Ethanoic Extract of Citrullus Lanatus Seeds Modulates Lipid Variables of Diabetes Induced Rats

Approaches to the management of diabetes mellitus is multifaceted. The role of some phytonutrients in the reduction of blood glucose levels is being recognized. Present study investigated the effect of ethanoic extract of Citrullus lanatus seeds on biochemical variables and some haematological indices. Seventy-seven (77) male wistar rats divided into eleven (11) groups of seven (7) rats each were used in this study. Diabetes mellitus was induced in the test animals in groups V – XI by streptozotocin (40mg/kg) after 2 weeks feeding on a High-fat diet (HFD). Group I was normal control rats. Groups II, III and IV were non-diabetic control rats given the vehicles 1% ethanol, corn oiland, High-fat diet (HFD) for 2 weeks respectively. Groups V was diabetic control rats. Groups VI and VII were diabetic control rats given the vehicles 1% ethanol and corn oil, respectively. Groups VIII – X were diabetic rats given 200 mg/kg, 400mg/kg and 600mg/kg, respectively, of ethanoic extract of Citrullus lanatus seeds (EECL) in corn oil. Group XI were diabetic rats given 0.5mg/kg Glibenclamide. Treatments were given by gavage daily for 28 days. The body weight of the rats and fasting plasma glucose levels were measured and recorded every week, At the end of the treatment period and following overnight fast, blood samples were collected via cardiac puncture for biochemical and haematological analyses. The mean body weights of groups IV – XI were significantly higher than those of groups I – III after two (2) weeks feeding on the HFD (p<0.05). Beginning from the 8 th day of EECL treatment to the end of the experiment, the mean body weights among the diabetic groups V – X were significantly lower compared to the non-diabetic groups I – IV. There was no statistical difference in the mean body weight of the glibenclamide-treated group (XI) compared to the non-diabetic groups (P>0.05). The mean plasma glucose levels taken at baseline were not significantly different (p>0.05) in all the groups. After 28 days of treatment with EECL, there were significant differences in the glucose levels of the 200mg/kg, 400mg/kg and 600mg/kg EECL-treated groups compared to the non-diabetic controls (p<0.05), whereas there was no significant difference in the plasma glucose levels of the glibenclamide-treated rats compared to the non-diabetic controls (p>0.05). Mean total cholesterol levels of the diabetic groups V – X were insignificantly higher compared to the non-diabetic control groups (p>0.05). The mean triglycerides of the diabetic groups V – X were significantly higher compared to the non-diabetic controls (p<0.05). The mean HDL-C levels of the diabetic groups V – VIII were significantly lower compared to the non-diabetic control groups (p<0.05). The HDL-C of the 400mg/kg and 600mg/kg EECL-treated groups were insignificantly lower compared to the non-diabetic control groups. The mean LDL-C levels of the diabetic groups V – X were significantly higher compared to the non-diabetic control groups (p<0.05). Consequently, serum triglycerides level was significantly elevated in the EECL-treated animals and did not improve the lipid variables of the study animals.