Evaluation of the Hepatoprotective Effect of Melon (Citrullus colocynthis) Seed Milk on Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Rats

Abstract

This research investigated the effect of melon seed milk on Carbon tetrachloride (CCL4)-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Twenty-five (25) male albino rats of weight range 120-250 g were randomly grouped into five: 100 mg/kg milk - treated group, 200 mg/kg milk -treated group, silymarin-treated group, hepatotoxic group and normal control group. Citrullus colocynthis seed milk was administered at the doses of 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg body weight in CCL4- induced albino rats and compared with the silymarin-treated group. Preliminary phytochemical screening of Citrullus colocynthis seed milk revealed the presence of phenols, tannins, flavonoids, alkaloids, steroids and glycosides. Acute toxicity test was carried out and it was observed that, melon seed milk was not toxic to the animals, even though some showed mild effects for some minutes. Biochemical parameters such as Alkaline phosphatase (ALP), Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were analyzed at the end of the 14th day experimental period. The levels of these biochemical parameters in the CCL4-induced rats were observed as follows: ALP (41.48 U/I), AST (48.25 U/I), and ALT (19.56 U/I), when compared with the normal group having: ALP (20.24 U/I), AST (29.36 U/I), and ALT (11.73 U/I). Citrullus colocynthis seed milk at the doses of 100 mg/kg and 200 mg /kg exhibited significant (p< 0.05) reduction in the biochemical parameters (ALP, AST and ALT). The result from this study revealed that, Citrullus colocynthis seed milk has potent hepato-protective effect against CCL4- induced hepatotoxicity thus, may be used in the treatment of hepatotoxicity.