Faith EMEFIELE

Inflammation is a protective biological response; however, when uncontrolled it contributes to the development of chronic diseases. Conventional anti-inflammatory drugs such as Ibuprofen, Aspirin, and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are effective but often associated with adverse effects during prolonged use. This study evaluated the synergistic anti-inflammatory activity of juices from Pineapple and Watermelon as a potential safer alternative for managing inflammation.

Fresh juices were prepared and administered to albino mice at doses of 10 and 20 ml/kg following acute toxicity testing. Anti-inflammatory activity was assessed using formalin-induced paw oedema, egg albumin-induced oedema, and Carrageenan-Induced Paw Edema models. The combination of pineapple and watermelon juice significantly reduced inflammation in a dose-dependent manner across all experimental models. In some instances, the anti-inflammatory effects were comparable to those produced by standard drugs such as ibuprofen and aspirin. No signs of severe toxicity or mortality were observed during the experiment.

The observed anti-inflammatory activity is attributed to the combined effects of bioactive compounds such as Bromelain, Lycopene, and L-Citrulline, which are known to regulate oxidative stress and inflammatory mediators. The findings suggest that pineapple and watermelon juice may serve as a safe, affordable, and natural functional food-based intervention for managing inflammatory conditions.

Inflammation is a protective biological response, but when uncontrolled it contributes to chronic diseases. Conventional anti-inflammatory drugs such as NSAIDs and corticosteroids, although effective, are often limited by adverse effects with long-term use. This study evaluated the synergistic anti-inflammatory activity of pineapple (Ananas comosus) and watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) juice as a potential safer alternative. Fresh juices were prepared and administered to albino mice at doses of 10 and 20 ml/kg after acute toxicity testing. Anti-inflammatory activity was assessed using formalin-induced paw oedema, egg albumin-induced oedema, and carrageenan induced oedema models. The combination significantly reduced inflammation in a dose-dependent manner across all models, with effects in some cases comparable to ibuprofen and aspirin. No signs of severe toxicity or mortality were observed. The observed activity is attributed to the combined actions of bromelain, lycopene, and Lcitrulline, which modulate oxidative stress and inflammatory mediators. These findings suggest that pineapple and watermelon juice may serve as a safe and affordable functional food-based intervention in managing inflammatory conditions