Citrullus Lanatus Seeds Research Articles

Cucurbitane-type Triterpenes from Citrullus Lanatus (Watermelon) Seeds

Two new cucurbitane-type triterpenes, 24-hydroperoxycucurbita-5,25-dien-3beta-ol (1) and 25-hydroperoxycucurbita-5,23-dien-3beta-ol (2), were isolated from a MeOH extract of Citrullus lanatus seeds. Compounds 1 and 2 exhibited moderate cytotoxic activities with IC50 values of 33.4-52.4 microM against HL-60 (human leukemia), P388 (murine leukemia), and L1210 (murine leukemia) cells. Compound 1 showed melanogenesis inhibitory activity (melanin content 80.0 %) with low cytotoxicity (cell viability 97.6%) at a low concentration (10 microM).

<i>In vitro</i> anthelmintic activity of the seed extracts of three plants of the Cucurbitaceae family on <i>Lumbricus terrestris</i>

Aqueous and methanolic extracts of the seeds of Cucurbita pepo, Citrullus lanatus and Telfairia occidentalis (all of the family: Curcubitaceae) were evaluated in vitro for anthelmintic activity against Lumbricus terrestris (earthworms). Seven motile worms were released into solutions of various concentrations of extracts (2.5, 5, 10, 20, and 50mg/ml in normal saline). Albendazole (1, 2.5, 5 and 10mg/ml) and normal saline served as positive and negative controls respectively. Results were expressed in terms of time for paralysis and death of the worms. The aqueous and methanolic extracts, at all the doses tested, caused concentration-dependent paralysis and death of the worms. Cucurbita pepo was found to be most effective in killing the worms compared to C. lanatus and T. occidentalis extracts. Also, the aqueous extracts showed higher worm inhibitory and destructive activities compared to the methanol extracts. The results show that Cucurbita pepo, Citrullus lanatus and Telfairia occidentalis possess potent anthelmintic activities, thus supporting their use in traditional medicine for management of helminth infections.Keywords: Helminth, Telfairia occidentalis, Cucurbita pepo, Citrullus lanatus, aqueous extracts

Antibacterial Activities of Nonionic and Anionic Surfactants From Citrullus lanatus Seed Oil

Background: Analysis and applications of lesser known underutilized seed oils are important, since there is little or no information on their composition and uses, most of them are discarded as waste every year. Objectives: The present work reports the antibacterial activities of diethanolamides (nonionic surfactant) and sulphated diethanolamide (anionic surfactant) synthesized from the seed oil of Citrullus lanatus. Materials and Methods: Diethanolamide biosurfactant was produced from the oil via transamidation reaction using sodium methoxide as catalyst while the diethanolamide was sulphated using chlorosulphonic acid. The conversion of the oil to the biosurfactants was monitored using FTIR spectrophotometer. Results: The iodine and saponification values of Citrullus lanatus oil were 118.50 ± 0.80 g iodine/100g and 199.10 ± 2.40 mgKOH/g respectively. Linoleic acid (56.9 %) was reported to be the most abundant fatty acid in Citrullus lanatus oil. Conclusions: The biosurfactants inhibited the growth of organisms such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumonia and Escherichia coli with diethanolamide biosurfactant exhibiting better antibacterial activity than sulphated diethanolamide.

Physicochemical Characteristics and the Effect of Packaging Materials on the Storage Stability of Selected Cucurbits Oils

Physicochemical properties and the effect of packaging materials on the quality of oil extracted from Cucumeropsis manni, Lagenaria sicceraria and Citrullus lanatus were studied in this work. Oil was extracted from Lagenaria sicceraria (bottle gourd), Cucumeropsis manni (white melon) and Citrullus lanatus (watermelon) seeds, some physicochemical attributes of the oil extracted were determined. The three samples of oil were stored in amber glass bottle, transparent glass bottle and transparent plastic bottle at ambient temperature for 12 weeks during which stability of the oil to oxidative and hydrolytic deterioration was assessed by determining peroxide value and free fatty acid value at 2weeks interval. The results show that the physicochemical characteristics of oil samples extracted from Lagenaria sicceraria, Cucumeropsis manni and Citrullus lanatus seeds were: specific gravity 0.89, 0.90, 0.87; refractive index 1.517, 1.520, 1.518; iodine number 97.16 mgI2/g, 101.52 mgI2/g, 98.26 mgI2/g; saponification value 215.99 mgKOH/g, 221.60 mgKOH/g, 183.73 mgKOH/g; thiobabituric acid number 4.45 mgMA/Kg, 2.03 mgMA/Kg, 2.19 mgMA/Kg; free fatty acid value 18.80%, 0.57%, 5.31% and peroxide value 0.02 Meq/kg, 0.14 Meq/kg, 0.09 Meq/kg respectively. The result of storage stability shows that the oil samples may be relatively stable to oxidation and hydrolysis when properly stored in a good packaging material. Oil samples stored in plastic transparent bottle recorded highest lipid peroxidation values while amber glass bottle gave the maximum protection against lipid peroxidation.

Quantitative determination, Metal analysis and Antiulcer evaluation of Methanol seeds extract of Citrullus lanatus Thunb (Cucurbitaceae) in Rats

ObjectiveThe use of herbs in treatment of diseases is gradually becoming universally accepted especially in non industrialized societies. Citrullus lanatus Thunb (Cucurbitaceae) commonly called water melon is widely consumed in this part of the world as food and medicine. This work was conducted to investigate the phytochemical composition, proximate and metal content analysis of the seed of Citrullus lanatus and to determine the antiulcer action of the methanol seed extract. MethodsPhytochemical screening, proximate and metal content analysis was done using the standard procedures and the antiulcer activity was evaluated against acetylsalicylic acid-induced ulcers. ResultsThe results revealed the presence of the following phytochemicals; flavonoids, saponins, tannins, alkaloids, glycosides. Proximate analysis indicated high concentration of carbohydrate, protein and fat while metal analysis showed the presence of sodium, calcium, zinc, magnesium at levels within the recommended dietary intake. Antiulcer potential of the extract against acetylsalicylic acid induced ulceration of gastric mucosa of Wister rats was evaluated at three doses (200mg/kg, 400mg/kg, and 800mg/kg). The ulcer parameters investigated included ulcer number, ulcer severity, ulcer index and percentage ulcer protection. The antiulcer activity was compared against ranitidine at 20mg/kg. The extract exhibited a dose related antiulcer activity with maximum activity at 800mg/kg (P<0.001). ConclusionsProximate and metal content analysis of the seeds provides information that the consumption of the seeds of Citrullus lanatus is safe. This present study also provides preliminary data for the first time that the seeds of Citrullus lanatus possesses antiulcer activity in animal model.

Quantitative determination, Metal analysis and Antiulcer evaluation of Methanol seeds extract of Citrullus lanatus Thunb (Cucurbitaceae) in Rats

ObjectiveThe use of herbs in treatment of diseases is gradually becoming universally accepted especially in non industrialized societies. Citrullus lanatus Thunb (Cucurbitaceae) commonly called water melon is widely consumed in this part of the world as food and medicine. This work was conducted to investigate the phytochemical composition, proximate and metal content analysis of the seed of Citrullus lanatus and to determine the antiulcer action of the methanol seed extract. MethodsPhytochemical screening, proximate and metal content analysis was done using the standard procedures and the antiulcer activity was evaluated against acetylsalicylic acid-induced ulcers. ResultsThe results revealed the presence of the following phytochemicals; flavonoids, saponins, tannins, alkaloids, glycosides. Proximate analysis indicated high concentration of carbohydrate, protein and fat while metal analysis showed the presence of sodium, calcium, zinc, magnesium at levels within the recommended dietary intake. Antiulcer potential of the extract against acetylsalicylic acid induced ulceration of gastric mucosa of Wister rats was evaluated at three doses (200mg/kg, 400mg/kg, and 800mg/kg). The ulcer parameters investigated included ulcer number, ulcer severity, ulcer index and percentage ulcer protection. The antiulcer activity was compared against ranitidine at 20mg/kg. The extract exhibited a dose related antiulcer activity with maximum activity at 800mg/kg (P<0.001). ConclusionsProximate and metal content analysis of the seeds provides information that the consumption of the seeds of Citrullus lanatus is safe. This present study also provides preliminary data for the first time that the seeds of Citrullus lanatus possesses antiulcer activity in animal model.

Effect of Long Term Administration of Citrullus Lanatus on Fertility Hormones of Male sand Female Albino Rats.

This study was done to highlight the diverse benefits of Citrullus lanatus (egusi melon) seeds with the principal focus on its highly nutritive and calorific values. This makes Citrullus lanatus necessary in diet and in the fight against malnutrition. It also indicated the effect of Citrullus lanatus on Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH), Luteinizing hormone (LH) and Testosterone which are responsible for ensuring preparation for and maintaining of reproductive fertility. A total number of forty wistar rats, 30 males and 10 females were used for the study. They were fully acclimatized for two weeks and grouped into the control group (group I) and the test group (group II) which was further subdivided into three: starved, normal feed and egusi supplement administered groups. Test animals were sacrificed and blood samples collected for hormone analysis. The result showed that malnourishment induced through starvation increased FSH and LH levels and lowered testosterone concentration in both male and female wistar rats. The egusi supplement had more effect on FSH and LH levels for the female rats while it had more effect on testosterone levels for the male rats. This is because FSH and LH are primarily female fertility hormones while testosterone plays a greater role in males. Steady effects were observed for FSH and testosterone levels for the male and female wistar rats respectively while that of LH had alternating effect. Based on the result, further work is therefore recommended be done to shed more light in the details of mechanism of action of egusi supplement on male and female fertility hormones. KeyWords: Citrullus lanatus,Follicle

Purification and Partial Characterization of Low Molecular Weight Vicilin-Like Glycoprotein from the Seeds of Citrullus lanatus

The watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) seeds are highly nutritive and contain large amount of proteins and many beneficial minerals such as magnesium, calcium, potassium, iron, phosphorous, zinc etc. In various parts of the world, C. lanatus seed extracts are used to cure cancer, cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, and blood pressure. C. lanatus seed extracts are also used as home remedy for edema and urinary tract problems. In this study, we isolated protein fraction of C. lanatus seeds using various protein separation methods. We successfully purified a low molecular weight vicilin-like glycoprotein using chromatographic methods followed by SDS-PAGE and MALDI-TOF/MS identification. This is the first report of purification of a vicilin like polypeptide from C. lanatus seeds. In next step, we extracted mRNA from immature seeds and reverse transcribed it using suitable forward and reverse primers for purified glycoprotein. The PCR product was analysed on 1% agarose gel and was subsequently sequenced by Dideoxy DNA sequencing method. An amino acid translation of the gene is in agreement with amino acid sequences of the identified peptides.

Effects of Methanolic Extract of Citrullus lanatus Seed on Experimentally Induced Prostatic Hyperplasia

Effects of Methanolic Extract of Citrullus lanatus Seed on Experimentally Induced Prostatic Hyperplasia

Effects of Methanolic Extract of Citrullus lanatus Seed on Experimentally Induced Prostatic Hyperplasia

Aims: To investigate the effects of methanolic extract of Citrullus lanatus seed (MECLS) on experimentally induced benign prostate hyperplasia. Study design: Animal model of experimentally induced prostatic hyperplasia.

Evaluation of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and analgesic potential of Citrullus lanatus seed extract in rodent model

The present study was carried out to evaluate the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and analgesic potential of the Citrullus lanatus seeds. Extraction of the seeds were carried out using solvents of increasing polarity. The free radical scavenging activity of all extracts were measured by DPPH and H2O2 methods. The methanolic extract of the Citrullus lanatus seeds was further evaluated for its in vivo anti-inflammatory activity using carrageenan induced rat paw edema and analgesic activity by tail flick and tail immersion methods. The methanolic extract of the seeds (MECL) had shown highest antioxidant activity. The results were obtained in a dose dependent manner. 200mg/kg of MECL had shown significant (p<0.05) anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity as compared to diclofenac sodium and morphine respectively. It may be concluded that the methanolic extract of seeds of Citrullus lanatus has good antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and analgesic potential and may be used as a future food medicine.

Fatty Acid Composition Of Citrullus Lanatus (Egusi Melon) Oil And Its Effect On Serum Lipids And Some Serum Enzymes

Oil from the seeds of Citrullus lanatus (egusi melon) was extracted and its fatty acid composition determined. The extracted oil was used in diet formulation and fed (as a supplement to cholesterol-based diet) to rats for a period of 6 weeks to determine its effect on serum lipids and some selected serum enzymes used to aid diagnosis of cardiovascular disease. The control rats were fed a diet containing 5% cholesterol without egusi melon oil while the experimental rats received a diet containing 5% cholesterol with 5% egusi melon oil. Serum cholesterol in the total, free and esterified forms were determined weekly. In addition, serum activities of LDH, ALT, AST, and γ-GT were also monitored. Egusi melon oil with a rich content of polyunsaturated fatty acid was found to produce a significant reduction (p<0.05) in serum total, free and esterified cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations. A similar corresponding significant reduction (p<0.05) in serum activities of the enzymes were observed in the egusi melon oil-fed rats. In addition, feeding egusi melon oil (5% in the diet) to rats reduced severe atherosclerosis in the aorta. Histopathological examination showed that egusi melon oil reduced foam cell formation and inhibited smooth muscle cell migration in the blood vessel of rats. The implications of these findings are discussed with respect to hypercholesterolemia.

The Germination Response of the Negatively Photoblastic Seeds of Citrullus lanatus to Light of Different Spectral Compositions

Summary The germination of Citrullus lanatus seeds is inhibited by far-red-, red-, blue-, green- and white light. The inhibitory effect of light (with the exception of far-red) light is alleviated by a follow-up dark treatment. In addition it was found that the inhibitory effect of far-red light could not only be alleviated by a follow up red light treatment but also by short subsequent exposure to white- and blue light. The obtained results most probably indicate that germination is inhibited by red, blue, white, and, to a lesser extent, by green light due to pigment cycling between P r and P fr . During periods of pigment cycling much of the phytochrome probably accumulates in a form which can readily change to P fr in a follow up dark treatment. It appears that due to inherent differences in the P fr -threshold value necessary for germination, negatively- and positively photoblastic seeds cannot be made the same in their light requirements for germination merely by manipulating the phytochrome concentrations with light.

The effect of cyanide, SHAM and azide on the germination and respiration of Citrullus lanatus seeds

The germination of Citrullus lanatus seeds is inhibited by cyanide, azide and SHAM. Azide at a concentration of 0,5 mmol dm− 3 is sufficient to inhibit germination completely. Although azide is more effective than cyanide to inhibit germination, both substances inhibit respiration of these seeds to the same extent. The inhibitory effect of cyanide is antagonized by certain SHAM concentrations. No antagonism between azide and SHAM was found. These results imply that germination of C. lanatus seeds is controlled by a balance between cyanide sensitive and SHAM sensitive respiration and that azide and cyanide have different sites of action in inhibiting germination.

Effect of Water Stress on the Carbohydrate Metabolism of Citrullus lanatus Seeds during Germination

Gluconeogenesis in Citrullus lanatus seeds is a post germinative event. Increases in isocitrate lyase activity and incorporation of radioactivity from [2-(14)C]acetate into sugars occur only after radicle emergence. During germination, the seeds appear to rely on carbohydrate as the respiratory substrate. At this time, glycolysis, the pentose phosphate pathway, and the tricarbocyclic acid cycle seem to be functional. Utilization of raffinose during germination appears to be important.Water stress, which completely inhibits germination, has a marked effect on carbohydrate metabolism. The rate of (14)CO(2) release from [2-(14)C]acetate, [1-(14)C]glucose, and [6-(14)C]glucose is lower in the stressed seeds than the control seeds during the respiratory lag phase. However, in the stressed seeds neither glycolysis, the pentose phosphate pathway, nor the tricarboxylic acid cycle is completely inhibited. In contrast to the control seeds in which raffinose content sharply declines after 12 h of incubation, raffinose content in the stressed seeds remains fairly constant.The respiratory lag phase of the control seeds coincides with a lower reducing substance content, glucose content, and fructose content than in the stressed seeds during the corresponding incubation period.

The effect of water stress on the germination of Citrullus lanatus seeds

The germination of Citrullus lanatus seeds is extremely sensitive to water stress. A decrease of 13,6 % in the total water content is sufficient for the complete inhibition of germination. Exposure of seeds to water stress at a very late stage of germination after normal incubation in water prevents radicle emergence. Prolonged water stress treatment does not induce secondary dormancy in these seeds. Water stress which completely inhibits germination does not appear to affect the conversion of phytochrome intermediates to Pfr or the photoreversibility of phytochrome during light treatments.

Lesser known Nigerian edible oils and fats. 3. Fatty acid compositions as determined by gas-liquid chromatography.

AbstractThe seeds of Parkia filicoidea, Treculia africana, Mucuna flagellipes, Telfairia occidentalis, Citrullus lanatus and Cucumeropsis edulis are commonly used in Nigerian cooking. The component acids of the oils of these seeds have been investigated qualitatively and quantitatively by gas‐liquid chromatography. Some of the seeds are shown to be a rich source of oil.