Evaluation of the Protective Effect of Citrullus lanatus (Water Melon) Fruit-Parts Extracts on the Liver of Acetaminophen-Intoxicated Albino Rats

There is always the need to study the bioactive components present in the various parts of edible fruits. This will go a long way to providing an idea of its potential biological benefits when consumed. The current study evaluated the protective effect of C. lanatus fruit’s endocarp/exocarp, mesocarp and seed extracts on the liver of albino rats. The qualitative and quantitative phytochemical analysis was also done following standard methods. The albino rats were divided into nine groups of five per group and treated thus; group 1 (normal control), group 2, Acetaminophen (2 g/kg), group 3, 200 mg/kg silymarin 2 g/kg Acetaminophen, group 4, 200 mg/kg mesocarp 2 g/kg Acetaminophen, group 5, 400 mg/kg, group 6, 200 mg/kg exocarp, group 7, 400 mg/kg exocarp, group 8, 200 mg/kg seeds, group 9, 400 mg/kg seeds. The pre-treatment with the extracts lasted for 14 days then acetaminophen administered. The rats were sacrificed after 48 hours of intoxication. Results showed the presence of alkaloids, phenolics, Tannins, steroids and terpenoids and glycosides while saponins and flavonoids were not detected in the endocarp. In the mesocarp, glycosides, phenolics, steroids and terpenoids and tannins were present while Saponins and flavonoids were not detected. Seed extract showed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolics, tannins, steroids and terpenoids. Glycosides and saponins were not detected. The activities of AST, ALT and ALP were significantly (p < 0.05) increased in group 2 (55.80 ± 3.11, 20.80 ± .84 and 27.00 ± 1.22 respectively) when compared to the normal control group (group 1) (32.00 ± 2.12, 9.00 ± 1.00 and 19.80 ± 4.49 respectively). The administration of the extracts (group 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9) led to a significant decrease in the serum activities of AST (51.40 ± 1.14, 48.60 ± 7.57, 39.20 ± 1.79, 48.00 ± 1.73, 51.00 ± 0.00 and 47.00 ± 2.74) and ALT (10.20 ± 1.30, 11.20 ± 1.30, 17.20 ± 2.77, 20.00 ± 0.71, 17.60 ± 0.55 and 18.20 ± 1.64) when compared with the acetaminophen group (group 2). Photomicrograph images showed normal liver morphology in the control groups 1 and 3, 200 mg/kg mesocarp and 400 mg/kg seed extract administered groups, indicating that the two extract doses better protected the liver against damage occasioned by acetaminophen.