Effect of Ethanol Extract of Cymbopogon citratus on Blood Sugar and Haematological Indices in Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Wistar Rats

Background and Objective: Cymbopogon citratus is a famous medicinal plant with reported pharmacological actions. Herein, the effect of Cymbopogon citratus ethanolic extract on the blood sugar and haematological indices of alloxan-induced diabetic rats was investigated. Materials and Methods: Fifteen rats were distributed into Five groups and treated intraperitoneal for 14 days. Group I: Normal control (untreated), Group II: Negative control (untreated diabetic rats), Group III: Positive control (5 mg kg^-1 glibenclamide, standard drug-treated rats), Group IV: 100 mg kg^-1 extract-treated diabetic rats and Group V: 200 mg kg^-1 extract-treated diabetic rats. Blood sugar and body weights were measured, rats were euthanized and blood was collected for hematological analysis. Results: The administration of alloxan-monohydrate provoked a marked elevation in the rats’ blood sugar and a drastic fall in body weights. However, oral ethanol extract of Cymbopogon citratus administration led to a profound reduction (p<0.05) in blood glucose levels and a significant (p<0.05) increase in weight in a concentration-dependent manner. In addition, results revealed a marked (p<0.05) reduction in the hematological indices such as Total White Blood Cell (TWBC), neutrophil, lymphocytes and Red Blood Cell (RBC), but extract administration restored normalcy comparable to that of the standard drug. Conclusion: Cymbopogon citratus ameliorated the anomaly elicited by alloxan on the blood sugar and hematological parameters in rats. Consequently, it is rational to suggest that the extract of C. citratus could be an ideal candidate for the design of a potent hypoglycemic drug and formulation of the immune booster.