Page 1 of 16

British Journal of Healthcare and Medical Research - Vol. 10, No. 4

Publication Date: August 25, 2023

DOI:10.14738/bjhmr.104.15156.

Obia, C., Nwuke, P. C., & Okereke, G. O. (2023). Haematological Effects of Methanol and n-Hexane Seed Extracts of Hunteria

umbellata (abeere) on Alloxan Induced Diabetic Wistar Rats. British Journal of Healthcare and Medical Research, Vol - 10(4). 111-

126.

Services for Science and Education – United Kingdom

Haematological Effects of Methanol and n-Hexane Seed Extracts

of Hunteria umbellata (abeere) on Alloxan Induced Diabetic

Wistar Rats

Obia, Chika

Department of Biochemistry, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike,

PMB 7267 Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria and Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company,

Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria

Nwuke, P Chinedu

Department of Biochemistry, Michael Okpara University of

Agriculture Umudike, PMB 7267 Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria

Okereke, Goodluck Obioma

(ORCID: 0000-0002-7393-3819)

Department of Chemistry, Food Science and Technology, Centre for Food Technology and

Research, Benue State University, Makurdi, PMB 102119 Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria

ABSTRACT

There is growing research studies in identifying local medicinal plants with

potentials in replacing the orthodox medicines and synthetic drugs that are now

expensive, less effective with side effects when used in treatments of chronic

diseases like diabetes mellitus. The chemical compositions, and effects of Methanol

and n-Hexane extracts of Hunteria umbellata (HU) seeds (folkloric remedies for

diabetes, obesity, anaemia etc.) on haematological parameters of alloxan induced

diabetic wistar rats, were investigated. Thirty albino rats were divided into six

groups- (1) Diabetic rats without treatment (Negative control); (2) Diabetic rats,

treated with glibenclamide; (3) Diabetic rats treated with 250mg/kg body weight of

methanol extract of HU seeds;(4) Diabetic rats treated with 500mg/kg body weight

of methanol extract of HU seeds; (5) Diabetic rats treated with 250mg/kg body

weight of n-hexane extract of HU seeds; (6) Diabetic rats treated with 500mg/kg

body weight of n-hexane extract of HU seeds. Treatments of the induced diabetic

rodents lasted for 14 days before they were sacrificed and blood was collected for

biochemical evaluation. From the results, significant (P≤ 0.05) high white blood

cells, platelets and mean corpuscular volume were observed in group 2. Reducing

sugars (in high amounts), flavonoids, tannin, alkaloids, saponins and 14 important

compounds were found present in the HU seed extracts. The acute toxicity study of

the extracts showed no death at doses of up to 500 mg/kg body weight after 24 h

and for 7 days of observation. Treatments with glibenclamide, and extracts of HU

seeds at various doses significantly increased (P<0.05) the red blood cells (RBC),

packed cell volume and hemoglobin but significantly (P<0.05) reduced the white

blood cells and platelets of the Haematological parameters. Thus, Methanol and n- Hexane extracts of HU seeds possess anti-hyperglycemic effects on the haematology

due to their high contents of phytochemicals.

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British Journal of Healthcare and Medical Research (BJHMR) Vol 10, Issue 4, August- 2023

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Keywords: Diabetic treatment, Hunteria umbellata, phytochemicals, haematology, acute

toxicity.

INTRODUCTION

Diabetes mellitus is a group of metabolic diseases characterized by hyperglycemia resulting

from defects in insulin secretion, insulin action, or both (WHO, 2016; Kumar et al., 2021). It is

one of the fastest-growing diseases of the 21st century, with a disproportionate burden on low

and middle-income countries (Pragya, 2015; IDF, 2021). The chronic hyperglycemia of diabetes

is associated with long-term damage, dysfunction, and failure of various organs, especially the

eyes, kidneys, nerves, heart, and blood vessels (Kesavadev et al., 2017). Several pathogenic

processes are involved in the development of diabetes. These range from autoimmune

destruction of the beta-cells of the pancreas with consequent insulin deficiency to

abnormalities that result in resistance to insulin action. The blood is a vital fluid, which contains

the red blood cells (RBC), white blood cells (WBC) and platelets suspended in the serum in

homeostatic concentrations. The blood is important for pulmonary and tissue respiration, as a

medium of endocrine and neurohumoral transmissions, biotransformation and metabolic

excretion (Adebayo et al., 2005), nutritional and immunological processes, as well as

homeostatic responses (Oze, 1992).

Over the years, diabetes mellitus has been the problem of the world, and the disease is ranked

one of the top killers in the world (Kesavadev et al., 2017). It is the major cause of heart failure,

stroke, sexual dysfunction, nephropathy, retinopathy, vascular dysfunction, hypertension,

coronary artery disease, hearing impairment, different forms of cancer, and non-healing of

wounds leading to skin complications, amputation of limbs and feet (Forbes et al., 2013; Padhi

et al., 2020; Kumar et al., 2021). The global prevalence of diabetes mellitus estimated at 2.8%

in 2000 (171 million people) is expected to rise to 9.9% (552 million) of adult population in

year 2030 if no urgent efforts are directed at stemming the tide of this global public health

burden (Whiting et al., 2011; Padhi et al., 2020). It is also predicted that by 2030 India, China

and United States will have the largest number of diabetes sufferers (Pragya, 2015). In 2016,

Nigeria had the highest number of people with diabetes with 3.9 million and there has been a

progressive increase since then (Adeleye, 2021). Today, the average household in Nigeria has a

diabetes scare and that craves for urgent effective prevention, treatment and management in

order to avert crash of health and socio-economic development in the country.

However, many synthetic drugs have been developed for treatment of diabetes mellitus, but

still they have not provided a complete cure, and worst still, long-term use of these expensive

synthetic drugs causes severe side effects (Pragya, 2015; Kumar et al., 2021). Thus,

revolutionized research studies are on top gear to provide alternative remedies that are

effective, non-toxic and affordable for treatment of diabetics. In the history of man, traditional

treatments have been an extremely valued sources of medicines. Of course, World Health

Organization (WHO) has listed a total of 21,000 plants, as valid sources of potent medicines in

the world (Kumar et al., 2021). Among them, more than 400 plants are available for the

treatment of diabetes due to their composition of bioactive compounds. Unfortunately, only a

small number of these plants have undergone scientific and medical evaluation to assess their

efficacy and this has limited their wide utilization in formulation of drugs. The traditional

medicinal plants are used due to the high cost of orthodox drugs and low potency of some

orthodox drugs.

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Obia, C., Nwuke, P. C., & Okereke, G. O. (2023). Haematological Effects of Methanol and n-Hexane Seed Extracts of Hunteria umbellata (abeere) on

Alloxan Induced Diabetic Wistar Rats. British Journal of Healthcare and Medical Research, Vol - 10(4). 111-126.

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.14738/bjhmr.104.15156

Hunteria umbellata is a good source of bioactive compounds, carbohydrate, protein and

minerals (Adeneye and Adeyemi, 2009; Adeneye et al., 2012). The fruit is yellow in colour,

smooth, about 5–25cm and consists of two separates globose mericaps (3–6 cm long), 8 – 25

seeds embedded in a gelatinous pulp. In African folk medicine, different parts of Hunteria

umbellata plant are highly valued in the local treatment of gastric ulcers, liver diseases, diabetes

mellitus and obesity (Boone, 2006; Adeneye et al., 2012a). In Germany, extracts of Hunteria

umbellate are used for reducing the heart rate, as an aphrodisiac, to decrease blood pressure

and reduce blood lipids (Boone, 2006; Ahajumobi and Anderson, 2022). Among the Southwest

Nigerians, the plant is reputed for its anti-helminthic, anti-inflammatory, uterotonic and

antidiabetic activities (Falodun et al., 2006). Cold decoction made from the plant seeds is also

reputed for the management of obesity and hyperlipidaemia among the Yoruba herbalists in

Nigeria (Adeneye and Adeyemi, 2009; Ogunlana et al., 2021; Ahajumobi and Anderson, 2022).

Also, extracts of the seeds of the plant have been reported to be very active against micro- organisms such as Escherichia coli, Proteus spp. and Staphylococcus aureus (Adeneye et al.,

2012a). Hunteria umbellata seeds extract contains secondary metabolite like tannins, cardia

glycosides, flavonoids, saponins, alkaloids, anthraquinones, polyphenols and terpenoids (Igbe

et al., 2009; Adeneye et al., 2012; Oboh et al., 2018). The extract reduces the blood glucose

levels, cholesterol levels and triglycerides (Adeneye et al., 2011; Adeneye and Crooks, 2015).

Hunteria umbellata (HU) significantly elevates red blood cell, Packed cell volume, and

Hemoglobin levels (Ogunlana et al., 2021; Ahajumobi and Anderson, 2022), which strongly

suggests that HU could be useful in the management of anemia.

The aim of this study was to assess the haematological effects of Methanol and n-Hexane

extracts of Hunteria umbellata seeds on diabetes mellitus using alloxan induced diabetic wistar

rats as test animals.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Materials

Procurement of Sample Material:

The fresh fruits of Hunteria umbelleta (HU) were purchased from Aba in Aba North local

government area of Abia State. They were botanically authenticated at the Department of Plant

Science and Biotechnology, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike, Nigeria.

Methods

Preparation of Sample Material:

The fruits were washed with distilled water and peeled to obtain the seeds. The Hunteria

umbelleta (HU) seeds were rinsed in clean tap water and air dried in an oven (Model, DHG

9101.1 USA) at 250C for 7 weeks. The dried seeds were pulverized into powder using an electric

blender (Model serial NO. 4745, Christy and Noris Ltd. England) and stored in a dry container

at room temperature.

Preparation of Methanol Hunteria umbelleta (HU) Seed Extract:

Hunteria umbelleta (HU) seed powder (841g) was poured into the material chamber of the

soxhlet extractor. Then extraction using methanol (solvent) of 1600 mL at a temperature of

60oC took place for 48 h. The solvent (methanol) in the Hunteria umbelleta (HU) seed extract

was recovered by evaporating at 40oC using a rotary evaporator to obtain a crude extract. The

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British Journal of Healthcare and Medical Research (BJHMR) Vol 10, Issue 4, August- 2023

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Hunteria umbelleta (HU) seed extract was packaged in a sealed zip lock and stored in

refrigerator for further analysis.

Preparation of n-Hexane Hunteria umbelleta (HU) Seed Extract:

Hunteria umbelleta (HU) seed powder (841g) was poured into the material chamber of the

Soxhlet extractor. Then extraction using n-hexane (solvent) of 1600 mL at a temperature of

60oC took place for 48 h. The solvent (n-hexane) in the Hunteria umbelleta (HU) seed extract

was recovered by evaporating at 40oC using a rotary evaporator to obtain a crude extract. The

Hunteria umbelleta (HU) seed extract was packaged in a sealed zip lock and stored in

refrigerator for further analysis.

Determination of Phytochemicals in the HU Seed Extracts:

The phytochemical screening was done on the methanol and n-hexane HU seed extracts using

GCMS-QP 2010 SHIMADZU instrument (Trease and Evans, 1989; Shale et al., 1999; Evans et al.,

2000; Abate, 2002; Sawadogo et al., 2006; Agim et al., 2017). The constituents tested include:

Alkaloids, Tanins, saponins, phenolic compounds, cardiac glycoside, flavonoids and steroids.

The HU seed extract (3 g) was dissolved in aqueous solvent of methanol. To analyze the sample,

the column oven temperature and Injector temperature were set at 800°C and 200°C

respectively. The flow control mode was maintained in linear velocity with a split injection

mode split ratio of 20. The column flow was 1.46 mL/min with a helium carrier gas of

99.9995% purity. The column oven temperature program was set as follows: The temperature

was set at 80°C with 2 minutes hold time by the rate of 10. The temperature was 300°C with

10 minutes hold time. The column at 5 minutes was used with a length of 30 mL and diameter

of 0.25 mm and its film thickness was 0.25 m. The ion source temperature for MS condition

was 200°C and interface temperature was 240°C. Starting m/z (Mass to charge) ratio was 40

and ending with m/z ratio of 700. (40-700 m/z).

Identification of the Phytochemical Constituents:

The unknown phytochemical components present in the extracts, were identified by

comparing their individual mass spectral peak values with the data base of National Institute

of Standard and Technology (NIST) which holds about 62,000 patterns. Then, the

phytochemical was identified based on the hits returned after comparing the unknown peak

value and the chromatogram from GCMS against the known chromatogram, peak value from

the NIST library data base. Subsequently, the detail about their molecular formula, molecular

weight, structures was obtained.

Animal for the Experiment:

Sixty-six sexually mature male Wistar rats (10-12 weeks old; weights-150-153g) obtained

from the laboratory animal house of the College of Veterinary Medicine, Michael Okpara

University of Agriculture, Umudike, Nigeria, were used for the experiment. Thirty of the rats

were assigned to six groups of five rats each, in metabolic cages equipped to separate feaces

and urine. The rats had exactly 12 h of light and 12 h of darkness in a day. National Research

Council guidelines on the care and use of laboratory animals (National Research Council, 2010)

were strictly adhered to. The rats had free access to food (Standard pellet diet, from Vital feed

Ltd. Aba, Abia State, Nigeria) and water at will for an acclimatization period of 21 days prior to

experiment. Baseline blood glucose and body weights of the rats were taken after

acclimatization period. The study was approved by Animal Experimentation Ethics Committee

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Obia, C., Nwuke, P. C., & Okereke, G. O. (2023). Haematological Effects of Methanol and n-Hexane Seed Extracts of Hunteria umbellata (abeere) on

Alloxan Induced Diabetic Wistar Rats. British Journal of Healthcare and Medical Research, Vol - 10(4). 111-126.

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.14738/bjhmr.104.15156

of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Nigeria. The seven groups of the rodents

(5 rats in each group) were obtained on the basis that the difference in mean body weight of

each group did not exceed 5g (AOAC, 1995). The rats were housed in the animal house of the

Department of Biochemistry, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike. The animals

were acclimatized for a period of 21 days prior to the experiment. Rats were allowed free

access to water throughout the study and were maintained on a 12 h light: 12 h dark phase

schedule.

Experimental Design

The studies on diabetes mellitus were carried out using the Completely Randomized Design

(CRD). Thirty rats were randomly assigned to six groups of five rats each based on treatments

for them. There were six treatments, each replicated five times. The rats were the replicates

while the different diets/treatments differentiated the groups. Then, for the Acute Toxicity

Test (LD50), thirty-six rats (nine rats in phase one and nine rats in phase two for Methanol HU

seed extract; nine rats in phase one and nine rats in phase two for n-Hexane HU seed extract)

were used for the experiment

Induction of Diabetes Mellitus

The rats were fasted for 17 hours before induction of diabetes mellitus. Diabetes mellitus was

induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of 160 mg/kg body weight of Alloxan

monohydrate (Pari and Venkateswaran, 2002). Alloxan was dissolved in 0.9% normal saline

as vehicle. Therapeutic measures were adopted to ensure the survival of the rats by

administration of glucose to tide over hypoglycemic phase. The blood glucose levels were

assessed on days 3 and 6 following administration of alloxan. The blood samples were obtained

by sequential snipping of the tail. Animals with blood glucose level greater than 200 mg/dl

were considered diabetic after 2 days of induction of alloxan and were used for the experiment.

All animals were allowed free access to water and pellet diet.

Experimental Groups of the Animals for the Diabetes Mellitus studies

The six groups of the rats were treated as follows:

1. Group 1 (Negative control- diabetic rats without treatment)- allowed on animal feed

and water ad libitum;

2. Group 2 (Positive control- diabetic rats)- were given oral hypoglycemic drug

(Glibenclimide at 500 mg/kg body weight) and allowed on animal feed and water ad

libitum;

3. Group 3 (Test group- diabetic rats)- rats were orally administered 250mg/kg body

weight of methanol HU seed extract and allowed on animal feed and water ad libitum;

4. Group 4 (Test group- diabetic rats)- rats were orally administered 500mg/kg body

weight of methanol HU seed extract and allowed on animal feed and water ad libitum;

5. Group 5 (Test group-diabetic rats)- rats were orally administered 250mg/kg body

weight of n- hexane HU seed extract and allowed on animal feed and water ad libitum;

6. Group 6 (Test group- diabetic rats)- rats were orally administered 500mg/kg body

weight of n- hexane HU seed extract and allowed on animal feed and water ad libitu

Note: The rats were all sacrificed after 14 days of the study for biochemical analysis.

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Composition of the Animal Feed

The composition of rodent pelleted chow was 50% as carbohydrate, 21% as protein, 5% as fat,

15% as moisture and 9% mineral. The diets were formulated using AIN-93G (American

Institute of Nutrition) method (National Research Council, 1995).

Biological Studies

Acute Toxicity Test LD50:

Acute toxicity tests for the methanol and n-hexane seed extracts were done according to the

method of Lorke (1983) as follows:

Phase 1:

In this phase, nine test animals were divided into three groups of three animals each. Each

group of animals were administered different doses (10, 100 and 1000 mg/kg body weight) of

test substance respectively. The animals were placed under observation for 24 hours to

monitor their behaviors as well as if mortality will occur.

Phase 2:

In this phase, nine test animals were distributed into three groups of three animals each. The

animals were administered higher doses (1600, 2900 and 5000 mg/kg body weight) of test

substance and then observed for 24 hours for behavioral change as well as mortality.

LD50 was calculated by the formula;

LD

Where; D0 is the highest dose that gave no mortality

D100 is the lowest dose that produced mortality

Blood Sample Collection

At the 14th day, the animals were fasted overnight, anaesthetized with chloroform and

sacrificed. Blood was collected through sharp cardiac puncture. Blood samples were collected

into EDTA containers (whole blood for hematological analysis).

Determination of Blood Glucose Concentration (mg/dl)

The one touch glucose monitoring meter and test strips were used as described in the

operational manual. A drop of whole blood (0.04 mL) was placed on a strip inserted into the

glucometer. The glucometer automatically separated serum from blood cells and determined

the blood glucose, which was displayed on the glucometer and the reading taken.

Determination of Hematological Parameters

Hematological indices were determined by standard method as described by Ochei and

Kolhatkar (2008). The indices examined were Packed Cell Volume (PCV), Red Blood Cells

(RBC), White Blood Cells (WBC) and Platelets. The standard procedures used are described

below.

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Obia, C., Nwuke, P. C., & Okereke, G. O. (2023). Haematological Effects of Methanol and n-Hexane Seed Extracts of Hunteria umbellata (abeere) on

Alloxan Induced Diabetic Wistar Rats. British Journal of Healthcare and Medical Research, Vol - 10(4). 111-126.

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.14738/bjhmr.104.15156

Packed Cell Volume (PCV)

This was determined using standard haematological procedure as described by Ochei and

Kolhatkar (2008). Well mixed anticoagulated blood (0.5 ml) was aspirated into a capillary tube

with one end sealed with plasticin. The tube was spun in a haematocrit centrifuge for 5 minutes

and then read off in a PCV reader. The values obtained were recorded as the PCV values.

Red Blood Cells

This was determined using standard haematological procedure as described by Ochei and

Kolhatkar (2008). Well mixed anticoagulated blood was diluted 1: 20 with 10% Na2CO3

solution. The mixture (0.5ml) was loaded into an improved Neubauer counting chamber.

Appropriate squares (5 significant squares) were counted and added up to determine the total

red cell count.

White Blood Cells (Total White Blood Cell Count)

This was determined using standard haematological procedure as described by Ochei and

Kolhatkar (2008). Well mixed anticoagulated blood was diluted 1: 20 with Turk solution (2%

Glacial acetic acid) in a test tube. This was loaded into an improved Neubauer counting

chamber. Appropriate squares (4 significant squares) were counted, added up and divided by

2 to determine the total white cell count.

Platelets

This was determined using the method described by Cheesbrough (2000). The blood sample

was diluted 1: 20 with 2% ammonium oxalate. The diluted sample was loaded into the

Neubauer counting chamber with the aid of a pasteur pipette. The platelets were counted from

appropriate five squares on the chamber under a microscope and summed up to obtain the

platelet values.

Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV)

Mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC)

were determined by calculation.

Where MCV = Mean Corpuscular Volume

PCV = Packed Cell Volume

RBC = Red Blood Cells

Where MCHC = Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration

Statistical Analysis

Data obtained in this study were expressed as means of triplicate values. Then, the

phytochemical data were subjected to statistical analysis. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) were

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determined using SPSS Version 21.0 and the differences between the mean values were

evaluated at p<0.05 using Duncan’s multiple range test.

RESULTS

Table 1: The Median Lethal Dose (LD50) of the methanol HU seed extract

Dose mg/kg D/T Physical Observation

Phase 1

10 0/3 Scratching of the mouth within a minute

100 0/3 Scratching of the mouth and calmness after a while

1000 0/3 Calmness and slow movement

Phase 2

1600 0/3 Scratching of the mouth and a little restlessness

2900 3/3 Restlessness, Agitation, Climbing on other rats and

death within 1hr

5000 3/3 Restlessness, Agitation and death within 1hr

D = Number of deaths; Number of albino rats used per experiment = 3

The acute toxicity test for the methanol HU seed extract shown in Table 1 revealed that in phase

1 of the study, no death of animal occurred at a dose of up to 1000 mg/kg body weight and there

were no observable signs of toxicity. In phase 2, treatment of the animals with doses from 2900

to 5000 mg/kg body weight caused the death of all three animals with signs of toxicity.

Table 2: The Median Lethal Dose (LD50) of the N-hexane HU seed extract

Dose mg/kg D/T Physical Observation

Phase 1

10 0/3 Scratching of the mouth and calmness within a minute

100 0/3 Scratching of the mouth and calmness after a while

1000 0/3 Calmness and slow movement

Phase 2

1600 0/3 Calmness and slow movement

2900 0/3 Calmness and slow movement

5000 0/3 Calmness and slow movement

D = Number of deaths = 0; T = Number of albino rats used for the experiment = 3

The acute toxicity test of the n-hexane HU seed extracts as shown in Table 2, revealed that in

phase 1 of the study, no death of a rat occurred at a dose of up to 1000 mg/kg body weight, and

there were no observable signs of toxicity. In phase 2, treatment of the animals with doses of

up to 5000 mg/kg body weight did not cause any death or produce any signs of toxicity.

Table 3: Results for GC-MS Profiling of Methanol HU Seed Extract

Compound/

species

probabilit

y

Retentio

n time

Molecular

formula

Molecula

r weight

Compound

Nature

Activity

Benzenemethanol, αα- Dimethyl

48.2% 3.849 C9 H12 O 136 Colourless

aromatic

alcohol.

Acts as a

solvent, an

antioxidant

and a

fragrance.

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Obia, C., Nwuke, P. C., & Okereke, G. O. (2023). Haematological Effects of Methanol and n-Hexane Seed Extracts of Hunteria umbellata (abeere) on

Alloxan Induced Diabetic Wistar Rats. British Journal of Healthcare and Medical Research, Vol - 10(4). 111-126.

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.14738/bjhmr.104.15156

Spiro-9,9'-bis(2-

hydroxyfluorene)

29.9% 3.913 C25H16O2 348 Extremely

weak basic

(essentially

neutral)

Potentially

toxic

compound.

Vismiaquinone 44.8% 5.013 C21 H20 O5 352 - -

Dichloroacetaldehyde 98.9% 7.550 C2 H2 Cl2 O 112 Colourless

organochlorin

e compound

Anti-fungal

activity

Trichloromethane 96.9% 8.022 C HCl3

118

Colourless,

volatile liquid

with an ether- like odour.

Acute

chloroform

toxicity

results in

impaired

liver

function,

cardiac

arrhythmia,

nausea and

central

nervous

system

dysfunction

.

1,3-Diphenyl-2,4,5-

trioxoimidazolidine

15.6% 8.569 C15H10N2O3 266 - -

2-Norpinanol, 3,6,6-trimethyl 8.78% 9.651 C10H18O 154 - -

Nonanamide, N'[(3-methoxy- 4[(trimethylsilyl)oxy]

phenyl]methyl]-8-methyl

29.5% 10.012 C21H37NO3S

i

379 - Harmful by

ingestion

n-Hexadecanoic acid 94.5% 13.906 C16H32O2 256 Saturated

fatty acid

Anti- bacterial

activity

5,5'-Di(benzyloxycarbonyl)-

3,3',4,4'-tetramethyl-2,2'-

dipyrrylmethane

54.5% 15.826 C29H30N2O4 470 - Synthesis of

anti- oxidant

Succinic acid, 2-pentyl 2,2,3,3-

tetrafluoropropyl ester

98.0% 16.746 C12H18F4O4 302 Alpha, omega,

dicarboxylic

acid

Atheiminic

activity

Glycerol tricaprylate 97.9% 17.398 C27H50O6 470 - Fragrant

ingredient

Vanadium,

(pentamethylcyclopentadieny

l)

(Tetraphenylcyclobutadiene

93.6% 18.527 C38H35V 542 Hard, silvery,

grey,

malleable

transition

metal

It is used for

pre- diabetes

and

diabetes

Acetic acid, 4,4,

6a,8a,11,12,14b-heptamethyl- 13-oxodocosahydropicen-3-ly

ester

98.9% 18.638 C31H50O3 470 Carboxylic

acid, clear,

colorless

organic fluid

Anti- bacterial

Key: (_) Not present

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The GC-MS spectra analysis in Table 3 revealed the presence of different compounds present in

the methanol HU seed extract, as well as their retention time, molecular formula, molecular

weight, compound nature and their different activities.

Table 4: Results for GC-MS Profiling of N-Hexane HU Seed Extract

Compound/species Probability Retentio

n time

Molecular

formulae

Molecula

r weight

Compound

Nature

Activity

1α- Hydroxyallobetulane

97.2% 5.455 C 50H 50O2 442 Cyclic

dimeric

esters

Anti-fungal

activities

Benzoic acid, 2,4-

dimethoxy-6-[(4-

methoxyphenyl])

95.1% 6.133 C 19H 20O6 344 Aromatic

carboxylic

acid

Anti- microbial

activity

Benzenepropanoic

acid

97.4% 6.776 C9H8BrNO4 273 - -

5α-Cholestane- 3β,4β,6α, 7 α,8 β,

15α,16β,26-octaol

41.8% 7.027 C 27H 48O8 500 Esterases

that lyses

choline

based esters

Neurotrans

miters toxic

by ingestion

5,9,23-

Tricontatrienoic acid,

methyi ester

11.101 C 31H 56O2 460 - -

Octadecanoic acid,

10,11,13,14-

tetrakis[(trimethylsilyl

)oxy]

93.0% 17.759 C31H 70O6Si4 650 Esters of

fatty acid

Anti- bacterial

activity

Nonanamide, 5-

hydroxy-5-methyl-2-

(2-methylpropyl)-N- benzyl- 91.6% 18.387 C21H 35NO2 333 - -

D-Ribose 90.1% 18.725 C 5H 10O5 150 Water

soluble

pentose

sugar

Coding,

decoding,

regulation

and

expression

of gene

1(3H)-

Isobenzofuranone,

3,3'-(4-hydroxy-1,-3-

phenylene)bis[3-(4-

hydroxyphenyl)

81.3% 20.017 C 34H 22O7 542 Natural oil Anti-oxidant

and

antimicrobia

l activity

Spirostan-3,11-diol

diacetate(ester)

4.06% 20.314 C 31H 48O6 516 Steriod

saponies in

plant

Anti- bacterial

activity

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Obia, C., Nwuke, P. C., & Okereke, G. O. (2023). Haematological Effects of Methanol and n-Hexane Seed Extracts of Hunteria umbellata (abeere) on

Alloxan Induced Diabetic Wistar Rats. British Journal of Healthcare and Medical Research, Vol - 10(4). 111-126.

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.14738/bjhmr.104.15156

1H-Indole-3-acetic

acid, 1-(tert- butyldimethylsilyl)-5-

[(tert- butyldimethylsilyl)

oxy]

98.4% 20.541 C28H51NO3Si3 533 Naturally

occurring

plant

hormone of

the auxin

class

-

Hex-5-ynoic acid,

methyl ester

96.8% 23.055 C 7H 10O2 126 - -

Sebacic acid, dodecyl

pentafluorobenzyl

ester

85.4% 23.940 C29H43F5O4 550 Naturally

occurring

dicarboxylic

acid

derivatives of

oil castol oil

-

2,4-Cyclopentadiene- 1,2,3,4-

tetracarboxylic acid, 5-

(2-quinolinyl)-,

tetramethyl ester

32.7% 24.854 C22H 19NO8 425 - -

Key: (_) = Not present

The GC-MS spectra analysis in Table 4 revealed the presence of different compounds present in

N-hexane seed extract of Hunteria umbelleta as well as their retention time, molecular formula,

molecular weight, compound nature and their different activities.

Table 5: Effect of methanol and n-Hexane seed extract on the haematological profile of

Alloxan-induced diabetic Wistar rats

GROUP RBC PCV (%) HB(g/dL) WBC(×10

9

/L)

PLT(×103

/

mL)

MCV(f/L) MCH(p/L) MCHC(g/

dL)

1 5.99±0.

21ab

39.00+±.

00ab

12.90±0.

95 a

12.95±1.

56b

131.00±6.

89b

65.09±1.

06bc

21.50±0.

82a

33.05±1.

76a

2 6.40±0.

27b

41.33±1.

52ab

13.83±0.

20a

13.22±2.

68b

118.50±2.

05b

64.55±0.

41abc

21.62±0.

78a

33.49±1.

01ab

3 6.70±0.

12bc

42.33±1.

52 c

15.80±0.

43b

9.15±0.6

7

a

117.10±5.

77 b

63..17±1.

13ab

23.58±0.

36 c

37.33±0.

75 c

4 5.18±1.

13c

46.66±1.

15 d

16.46±0.

15b

10.86±0.

40ab

110.13±3.

23b

63.72±0.

14abc

22.49±0.

55abc

35.30±0.

86bc

5 5.19±0.

07a

38.66±2.

08a

13.66±0.

15a

10.59±0.

63a

113.63±0.

90b

66.13±2.

96 c

23.38±0.

35 bc

35.41±1.

94bc

6 6.40±0.

8

ab

38.33±0.

57a

13.76±0.

35a

11.12±0.

42ab

116.10±2.

00b

64.82±0.

55 abc

23.28±0.

55bc

35.910±0

.56 c

Values represent the mean +SD for n=3. Values in the same column bearing the same alphabets

are not significantly different from each other (P<0.05).

Key: Group 1= Diabetic control (untreated rats), Group 2= Positive control (Standard drug

(Glibenclamide, 150mg/kg body weight); Group 3= (methanol extract low dose, 250mg/kg

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body weight), Group 4= n(methanol extract high dose, 500mg/kg body weight); Group 5=( n- hexane extract low dose 250mg/kg body weight) Group 6=( n- hexane extract high dose,

500mg/Kg body weight). Red blood cell (RBC), Pack cell volume (PCV), Haemoglobin (HB),

White blood cell (WBC), Platelets (PLT), MCV, MCH, MCHC.

The result of the effect of aqueous extract of Hunteria Umbellata on the haematological

parameters of Alloxan induced diabetic rats are shown in Table 5. The result of the methanol

/n-hexane extract of Hunteria Umbellata had significant effect on RBC, Hb, MCHC, MCH, PCV,

MCV, WBC. Group 1 (Negative control) were significantly (P<0.05) high in WBC, PLT, MCV while

RBC, PCV, Hb, MCH, MCHC were significantly (P<0.05) low.

However, WBC, PLT, MCV decreased significantly in all treatment groups except WBC in group

3 (treated with 500 mg of Glibenclamide, a standard known drug) and MCV in group 6 (treated

with 250 mg/kg body weight of n-hexane). Also, RBC, PCV, HB, MCH, MCHC increased

significantly in all treatment groups except RBC in (group 6), PCV in group 6, and group 7. When

compared to the group 2 (Diabetes or Negative control).

DISCUSSION

The qualitative phytochemical screening of Methanol and n-hexane seed extracts of Hunteria

Umbellata indicated significant contents of secondary metabolites such as phenols, alkaloids,

flavonoids, oxalate, saponins, combined and free reducing sugars, tannins, sterols and balsams.

The phytochemicals exert a wide range of antidiabetic activities (Kong et al., 2021; Ramirez- Alarcon et al., 2021; Bahrampour et al., 2023; Yedjou et al., 2023). The Gas Chromatography

Mass Spectrophotometry analysis of Methanol and n- hexane seed extracts of Hunteria

umbellata revealed the presence of different compounds present, including their retention

time, molecular formula, molecular weight, compound nature and their different activities.

Acute Toxicity Test LD50 (Locke's Method, 1983)

Safety assessment of pharmaceuticals and foods are very crucial prior to their approval for

human uses (Erhirhie et al., 2018). LD50 is the amount of a substance, or material given at once

which causes death of 50% of a group of test animals. It is usually expressed as the amount of

chemical administered (eg. mg per 100 g for smaller animals) or (mg per kg for bigger subjects)

of the weight of the test animal. LD50 is important for drugs, food and accidental domestic

poisoning. In general, the smaller the LD50 value, the more toxic the chemicals are; the larger

the LD50 value, the lower the toxicity (Chinedu et al., 2013). Of course, extrapolation of these

animal data into humans may guarantee potential hazards of these extracts to humans.

Assessment of hematological parameters can not only be used to determine the extent of

deleterious effect of extract on the blood of an animal, but it can also be used to explain blood

relating functions of a plant extract or its product (Yakubu et al., 2007).

Haemotoxicity sets in when there is elevation of these blood components beyond their

reference ranges. There was a significant reduction (P<0.05) in WBC levels of diabetic rats

treated with aqueous extract of Hunteria umbellata when compared with the untreated Wistar

rats. The study shows that there is a significant increase (P<0.05) in the level of RBC, HB and

PCV of group 3 and the treated groups, (250 mg/kg body weight of the methanol extract of

Hunteria umbellata; 500 mg/kg body weight of the methanol extract of Hunteria umbellata)

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Obia, C., Nwuke, P. C., & Okereke, G. O. (2023). Haematological Effects of Methanol and n-Hexane Seed Extracts of Hunteria umbellata (abeere) on

Alloxan Induced Diabetic Wistar Rats. British Journal of Healthcare and Medical Research, Vol - 10(4). 111-126.

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.14738/bjhmr.104.15156

when compared to the negative control. But there was a decrease in the 250 mg/kg body weight

of n-hexane extract of Hunteria umbellata and 500 mg/kg body weight of n-hexane extract of

Hunteria umbellata. This may be as a result of anemia or the onset of glycosylation process in

the untreated diabetic rats. There was a significant decrease (P<0.05) in the PLT concentration

of the diabetic rats when treated with the extracts of Hunteria umbellata. There was a

significant reduction (P<0.05) in the MCV except the group 6 treated with (250 mg/kg body

weight of the n- hexane extract) values.

There was a significant increase (P<0.05) in the MCH when treated with the extracts of Hunteria

Umbellata (i.e. group 3- group 6) when compared to the negative control. Also, there was a

significant increase (P<0.05) in MCHC when treated with extracts of Hunteria Umbellata on the

diabetic rats. The results obtained shows significant values of WBC; therefore, it is clear that an

increase in the number of WBC is a normal reaction of rats to foreign substances, which alters

their normal physiological processes. Platelets play a major role in the development as well as

in the stability of atherosclerotic plaques and as a consequence, anti-platelet agents have been

used clinically in patients at risk for myocardial ischemia, unstable angina and acute myocardial

infarction (Albers, 1995; George, 2000). Therefore, the high dose (500 mg/kg body weight) of

the Hunteria umbellata extracts were useful in reducing the platelets which in turn might be

useful in reducing the cardiovascular diseases as some studies suggested various mechanisms

by which flavonoid exert its antiplatelet property by lowering intracellular Ca2+ levels;

alteration in the metabolism of cAMP, and thromboxane A2 (Roy et al., 1999; Kang et al., 2001).

The haemoglobin content, RBC and PCV also significantly increased stimulate erythropoietin

release in the kidney which is the humoral regulators of RBC production (Degruchy, 19756;

Polenakovic and Sikole, 1996). The result of the study suggested that Hunteria Umbellata

extract studied showed positive haematological activities in rats and can be recommended on

the management of anemia and immunity dependent disorders.

CONCLUSION

Methanol and n-Hexane extracts of Hunteria umbellata (at both 250 mg and 500 mg per kg body

weight) exhibited effective positive antidiabetic properties, significant physiological and

biochemical functions in treatment of diabetic wistar rats, induced with alloxan. The methanol

and n-hexane seed extracts of Hunteria umbellate had significant composition of

phytochemicals such as phenols alkaloids, flavonoids, oxalate, saponins etc. The acute toxicity

test for methanol HU seed extract showed its safe nature at dose of up to 1600 mg/kg body

weight; while that of n-hexane HU seed extract showed no sign of toxicity at dose of up to 5000

mg/kg body weight. Therefore, these methanol and n-Hexane extracts of Hunteria umbellata

possess the potentials of management of diabetes mellitus in animals and humans better than

the standard drug (Glibenclamide); and thus, could serve as alternatives or replacements to

orthodox antidiabetic drugs that are associated with long-term side effects. Utilization of

medicinal plants (such as Hunteria unbellata) in the management of diabetes mellitus should

be encouraged in Africa.

RECOMMENDATION

Further studies should be undertaken on the effects of the mechanism of action of Methanol

and n-Hexane extracts of Hunteria Umbellata seeds on alloxan induced diabetic male wistar

rats. The results of such study can be used to verify the efficacy and potency of the results of

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this present study. Attention should be drawn to proper utilization of medicinal plants in the

treatment of diseases in Africa.

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