Dietary supplementation with Citrullus lanatus whole fruit and pulp possesses antioxidant effects in oxidative stressed rats

Abstract

The pulp of Citrullus lanatus is mostly consumed while the seeds and rind are discarded. This study evaluated the effect of a diet supplemented with C. lanatus whole fruit and pulp against acetaminophen induced oxidative stress in rats. Whole fruits and pulp were cut into small sizes, air-dried and grounded. Twenty rats were divided into four groups of five each. Group 1(normal control) and 2 (negative control) consumed normal rat chow while groups 3 and 4 consumed normal rat chow supplemented with 5% C. lanatus whole fruit and pulp respectively for 21 days. Haematological parameters were monitored weekly. On the 21^st day, a single dose of acetaminophen (2g/kg) was administered to groups 2, 3, and 4. All rats were humanely sacrificed 12 hours later. Haematological parameters and antioxidant enzymes were measured in the blood and liver respectively Results showed that both supplementation with 5% whole fruit and pulp had no significant (p>0.05) effect on haematological parameters. However, acetaminophen overdose caused a significant (p<0.05) decrease in the haematological parameters of rats in group 2, and also decreased the levels of the biomarkers (SOD, Catalase, GSH) for oxidative stress. Groups supplemented with 5% whole fruit and pulp showed a significantly smaller reduction (p<0.05) in haematological parameters compared to the negative control, with their final values being significantly higher. Furthermore, the levels of SOD, catalase and GSH were higher (p<0.05) in these supplemented groups.