Effect of Aqueous Extract of Citrullus lanatus (Watermelon) Seed on Lipid Profile and Electrolyte Function in Alcohol-induced Toxicity in Male Rats

Abstract

Alcohol misuse and alcoholism pose significant health and socioeconomic challenges worldwide. Chronic consumption of alcohol can lead to the production of various reactive oxygen species (ROS), such as superoxide anion radicals, hydroxyl radicals, and hydrogen peroxide. This study aims to evaluate the effects of an aqueous extract of Citrullus lanatus seeds on lipid profiles and electrolyte levels after alcohol-induced toxicity in male Wistar rats. The rats were separated into five groups, each containing six individuals: Group A, which served as a positive control, was given only food and water; Group B, as a negative control, received only alcohol; Group C was administered 500 mg/kg of aqueous Citrullus lanatus seed extract (ASCL) for six weeks; Group D received a 35% alcohol solution for three weeks followed by 500 mg/kg of ASCL for an additional six weeks; and Group E received the same alcohol solution for three weeks and then underwent treatment with 1000 mg/kg of ASCL for six weeks. The duration of the experiment was nine weeks, with the treatment delivered via oral gavage. Comparisons showed that the group treated only with alcohol exhibited significant differences (P≤0.05) relative to the control group, and the alcohol-only group also showed significant differences (P≤0.05) when compared to the ASCL-treated groups concerning lipid profiles and electrolyte levels. The findings indicated that alcohol consumption resulted in hyperlipidemia, characterized by elevated levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), alongside reduced levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL). Conversely, treatment with ASCL demonstrated hypolipidemic effects. Alcohol intake was associated with hyponatremia and hypokalemia, conditions that were mitigated by ASCL treatment.