABSTRACT High blood glucose level (hyperglycemia) is a leading indicator of diabetes mellitus (DM). Erythrocytes are the most abundant cells in the circulation and the first to perceive changes in plasma composition. Long-lasting hyperglycemia affects the structure and function of erythrocytes. The detection of erythrocyte-related indicators can provide a valuable reference for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of DM and its complications. This study therefore aimed to evaluate the effect of Abelmoschus esculentus on Red Blood Cell count in Streptzotocin-induced diabetic Wistar rats. Forty male Wistar were divided into two units (Non-diabetic and Diabetic unit) of four groups each. Group 1 served as control groups, group two, three and four received Abelmoschus esculentus (300 mg/kg body weight), N-acetylcysteine (300 mg/kg) and Abelmoschus esculentus and N-acetylcysteine (300 mg/kg) body weight respectively for 21 days before sacrificing. Blood was collected for biochemical analysis. Generated data were analyzed using SPSS package and results expressed as mean ± SEM. Results obtained showed that Albelmoschus esculentum alone and in co-administration with N-Acetyl Cysteine significantly decreases body weight in non-diabetic as well as diabetic Wistar rats increasing red blood cell count. However, chromatographic study (GCMS) is required to isolate and estimate the particular compounds that may be responsible for these beneficial properties present in the Albelmoschus esculentum extract.