Effect of Aqueous Extract of Citrullus lanatus (Water Melon) Seeds on Alloxan Induced - Diabetic Wistar Rats

This study was designed to evaluate the effect of aqueous extract of Citrullus lanatus (water melon) seeds on alloxan induced-diabetic wistar rats. The Wistar rats were grouped into 11 of 3 rats in each. Groups 2-11 received single dose of 120 mg/kg b.wt of alloxan monohydrate intraperitoneally. Groups 4 and 5 orally received a dose of 100 mg/kg b.wt of metformin for 7 and 21 days respectively. Groups 6, 8 and 10 orally received 200 mg/kg b.wt, 400 mg/kg b.wt, and 600 mg/kg b.wt. of the extract respectively for 7 days while groups 7, 9 and 11 orally received 200 mg/kg b.wt., 400 mg/kg b.wt and 600 mg/kg b.wt of the extract respectively for 21 days. Blood samples were collected 24 hours after 7 and 21 days of treatment and selected biochemical parameters were determined; glucose determination, pancreatic α- amylase activities and lipid profile, while histopathology examination of the pancreas was also examined. Qualitative phytochemical result showed the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, saponin, tannin, oxalate and phytate. Flavonoids (176.87 ug/g) were most abundant and phytate was the least occurring anti nutrient (6.75±0.06). Citrullus lanatus seeds extract significantly (p≤0.05) decreased the plasma glucose levels, pancreatic α-amylase activities, total cholesterol, triglycerides and lipoproteins while there was a significant (p≤0.05) increase in high density lipoproprotein levels on 7 and 21 days in all the extract treated groups. The histopathological examination of the pancreas showed regeneration of pancreatic cells in all the extract treated groups. The aqueous extract of Citrullus lanatus (water melon) seeds is rich in phytochemicals with antioxidant properties hence could serve as novel herbal antidiabetic agent.