The Effect of Methanol Extract of Citrullus lanatus Seed on Liver Function Indices in Wistar Albino Rats

Abstract

This study examined the effect of methanol extract of Citrullus lanatus (watermelon) seed on the integrity of liver cells of Wistar rats. Thirty five (35) adult male rats were used. Various concentrations of the extract ranging from 10 to 5000 mg/kg b.wt were administered to the test rats. The normal control rats received distilled water, while the tween 80 control rats received tween 80 only. The treatment lasted for thirty-five days, after which plasma liver function indices were assessed. The results showed that body weight was significantly increased (p < 0.05) in the test rats compared to normal control. Liver to body weight ratio of test and control rats were not significantly different (p > 0.05), except in group VI where it was significantly increased (p < 0.05) compared to the other groups. The activities of plasma alanine aminotransferase (ALT) of groups IV, V, VI and VII were significantly increased (p < 0.05) compared to normal and tween 80 controls. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activities of test rats in groups III, VI and VII were significantly reduced (p < 0.05) compared to the two controls, while group IV (100 mg/kg b.wt. treatment) showed no significant difference (p > 0.05). Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities of rats in groups III and VI were significantly increased (p < 0.05) compared to the other groups. The total protein concentrations of rats in the treatment groups did not show any significant difference (p > 0.05) when compared to the normal control. The levels of albumin in groups IV, V, VI and VII were significantly decreased (p < 0.05) in comparison with both controls. The extract did not cause any significant difference (p > 0.05) in the concentrations of total, direct and indirect bilirubin.
Key words: Citrullus lanatus, Liver, hepatotoxicity, Liver function indices, Enzymes