Antihyperlipidemic Effects of Methanol Extract of Seeds of Citrullus lanatus in Hyperlipidemic Rats

Citrullus lanatus, a traditional plant is used for the treatment of various ailments. It has been investigated that this plant has supportive treatment, for combating diabetes complications, blood pressure, oxidative stress and haematological disorders. This study was done in the investigation of antihyperlipidemic effects of methanol extract of seeds of this plant in hyperlipidaemia Wistar albino rats induced by Triton X-100. There were 4 groups of rats: Group A served as normal; Group B, C and D were given high cholesterol diet and administered with intraperitoneal injection of Triton X-100 to induce hyperlipidaemia. Group B was administered with distilled water and high cholesterol diet on daily basis during the whole treatment and served as hyperlipidaemia control group. Group C was kept as a standard group and received simvastatin (10 mg/kg), while group D received a methanol extract of the plant (800 mg/kg). Lipid profile was analyzed using different kits of Roche Cobas C111 chemistry analyzer. Histopathological investigation of liver and heart was also done. The plant significantly (P 0.05) and non-significantly (P 0.05) decreased the levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, high density lipoprotein, low density lipoprotein, very low density lipoprotein, asparate aminotransferase and alkaline aminotransferase. The plant maintains the level of HDL to a normal range. It is concluded from the study that the plant may be supportive treatment in combating hyperlipidaemias.

Automated summary

This study investigated the lipid-lowering effects of a methanol extract of Citrullus lanatus seeds in hyperlipidemia rats. The results showed that the extract significantly reduced total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, VLDL, AST, and ALT levels, while maintaining HDL levels within the normal range. The study suggests that the plant may have potential as a supportive treatment for hyperlipidemia.