Studies on crude powder and ethanolic extract of <i>Citrullus lanatus</i> seeds: phytochemical analysis, effects on haemogram and some reproductive characteristics of male albino rats

Abstract

Effects of crude powder and ethanolic extract of Citrullus lanatus seeds on haemogram, spermiogram, testicular and epididymal histology of forty-eight male wistar rats were investigated following phytochemical analysis. The rats, divided into three test groups (A, B and C; n=16) were administered distilled water (Group A), ground powder (Groups B; 200mg/kg) and ethanol extract of Citrullus lanatus seed (Group C; 200mg/kg) for 28 days. Blood samples were collected from all rats after expiration of extract administration for haemogram. Subsequently, four rats from each group were sacrificed weekly post treatment for a period of four weeks for semen analysis and histology. Phytochemical analysis revealed alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, anthraquinones, terpenoids, and cardiac glycosides. Haematological parameters were not significantly different across the groups. Mean sperm motility of the control group was significantly (p<0.05) higher compared with treatment groups (A and B) each week post treatment. Also, initial lower sperm motility recorded in week 1 and 2 post treatment in the treatment groups followed by increase at week 3 and 4 were observed. However, there were significant post treatment reductions (p<0.05) each week in sperm morphological abnormalities comparing the treatment groups with control group. Histology of the testes of Treatment groups showed numerous closely packed seminiferous tubules with normal architecture containing spermatogenic cells. The study revealed that ground powder and ethanol extract of Citrullus lanatus seeds administered at 200mg/kg have no deleterious effect on haemogram, the organs of male reproduction and sperm morphology. Hence, it may be considered safe for use in breeding animals.

Keywords: Citrullus lanatus, crude powder, ethanolic, semen, haemogram