Antioxidant activities and micronutrients in the seeds of <i>Citrullus lanatus Linn</i> (<i>cucurbitaceae</i>)

Abstract

The present study examined the antioxidant activity and micronutrient contents of Citrullus lanatus (watermelon) seed. The dried seeds were pulverized into fine powder and 20 g of it was extracted with methanol. Phytochemical analysis was carried using standard analytical methods while micronutrient analysis was done by digesting the plant sample and analyzing using AAS. The results of phytochemical screening showed that the seeds contained flavonoids and phenols. Micronutrient analysis showed the presence of iron (1.529 mg/kg), cobalt (0.099 mg/kg), copper (0.016 mg/kg), nickel (0.0 18 mg/kg), and chromium (0.063 mg/kg). Iron (Fe) was present in the highest quantity, while copper (Cu) occurred in the least amount. The antioxidant activity increased as the concentration of the sample increased.. The antioxidant activity of the sample was higher than the actvity of 2 of the positive controls (ascoibic acid and α-tocopherol) used. Butylated hydroxyl toluene showed the highest antioxidant activity. The study showed that the seeds of C. lanatus is a rich source (reservoir) of micronutrients and has a very high antioxidant activity.