Cardioprotective effects of Citrullus lanatus rinds in male wistar rats

Abstract

Water melon, citrullus lanatus is a common edible fruit belongs to the family of cucumber (Cucurbitacea). The outer part of citrullus lanatus known as the rind is always discarded. This study investigated the effects of ethanol extract of citrullus lanatus rinds orally administered on some liver function enzymes, kidney function markers, cardiac risk ratio, and the atherogenic coefficient indices in male wistar rats. Twenty-five male Wistar albino rats were randomly distributed into five groups (I, II, III, IV and V) of five rats each received 0mg/kg, 100 mg/kg, 200mg/kg, 400mg/kg and 800mg/kg of ethanol extract of Citrullus lanatus rinds respectively for 35days. The result showed that the effects of ethanol extract of citrullus lanatus rinds was not significant difference (p > 0.05) in serum liver enzymes (Aspartate aminotransferase, Alanine aminotransferase, Alkaline phosphatase) in increasing dose dependent manner when compared with control group. There were no significant differences (p > 0.05) in serum levels of urea and creatinine with increasing dose of ethanol extract of Citrullus lanatus rinds in rats when compared with control group. The extract showed significantly higher (p< 0.05) values in the serum HDL, cholesterol but there were significant reduction (p< 0.05) in the serum total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, VLDL and non-HDL values in rats at higher doses of the extract when compared with control group. While it was observed that the cardiac risk ratio, the atherogenic coefficient and indices decreased significantly (p< 0.05) in rats at increasing doses of ethanol extract of Citrullus lanatus rinds when compared with control group. This may suggest a likely cardio-protective effects of ethanol extract of Citrullus lanatus rinds in increasing dose dependent manner in rats when compared with control group. In conclusion, it can be inferred that Citrullus lanatus rinds can be consumed by animals without detrimental effect.

Comparison of biochemical, haematological and pathological effects of Citrulllus lanatus rind fractions in liver of male wistar rats

“…There was hyperproteinaemia in rats treated with 800 and 1600mg/kg CLREF and rats that received 800 and 1600mg/kg CLRCE which is an indication that the CLREF can initiate or enhance good affinity for transporting lipids, vitamins and minerals in the body with improved body immune system (Peng et al, 2020). It can also be inferred that CLRCE will exhibit good affinity for effective cardiovascular system in the body as seen in the study of Akintunde et al, (2017) et al, 2013).…”

“…The extracts of citrullus lanatus seed had been confirmed to possess pharmacological actions such as anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective and antioxidant activity (Alka et al,2008) The citrullus lanatus fruit had been shown to possess significant anti-hepatotoxic properties (Altas & Kizil, 2011), with high anti-hyperlipidemic (Aruna et al, 2012), antigiardia, anti-inflammatory, anti-secretory, laxative, gastroprotective, anti-ulcerative, antibacterial, antioxidant, antimicrobial and analgesic activities in man and animals (Deshmukh et al, 2015). Citrullus lanatus rind possesses analgesic activity (Kumari et al, 2013); cardioprotective effects (Akintunde et al, 2017). The citrullus lanatus fruit has haematinic effects in rats (Akintunde et al, 2020).…”

Review of studies published on the medicinal importance of different parts of Citrullus lanatus in the last ten years

“…al., 2016). The watermelon rind had also been investigated and conf irmed to cause cardiovascular system protection (Akintunde et al, 2017;Abu-Hiamed, 2018); Fan et al, 2020) due to the presence of phytochemicals constituents.…”

Adsorption of cadmium ion from water using activated carbon produced from palm kernel shell

“…The Citrullus lanatus rind (CLR) is edible and used as a vegetable in meals7 this is emphasizing the nutritive values found in it. The Citrullus lanatus rind possesses cardio-protective effects8 with the presence of some antioxidant's compounds. Moreover, fruits of CL have been shown to cause antipyretic and anti-inflammatory effects3 .…”