Phytochemical Screening, Proximate Analysis and Anti-ulcer Activity of Methanolic Seed Extract of Citrullus lanatus

Abstract

Citrullus lanatus is widely distributed in Africa where majority of people consume its fruits while discarding its seeds. Apart from its nutritional benefit, traditionally, its seeds are used in the treatment of various ailment including ulcer. In this study, phytochemical screening, proximate analysis and anti-ulcer activity of the methanolic extracts of Citrullus lanatus (Lam) seeds was evaluated using crude extraction. The results of proximate analysis in methanolic Citrullus lanatus seeds extract shows relatively low moisture content (7.36%) and low protein content (6.99%), however, it shows high carbohydrate content (45.60%) and high fibre content (21.28%). The preliminary phytochemical screening revealed the presence of flavonoids, Saponin, Alkaloids, Steroids and terpenoids. The anti-ulcer activity of the methanolic extract of Citrullus lanatus seeds was evaluated in swiss albino mice against aspirin induced peptic ulcer. After the administration of the methanolic extract of Citrullus lanatus, the acute toxicity was determined by oral administering a single dose of 2,000 mg/kg orally to swiss albino mice which was observed within an hour post-dosing and once daily for a period of 2 weeks. Citrullus lanatus seeds shows a significant (p<0.01) anti-ulcer activity in a dose dependent manner as well as significant (p<0.01) reduction in the ulcer index when compared to control group, the anti-ulcer activity results was relatively comparable to the positive control. This dose did not produce mortality or acute signs of toxicity throughout the observation period. Our study shows that Citrullus lanatus seeds has considerable anti-ulcer activity. These findings suggest that Citrullus lanatus seeds possess anti-ulcer potential which may contribute to its ethno-medicinal uses.