Ameliorative Effects of Aqueous Extract of Citrullus Lanatus Fruit on Phenylhydrazine Induced Anemia In Male Wistar Rats

Abstract

The possible ameliorative effects of aqueous extract of Citrullus lanatus juice(CLJ)on hematological parameters, serum erythrocytic osmotic fragility and lipid profile parameters were investigated following phenylhydrazine(PHZ)administration using wistar rats. Thirty male wistar rats were randomly distributed into 6 groups of 5 rats each. Group A were untreated controls; Group B received only phenylhydrazine negative controls; Group C received phenylhydrazine+1 ml/kg/day of Vitamin B12 syrup from day 2 to day14; Groups D, E and F rats were anemia induced with phenylhydrazine and treated with different doses (100, 300 and 600mg/kg) of CLJ extracts respectively and compared with Group A rats. The injection of PHZ to rats caused hemolytic anemia characterized by reducing hematological parameters.The oral administration of CLJ in the doses of 300 mg/kg and 600 mg/kg significantly increased Haemoglobin level. Also, the results demonstrated that the use of CLJ can as well maintain Red blood cell membrane integrity.The lymphocytes values was significantly elevated in dose 300mg/kg and 600mg/kg of the extract suggesting an increasing dose dependence effects of the extract.It was observed that the values of serum lipid profile, total cholesterol and Low density lipoprotein in anemic rats and treated rats with 100 mg/kg and 300mg/kg doses of the CLJ extract were significantly higher than the control Group A,which is consistent with the findings of some studies. These results suggest a possible ameliorative potential of Citrullus lanatus juice on hematological parameters and immunostimulating with indices of hematology following phenylhydrazine administration. This result shows that CLJ extract can be used to treat anemia.