Al-Hikmah University Journal

Hypertension is a global health concern associated with cardiovascular diseases. Ficus exasperata has gained popularity as an alternative therapy to manage hypertension due to its perceived safety and availability. This study evaluated some haematological and inflammatory markers of Ficus exasperata leaf extract in salt-induced hypertensive Wistar rats. Twenty Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups: control, salt-induced + Nifedipine, salt-induced + Ficus exasperata leaf extract (200 mg/kg), salt-induced + Ficus exasperata leaf extract (400 mg/kg), and Ficus exasperate leaf extract (600 mg/kg). Hematological parameters were analyzed using a Hematological autoanalyzer (SYSMEX 1000), Albumin was analyzed using Bromocresogreen (BCG), and C-reactive protein was analyzed using the ELISA method. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 25, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. RBC (Red Blood Cell), PCV (Packed Cell Volume), and Hb (Hemoglobin) significantly increased upon treatment with 200 mg/kg body weight of Ficus exasperata leaf extract + 8% salt compared to control at p<0.05. However, the red cell parameters significantly decreased after administering 400 mg/kg and 600 mg/kg body weight of Ficus exasperata at p < 0.05. Albumin increased after treatment with 200 mg/kg body weight of Ficus exasperata leaf extract + 8% salt and 600 mg/kg body weight of Ficus exasperata leaf extract compared to control at p<0.05 but decreased after administering 400 mg/kg body weight of Ficus exasperata leaf extract + 8% salt compared to control at p < 0.05. There was no significant difference in WBC (White Blood Cell) and CRP (C-reactive protein) among the groups p > 0.05. Conclusively, Ficus exasperata leaf extract, particularly at a dose of 200 mg/kg body weight, holds potential as a natural therapy for mitigating salt-induced hypertension and its associated complications.