Haematological and Biochemical Properties of Methanolic Extract of Citrullus lanatus Seeds

Watermelon is a commonly consumed, but this consumption is usually limited to the fruit. Phytochemical constituents of watermelon have known advantages, however the seeds of the plant are usually thrown away. This study investigated the possible beneficial effects of consumption of watermelon seeds, assessing their effects on blood, liver and general metabolism. Twenty-four (24) male rats were divided into four (4) groups consisting of six (6) rats each and were treated for 20 days. Group 1 (control) rats received normal saline, group 2 were given 100mg/kg of the Citrullus lanatus extract, while group 3 and 4 received 200 and 300 mg/kg of the Citrullus lanatus extract respectively. Blood samples were collected after 10 days and 20 days for analysis. Weekly body weights were taken, while red blood cell and platelet counts were determined. Packed cell volume, haemoglobin concentration and white blood cell differential count were also determined using standard methods. Alanine transaminase (ALT), Aspartate transaminase (AST), Alkanine phosphatase (ALP) and bilirubin concentrations were also estimated from serum. There was a significant decrease (p<0.05) in the serum levels of ALT, AST and bilirubin in groups that received the seed extract while there were significant increases in haematological indices. There was also a significant decrease in body weight of the rats treated with the extract in individual comparisons with the control group on days 10 and 20 of administration. Consumption of Citrullus lanatus seed extract reduces body weight, decreases serum levels of liver biomarkers and increases haematological parameters. Hence, Citrullus lanatus seed is safe for human and might be beneficial effect on health.