Author(s):

AN Ukwuani-Kwaja and A Zakari

Abstract: Citrullus lanatus is widely distributed in Africa where majority of people consume its fruits while discarding its seeds. Apart from its nutritional benefit, traditionally, its seeds are used in the treatment of various ailment including ulcer. This study aims at evaluating the antiulcer property of Citrullus lanatus seed in animal models. The antiulcer activity of Citrullus lanatus seed (CLS) was evaluated in ethanol-induced model of gastric ulcers in albino rats. CLS extract has showed a significant (p<0.05) anti-ulcer effect at both 200mg/kg and 400mg/kg dose level in a dose dependent manner as well as significant (p<0.05) reduction in the ulcer index when compared to control group. However, the antiulcer effect of CLS extract (400mg/kg) was greater compared to the standard drug Ranitidine (100mg/kg). The preliminary phytochemical screening showed the presence of flavonoids, Saponin, Alkaloids, Steroids and terpenoids. These findings suggest that the CLS extracts possess antiulcer potential which may contribute to its ethno medicinal use.

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