Effect of seed pulp aqueous extracts of Citrullus colocynthis on oxidative stress parameters of albino rats

Abstract

The effect of different concentrations of Citrullus colocynthis seed and pulp aqueous extracts on some important oxidative stress parameters [Ascorbic acid (AA), Reduced glutathione (GSH), Malondialdehyde (MDA)] were determined. The activities of Superoxide dismutase (SOD), Catalase (CAT) and Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) of albino rats were assayed. Protein status such as albumin, globulin and total protein were also determined using standard methods. Thirty-five albino rats weighing 156-186g were divided into seven groups of five rats each. Different doses (100, 200 and 400mg/kg body weight per day) of Citrullus colocynthis seed and pulp aqueous extracts were orally administered daily to Groups 2-4 and 5-7 respectively, while Group1 (Control) received only 0.5ml of distilled water for a total treatment period of 28 days. Results of the study indicate that there was a significant (p<0.05) reduction in the concentrations of AA and GSH as the concentrations of the extracts increased, in contrast to the concentration of MDA when compared to the control. There was a significant (p<0.05) increase in the activities of SOD and CAT when compared to the control. However, there was no significant (p>0.05) effect on the activity of LDH as well as the concentrations of protein status (albumin, globulin and total protein) when compared to the control. The results revealed that AA, GSH, MDA, SOD and CAT were responsive to the administration of aqueous seed and pulp extracts of Citrullus colocynthis, and the effects were concentration-dependent.