Assessment of the Effect of Citrullus lanatus Pulp and Seed Aqueous Extract on the Liver of Albino Rats

Aim: The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of an aqueous extract of watermelon (Citrullus Lanatus) seeds and pulp extract on the Albino rat’s liver tissues.

Study Design: A pre-clinical experimental trial using rat models.

Study Area: This study was carried out at the Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, University of Nigeria Enugu Campus, and the Department of Morbid Anatomy, Enugu State University Teaching Hospital.

Methods: Eighteen albino rats were grouped from A to F. Group A and B served as the baseline and positive control respectively and were provided distilled water and 100mg/kg body weight of Vitamin C for 21 days, respectively. Group C-F received watermelon extract in the following concentration 25mg/kg, 50mg/kg, 100mg/kg, 150mg/kg respectively for 21 days. All dosages were administered orally using gavage once a day. Following the experiment, samples of blood were taken in order to measure the levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and Total bilirubin (TB) using QCA (Quinica Clinical applicator assay kits).

Results: The results showed that a statistical significant decrease in the Aspartate transaminase (AST) level was observed in the rats that received 25mg/kg Citrullus lanatus extract (CLE) [61.67±2.67] when compared with the baseline control [106.67±4.98]. A notable statistical increase in the C-reactive protein value was observed in rats in group E and F that received 100mg/kg and 150mg/kg of Citrullus lanatus extract respectively when compared with the baseline and positive control. Histological findings on the liver also showed normal histomorphology across all the groups. In conclusion, the pulp and seed extract of Citrullus lunatus did not significantly alter the albino rat’s liver’s relative organ weight, but they did exhibit an increase that is dose-dependent in antioxidant activity.