Citrullus Lanatus Seeds Research Articles

Physicochemical Properties of Oil Derived from Cucumeropsis mannii (Egusi) and Citrullus lanatus (Watermelon) seeds

In this work, physicochemical characteristics of the oils extracted from Cucumeropsis manni (Egusi) and Citrullus lanatus (Watermelon) seeds were determined, and the output for both vegetable oils was compared. Unshelled seeds of both C. mannii and C. lanatus were purchased from modern market, in Lafia local government area of Nasarawa state, Nigeria. Following dehulling, oil was extracted from both seed samples using the cold extraction technique. The physicochemical properties such as density, viscosity, iodine value (IV), acid value (AV), peroxide value (PV), and saponification value (SV) of the seed oil samples were then examined. The result revealed that the density for both C. mannii and C. lanatus seed oil were 0.98 ± 0.16 and 0.98 ± 0.16 g/ml, and their viscosity are 72.5 ± 0.03 and 57.5 ± 0.11 Cp respectively. Both C. mannii and C. lanatus seed oil IV was 84.92 ± 0.24 and 80.91 ± 0.12 g/I2/100 g, AV was 2.92 ± 0.26 and 2.44 ± 0.04 mgKOH/g, and PV was 3.77 ± 0.01 and 4.28 ± 0.05 meq peroxide/g respectively. The SV for C. mannii is 243.85 ± 0.31 is higher than that of C. lanatus which is 187.12 ± 0.19 mgKOH/g. In conclusion, the iodine, acid, and peroxide values for both samples show that they are safe to consume. The C. mannii SV demonstrates that it is superior for soap manufacturing. Finally, the PV demonstrates that both samples are suitable for biodiesel production, which can help reduce the impact of climate change on our society as a whole.

Antidepressant-like effects of seeds of Citrullus lanatus in the reserpine-induced depressed mouse model

Depression is a mental health disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. Plants and their products are widely used in the treatments of various diseases including depression for their therapeutic effectiveness with least or no side effects. The present study has therefore been conducted to evaluate the antidepressant like effects of Citrullus lanatus seed extract (CLSE) in the reserpine-induced depressed mouse model by assessing the phytoconstituents of CLSE, body weight, behaviour, histopathology of the adrenal gland and level of plasma corticosterone. Twenty-four adult male mice of Swiss strain were distributed into four groups of six each (n=6). Group I served as control while groups II, III and IV received reserpine (RES: 0.75mg/kg/BW/day) for 14 days, CLSE (300mg/kg/BW/day) only, for 28 days, and RES+CLSE [RES treatment for 14 days followed by CLSE treatment for 28 days], respectively. Behavioural alterations were analysed by food consumption, sucrose preference, eight-arm radial maze, and forced swim tests during the treatment. RES-induced depression caused marked alterations in the body weight, all behavioural parameters, histopathology of the adrenal cortex, and in the level of plasma corticosterone, compared with the control. Administration of CLSE only, did not cause significant alterations in all the studied parameters, compared with the control. However, CLSE administration in RES-treated mice resulted in significant restoration in all the studied parameters, similar to the control. The findings therefore suggest the antidepressive activity of the seeds of C. lanatus, that may emerge as one of the potential sources among the natural therapies of depression disorder.

Apoptosis inducing anti-proliferative activity of Citrullus lanatus seeds against A549 cell lines

Cancer is a leading dangerous death-causing disease in millions over the world. It arises due to the uncontrolled growth of mal-functioned cells and formed as tumors. The disease can affect any part of the body. Still, it is a quest to find anti-cancer drugs which has been the major research endeavor around the globe. Traditionally humans use plants and their derived products as a source to cure various diseases. In recent years many researches had paved the way to use plant-based drugs. The current research aims to evaluate the anticancer activity of Citrullus lanatus seeds against A549 lung carcinoma epithelial cell lines. The study uses C. lanatus seeds which naturally contains antioxidants and phytochemicals that prevent cancer cell proliferation. The ethanolic seed extract of C. lanatus showed the presence of phytochemicals such as saponins, alkaloids, proteins and flavonoids by preliminary screening. The extract was tested for its anti-inflammatory showing 96.16 % at maximum concentration. The microbial assays also showed good signs of inhibition against the microorganisms by forming a zone of inhibition. The safety and efficacy of the extract were determined by MTT assay for the cytotoxicity using A549 cancer cell lines and non-cancerous cell lines. The IC50 concentration of C. lanatus seed extract showed dosage dependently at 51.73 μg/ml for A549 cell lines. They also resulted in significant induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis at the G2 phase by inhibiting the A549 cell line proliferation. The present study works on lung carcinoma to find a better procurement in a traditional way that can develop future hope in the pharmaceutical industry.

Effect of Fruit Harvest Time on the Nutritional and Agronomic Quality of Oleaginous Citrullus lanatus Seeds

Oilseeds of Citrullus lanatus are highly prized in African societies for their nutritional and socio-economic importance. In an attempt to improve their yield, remaining very low mainly due to lack of good nutritive and germinative quality seeds, the effect of fruit harvest time was studied. After growing plants of ʺwlêwlêʺ cultivar on Nangui Abrogoua University experimental site, fruits were harvested at six different times [15, 20, 25, 30, 35 and 40 days after anthesis (DAA)] then fermented to produce seeds for germination test concerning agronomic aspect and biochemical analysis for nutritional quality. Agronomically, results showed that delaying harvest time (from 15 to 40 DAA) significantly (P < 0.001) improved fruit weight (from 512.20 to 760.50 g) and their seed content (from 71.75 to 230.70 seeds/fruit), as well as size (from 10.69 to 11.42 mm) and weight (from 5.16 to 6.37 g) of dry seeds what lead to their optimum viability (89.50%). Nutritionally, apart from ash which didn’t vary, C. lanatus seeds reached their highest levels of flavonoids (0.03 mg/100g) and tannins (0.022 mg/100g) at 15 DAA, followed by protein (30.66%), lipids (56.60%) and vitamin C (2.25 mg/100g DM) ones at 35 days while dehydrating to reach the lowest moisture content (5.51%). Hence, this variety seeds reach their nutritional maturity earlier, already at 35 DAA, while their optimal germination quality occurs later at 40 DAA.

Effect of Citrullus lanatus Seeds Extract on Haematological Parameters After Administration with Medroxyprogesterone Acetate on Female Wistar Rats

This study was carried out to investigate the effect of Citrullus lanatus seeds extract on the haematological parameters after administration with medroxyprogesterone acetate on female Wistar rats. Twenty-five rats weighing 170-230 g were divided into five groups containing five rats each. Group I served as control and received only rat chow and water; Group II received rat chow, water and a high dose of MPA only; Group III received rat chow, water, a high dose of MPA and a high dose of extract; group IV received rat chow, water, high dose of MPA and a low dose of extract, and group V received rat chow, water and high dose of extract only. The administration lasted for twenty-eight days after two weeks of acclimatisation. On the twenty-ninth day, the animals were anaesthetised using chloroform, sacrificed and their blood samples obtained via cardiac puncture for haematology analysis. The results showed that the level of haematological parameters significantly increased (p<0.05) in the rats that received a high dose of MPA and a high dose of Citrullus lanatus seed extract compared to the control group. This suggests that MPA affects bone marrow, which produces blood cells, significantly decreasing platelet count, white blood cell count, red blood cell count, haemoglobin count, packed cell volume, mean corpuscular volume, and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration. This study also shows that an aqueous extract of Citrullus lanatus seed is potent in increasing the level of haematological parameters when co-administered with MPA.

Antibacterial activity of <i>Citrullus lanatus</i> seed extract against clinical isolates of <i>Klebsiella pneumoniae</i> and <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i>

As a result of increased emergence of bacterial resistance to the conventionally used antibiotics, it is necessary to search for alternatives from other sources like plant materials. This study was aimed at evaluating the in vitro antibacterial activity of Citrullus lanatus seed extract against isolates of Klebsiella pneumoniae from urine and Staphylococcus aureus from wound. The seeds were extracted using distilled water and methanol via cold maceration and then analysed for the presence of phytochemicals using standard methods. Tannins, steroids, cardiac glycosides and carbohydrates were present in both extracts. Only the aqueous extract contained alkaloids. The antibacterial activity of the two extracts was determined by agar well diffusion method. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were determined using broth dilution method. The aqueous extract had better activity than the methanol extract, having inhibition zones of 20 mm and 23 mm at 200 mg/mL and, 10 mm and 11 mm at 25 mg/mL against Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates respectively, and mean zone of inhibition between 27.50 mm to 29.33 mm at 200 mg/mL and, 16.50 mm to 17.33 mm at 25 mg/mL against Staphylococcus aureus isolates with MIC and MBC values of 0.195 mg/mL and 0.39 mg/mL against Klebsiella pneumoniae and, mean MIC and MBC values ranging from 0.30 mg/mL to 0.39 mg/mL and 0.78 mg/mL to 2.73 mg/mL against Staphylococcus aureus isolates. The results obtained reveal the potential use of Citrullus lanatus seeds in the development of standard antibiotics.

Quality assessments, performance, and emissions evaluation of biodiesel from citrullus lanatus oil seeds and diesel blends in compression ignition engine

AbstractDue to limited stock of levels of fossil fuel resources and ecological issues, biodiesel is becoming an attractive alternative choice for replacing conventional fuels. Biodiesel can be used by mixing with different fuels like citrullus lanatus seeds, camphor, cleaner fuel injector, sunflower, safflower, soybean, cottonseed, rapeseed, palm, Jatropha, and Moringa oil seeds.This paper reviews use of biofuels blended with citrullus lanatus seeds. The citrullus lanatus biodiesel was mixed with diesel in different percentages by volume. Some physico‐chemical characteristics of blends and pure diesel were investigated and it was established that it conforms to the American Society of Testing Materials (ASTM) standards. The exceptions were the viscosity and specific gravity of the pure biodiesel B100 which were 0.09 and 0.018 mm2/s above the ASTM standard, respectively. All blends were run on a stationary 4‐cylinder diesel engine at 70% loading and speeds of 1500, 2000, and 2500 rpm. It was deduced that B10 gave the best brake power, thermal efficiency, and optimum specific fuel consumption at a speed of 2500 rpm. B15 gave the highest brake mean effective pressure. B25 and B100 gave the least values of brake power and brake thermal efficiency across the speeds. B100 gave the highest brake specific fuel consumption. Furthermore, the exhaust emission gases such as CO2, CO, NOx, and HC in different engine conditions stated above were recorded and analyzed. It was found that B25 emitted about 53% lesser CO2 and 37% lesser CO as compared to pure diesel with zero HC at 2500 rpm. The blends were better in terms of engine performance and also in reduction of emissions in most cases, than pure diesel fuel.Problem statement: Various emissions from engines like unburnt hydro carbons, particulate emissions, NOx, and CO have bad effects on ecology. This work presents an overview on use of novel hybrid fuels in compression ignition engines with an aim of mitigating effects of emissions on environment. Biodiesel was blended with Citrullus lanatus oil and pure diesel in different proportions to see effects on performance of diesel engines. The presented work may pave the way for use of alternative cheap and environmentally friendly fuels in automotive systems.

GC-MS Analysis of Phytoactive Compounds, Antioxidant and Antibacterial Activity of Citrullus lanatus Seeds

The current study investigated the therapeutic potential of Citrullus lanatus seeds which are commonly discarded after eating the fruit. In this day and age, plant secondary metabolites are preferred therapeutic agents to manage a variety of diseases and disorders. The present study aimed to investigate the bioactive secondary metabolite profile of Citrullus lanatus seeds by investigating total phenolic and flavonoid content, antioxidant potential, and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis of bioactive compounds and anti-bacterial properties of four different crude extracts. Alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, steroids, tannins, saponins, phytosterols, terpenoids, and glycosides were revealed in the seeds after qualitative phytochemical examination utilizing several solvents of varying polarity and established techniques of analysis. DPPH radical scavenging assay was used to assess the antioxidant potential and the total flavonoid and phenolic contents in seed extracts were determined using the spectrophotometric method. Methanolic extract revealed higher extractive yield, antioxidant potential, a higher total phenolic content (132.68 ± 0.861 mg of GAg), and higher total flavonoid content (48.13 ± 0.451 mg of Qg) as compared to other extracts. Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis of all four seed extracts revealed the presence of 27 high and low molecular weight chemical entities in toto with varying amounts. These bioactive chemical substances have been revealed to be physiologically significant and essential from a pharmaceutical standpoint. This research demonstrates that the Citrullus lanatus seeds are high in bioactive secondary metabolites that are beneficial to human health, have a high antioxidant capacity, and antibacterial action against certain bacterial strains, indicating that these seeds have a lot of therapeutic value.

Haematinic and haematopoietic potentials of methanolic extract of Citrullus lanatus (Watermelon) seeds in experimental rats

Haematinic and haematopoietic potentials of methanolic extract of Citrullus lanatus (Watermelon) seeds in experimental rats

Phytochemical and Invitro Antihelmintic Activity of Aqueous Polyherbal Seed Extract Against Indian Earthworms

The present study was to evaluate the phytochemical screening and anthelmintic activity of aqueous polyherbal seed extract (APSE) against Pheretima posthuma. The seeds of Helianthus annuus, Cucurbita pepo, Linum usitatissimum, Citrullus lanatus and Cucumis melo was identified and purchased from local market of Nuzvid. APSE was prepared from the dried seeds of five different seeds using the solvent water. Initially, APSE was screened for phytochemical constituents by standard methods. Further, anthelmintic study was conducted against Pheretima posthuma, collected from local Vermicomposting Farm, Nuzvid. In the phytochemical screening, APSE showed presence of glycosides, alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, phytosterols and tannins. In the anthelmintic study, mortality was produced in earth worm populations by APSE. The use of APSE as an anthelmintic was confirmed by using standard method against Pheretima posthuma. The results indicated that the test drug has significant anthelmintic properties. Hence, it can be concluded that the APSE can be used as a novel drug for the treatment of worm infestations.

AN ENZYMATIC METHOD FOR THE DETERMINATION OF UREA IN AQUEOUS SAMPLES USING CRUDE UREASE FROM Citrullus lanatus SEEDS

This paper presents an enzyme-based method for the determination of urea in aqueous samples using crude urease from Citrullus lanatus seeds. The method is based on the enzymatic hydrolysis of Urea into ammonia (NH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2) by urease. Ammonia formation is determined spectrophotometrically after nesslerization and then quantitatively related to urea concentration via a calibration curve. Reaction conditions for the assay were investigated and optimized. Optimum temperature was found to be 50 oC, optimum pH was 8.0 and optimum reaction time was 10 minutes. The Calibration curve for urea determination was linear (R2 =0.987) within the concentration range of 0.5 – 50 mg/L. Limits of detection and quantification (LOD and LOQ) for the method were 0.08 and 0.13 mg/L respectively. Application of the method to urea determination in surface water samples revealed good precision (1.45 – 3.28 % RSD) and accuracy (84 – 92% recovery). The presented method is simple and has the potential to be a practical tool for monitoring of urea in environmental samples.

Comparative Study of the Antibacterial Efficacy of Laboratory Produced Organic Cream from Citrullus lanatus Seed Oil and the Seed Oil against Some Clinical Bacteria Isolates

A comparative study of the antibacterial efficacy of organic cream produced in the laboratory from Citrullus lanatus seed oil and the seed oil was carried out against some clinical bacteria pathogens (S aureus, S pyogenes and Ps aeruginosa) from skin. The produced organic cream and the oil from the seed of Citrullus lanatus indicates high level of antibacterial efficacies with all the concentrations (20%, 40%, 60% and 80%) used against the test organisms. The highest antibacterial efficacy of 17.0, 16.0 and 14.0 mm was indicated against S aureus, S pyogenes and Ps aeruginosa at the highest concentration used for the laboratory produced organic cream and 20.0mm against S aureus and 22.0 mm against both S pyogenes and Ps aeruginosa at the highest concentration used for the Citrullus lanatus seed oil. The MIC and MBC study of the organic cream produced in the laboratory from Citrullus lanatus seed oil and the seed oil indicates high efficacy of the test substances against the test organisms. The phytochemical studies of the the seed oil also revealed the presence of different chemical constituents. These study have provided clue to exploit Citrullus lanatus to formulated varieties of organic products

Amelioration of Rhabdomyolysis-Induced Myoglobinuric Acute Renal Failure by Citrullus lanatus Seeds

Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) (Cucerbitaceae) is a trailing annual herb native to India, Nigeria, and Africa, commonly known as Matsum and Nakai. It thrives in all tropical, subtropical, and warm temperate areas with hot summers. In India, seeds have long been used to treat hypotensive and diuretic effects, as well as kidney stones and urinary passages. This study looked at the effects of a methanol extract of C. lanatus seeds (MCL) on rhabdomyolysis-induced myoglobinuric acute renal failure (ARF) in Wistar rats. Five groups (n = 5) of male Albino Wistar rats weighing 150–200 g were formed. A single intramuscular injection of glycerol (GL) (8 ml/kg) was used to induce ARF. Following GL injection, all animals were sacrificed and blood was collected. Renal function tests utilizing blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine were performed on freshly separated serum. The right kidney was stored in 10% buffered formalin for histological sectioning, and the amount of lipid peroxidation, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and reduced glutathione (GSH) activity were all measured. The data were analyzed using a one-way ANOVA and Dunnett’s test. *P > 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Animals pre-treated with MCL (100 and 300 mg kg-1, p.o.) for 7 days before GL dramatically altered and restored serum creatinine, BUN, creatinine clearance, urea clearance, and renal morphology in comparison to the GL-treated group. Oxidative stress markers such as lipid peroxidation, SOD, CAT, and GSH were also dramatically improved. The findings of this study suggest that C. lanatus seed has a possible anti-GL-induced ARF effect, verifying its ethnomedicinal use.

Antispasmodic activity of the ethanol extract of Citrullus lanatus seeds: Justifying ethnomedicinal use in Pakistan to treat asthma and diarrhea

Ethnopharmacological relevanceCitrullus lanatus (Thunb.) belongs to the ground family, Cucurbitaceae, known for edible fruit. Besides nutritional benefits, the traditional herbal practitioners in Pakistan and India used their seeds to treat gastrointestinal, respiratory, and urinary disorders. In Northern Sudan, its seeds are often used as a laxative. Its root is laxative and emetic at a high dose. Its seeds are also used to treat bedwetting and urinary tract obstruction. Aim of the studyThis study aimed to elucidate the multi-target mechanisms of Citrullus lanatus seeds to treat asthma and diarrhea. The pharmacological experiments were designed and conducted, along with the pharmacology network and molecular docking predictions, to verify the seeds biopotency for antispasmodic and bronchodilator properties. MethodsLC ESI-MS/MS were performed to identify the potentially active compounds in hydroethanolic extract of Citrullus lanatus seeds, then to quantify them by HPLC. The quantified bioactive compounds of Citrullus lanatus, i.e., stigmasterol, quinic acid, malic acid, epicatechin, caffeic acid, rutin, p-coumaric acid, quercetin, ferulic acid, scopoletin, apigenin, and kaempferol were subjected to in silico studies for molecular docking. The hydroethanolic extract of Citrullus lanatus seeds was examined on isolated rabbit tissue, i.e., jejunum, trachea, and urinary bladder. The antiperistalsis, antidiarrheal and antisecretory studies were also performed in animal models. ResultsIn silico studies revealed that bioactive compounds of C. lanatus seeds interfere with asthma and diarrhea-associated target genes, which are a member of calcium mediate signaling, regulation of cytosolic calcium concentration, smooth muscle contraction, and inflammatory responses. It was also found that rutin, quercetin, kaempferol, and scopoletin were stronger binding to voltage-gated calcium channels, calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase, myosin light chain kinase, and phosphoinositide phospholipase C, thus, exerting calcium channel blocker activity. The hydroethanolic extract of C. lanatus seeds exerted a concentration-dependent relaxant response for the spasmolytic response on isolated jejunum and trachea preparations and caused relaxation of spastic contraction of K+ (80 mM). Furthermore, it caused a non-parallel rightward shift with suppression of calcium concentration-response curves. In animal models, the Cl.EtOH showed antiperistalsis, antidiarrheal and antisecretory response. ConclusionThus, we confirm Citrullus lanatus seeds have some medicinal effects by regulating the contractile response through target proteins of calcium mediates signaling and can be a promising component in the medical treatment for asthma and diarrhea.

Kinetics of acid blue 40 dye degradation under solar light in the presence of CuO nanoparticles synthesized using Citrullus lanatus seeds extract

Abstract In view of eco-benign nature of green synthesis, in the present investigation, the CuO NPs are prepared using Citrullus lanatus seeds extract and photocatalytic degradation efficiency for Acid Blue 40 (AB-40) was evaluated. The CuO NPs were characterized by XRD (X-ray diffraction), SEM (scanning electron microscopy), EDX (energy dispersive X-ray), and FT-IR (Fourier transform infrared) techniques. The synthesized CuO NPs was in face centered monoclinic crystalline form with particle size in 40–60 nm range. The photocatalytic degradation potential of CuO NPs was assessed for acid blue 40 (AB-40) dye degradation and catalyst dose, concentration of dye, radiation exposure time and pH are considered for dye removal. The CuO NPs exhibited auspicious efficiency, an 84.89% dye removal was attained at optimal conditions and dye degradation followed BMG (Behnajady–Modirshahla–Ghanbery) kinetics model. Results revealed CuO NPs synthesized using C. lanatus seeds extract is photoactive catalyst and green route can be employed for CuO NPs fabrication for photocatalytic applications.

Frequency of parasitic infections in Arachishypogaea L (groundnuts), Citrulluslanatus seeds (watermelon seeds), and Ziziphusspina-christi (nabag) sold by street vendors in Khartoum State, Sudan: a cross-sectional study

Background: Plant products, including seeds are an important source of vitamins, minerals, proteins, and energy. This study aimed to assess parasitic contaminations in roasted groundnuts, nabag, and tasali (watermelon seeds) sold by street vendors in Khartoum State, Sudan. Methods: The frequency of parasitic contaminations among all crop products was detected by washing the plants with saline, and then conducting an examination using a formal ether concentration technique (FECT), followed by a saturated sugar floatation technique. Results: The detected parasites belonged to two species: Entamoeba histolytica (33.3%) and Giardia lamblia (15.6%). No helminthic parasites were detected. Mixed contamination of the mentioned parasites was also observed (11.1%). The most contaminated crop was nabag, followed by groundnut, and finally tasali. Conclusion: No relation was established between the positivity of samples for parasites and crop type, Khartoum State city, or seller sex. FECT was more sensitive than the saturated sugar floatation technique as a detection method.

Development of cucurbocitrin based nutraceutical formulation: A potential adjuvant herbal therapy in the management of hypertension

Nearly half of the hypertensive patients fail to manage their blood pressure despite pharmacological interventions, which reflects the dire need for adjuvant anti-hypertensive therapies. Nutraceutical formulations are attractive in this regard owing to their efficacy, ease of availability, and moderate pricing. The current investigation involves the formulation of cucurbocitrin nutraceutical tablets by direct compression method and evaluated for its anti-hypertensive effect in the management of hypertension. Cucurbocitrin is a natural compound prepared from Citrullus lanatus seeds belonging to the family Cucurbitaceae. The powder blend was examined for pre-compression studies such as angle of repose, bulk density, tapped density, Carr’s index, Hausner's ratio, etc. Based on acute-oral toxicity results, two tablet formulations were prepared using a different dose of cucurbocitrin and evaluated for post-compression parameters such as friability, hardness, weight variation, disintegration time, and in vitro drug release studies. In vivo studies were also performed for both formulations using a 10% Glucose solution-induced hypertension model in albino rats to observe its anti-hypertensive activity. The study indicated that nutraceutical formulation was found to be effective in reducing hypertension in an animal model.

Frequency of parasitic infections in Arachishypogaea L (groundnuts), Citrulluslanatus seeds (watermelon seeds), and Ziziphusspina-christi (nabag) sold by street vendors in Khartoum State, Sudan: a cross-sectional study

Background: Plant products, including seeds are an important source of vitamins, minerals, proteins, and energy. This study aimed to assess parasitic contaminations in roasted groundnuts, nabag, and tasali (watermelon seeds) sold by street vendors in Khartoum State, Sudan. Methods: The frequency of parasitic contaminations among all crop products was detected by washing the plants with saline, and then conducting an examination using a formal ether concentration technique (FECT), followed by a saturated sugar floatation technique. Results: The detected parasites belonged to two species: Entamoeba histolytica (33.3%) and Giardia lamblia (15.6%). No helminthic parasites were detected. Mixed contamination of the mentioned parasites was also observed (11.1%). The most contaminated crop was nabag, followed by groundnut, and finally tasali. Conclusion: No relation was established between the positivity of samples for parasites and crop type, Khartoum State city, or seller sex. FECT was more sensitive than the saturated sugar floatation technique as a detection method.

Frequency of parasitic infections in Arachishypogaea L (groundnuts), Citrulluslanatus seeds (watermelon seeds), and Ziziphusspina-christi (nabag) sold by street vendors in Khartoum State, Sudan: a cross-sectional study.

Background: Plant products, including seeds are an important source of vitamins, minerals, proteins, and energy. This study aimed to assess parasitic contaminations in roasted groundnuts, nabag, and tasali (watermelon seeds) sold by street vendors in Khartoum State, Sudan. Methods: The frequency of parasitic contaminations among all crop products was detected by washing the plants with saline, and then conducting an examination using a formal ether concentration technique (FECT), followed by a saturated sugar floatation technique. Results: The detected parasites belonged to two species: Entamoeba histolytica (33.3%) and Giardia lamblia (15.6%). No helminthic parasites were detected. Mixed contamination of the mentioned parasites was also observed (11.1%). The most contaminated crop was nabag, followed by groundnut, and finally tasali. Conclusion: No relation was established between the positivity of samples for parasites and crop type, Khartoum State city, or seller sex. FECT was more sensitive than the saturated sugar floatation technique as a detection method.

Trace Mineral, Qualitative Phytochemical Composition and Antidiabetic Effect of Ethanol Extract of Citrullus lanatus Seeds on Diabetic Rats

The trace mineral concentration, phytochemical composition and antidiabetic effect of the ethanol extract of C. lanatus seeds were carried out using standard methods. The preclinical experimental model was 120 mgkg-1 b.w. (via intraperitoneal) Alloxan induced diabetic rat model, with ethanol extract of C. lanatus seeds administered orally at 500mgkg-1 b.w. Qualitative phytochemical screening showed presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, cardiac glycosides, steroids/triterpenoids, tannins, carbohydrates and oils. Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometric analysis revealed that iron had the highest value (8.31mgkg-1), followed by zinc (5.78 mgkg-1), then manganese (4.28 mgkg-1). Selenium concentration was appreciable (0.85 mgkg-1). Ethanol extract of C. lanatus seeds significantly (p < 0.05), dose and time dependently reduced blood glucose level, increased body weights of rats and had positive effect on organ weights and organ volume. The results in this study showed that Citrullus lanatus seeds are rich in zinc, selenium, manganese, iron, alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, cardiac glycosides, steroids/triterpenoids, and tannins. They may therefore serve as good sources of these trace mineral nutrients and bio actives for nutritional and medicinal purposes relating to diabetes management.