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

Objective: The use of herbs in treatment of diseases is gradually becoming universally accepted\udespecially in non industrialized societies. Citrullus lanatus Thunb (Cucurbitaceae) commonly\udcalled water melon is widely consumed in this part of the world as food and medicine. This\udwork was conducted to investigate the phytochemical composition, proximate and metal content\udanalysis of the seed of Citrullus lanatus and to determine the antiulcer action of the methanol\udseed extract. Methods: Phytochemical screening, proximate and metal content analysis was done\udusing the standard procedures and the antiulcer activity was evaluated against acetylsalicylic\udacid-induced ulcers. Results: The results revealed the presence of the following phytochemicals;\udflavonoids, saponins, tannins, alkaloids, glycosides. Proximate analysis indicated high\udconcentration of carbohydrate, protein and fat while metal analysis showed the presence of\udsodium, calcium, zinc, magnesium at levels within the recommended dietary intake. Antiulcer\udpotential of the extract against acetylsalicylic acid induced ulceration of gastric mucosa of Wister\udrats was evaluated at three doses (200mg/kg, 400mg/kg, and 800mg/kg). The ulcer parameters\udinvestigated included ulcer number, ulcer severity, ulcer index and percentage ulcer protection.\udThe antiulcer activity was compared against ranitidine at 20mg/kg. The extract exhibited a dose\udrelated antiulcer activity with maximum activity at 800mg/kg (P<0.001). Conclusions: Proximate\udand metal content analysis of the seeds provides information that the consumption of the seeds of\udCitrullus lanatus is safe. This present study also provides preliminary data for the first time that\udthe seeds of Citrullus lanatus possesses antiulcer activity in animal model