Citrullus lanatus

Anaemia is a prevalent global health concern, particularly in developing regions. Conventional treatments such as iron supplements often have side effects, prompting interest in natural alternatives. Citrullus lanatus (watermelon) is rich in bioactive
compounds, including lycopene, citrulline, and essential minerals, which may influence hematopoiesis. This study evaluates the effects of Citrullus lanatus juice on red blood cell (RBC) indices in anaemic rats. Seventy seven male Sprague-Dawley rats were
divided into five groups: control, anaemia-induced (untreated), anaemia + vitamin B complex/folic acid, and anaemia + watermelon juice. Anaemia was induced using phenylhydrazine, and treatments were administered for three weeks. Blood samples were collected weekly and analyzed for RBC indices, including mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), and red cell distribution width (RDW). Data were analyzed using ANOVA with a significance level of p < 0.05. Citrullus
lanatus juice administration significantly increased MCV and MCH compared to the control (p < 0.05), suggesting enhanced erythropoiesis. RDW-SD showed a notable increase in the watermelon-treated group, indicating RBC production. However, no
significant changes were observed in mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) (p > 0.05). The results suggest that Citrullus lanatus juice positively influences RBC indices in anaemic rats, potentially enhancing erythropoiesis. This study supports the use of Citrullus lanatus as a dietary intervention for anaemia, warranting further research in human models.

This study investigated the therapeutic potential of hydroethanolic extract of watermelon Citrullus lanatus) rind against cadmium-induced hematological alterations in Wistar rats. Twenty five rats were divided into five groups: a control group, a negative control group administered cadmium chloride (15mg/kg), a positive control group treated with Vitamin C (5 mg/kg), and two test groups treated with the watermelon rind extract at doses of 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg, respectively. The experiment lasted for 60 days. Results showed that cadmium exposure resulted in the lowest percentage body weight gain (37.41%), while treatment with the 500 mg/kg extract promoted the highest weight gain (84.66%), comparable to the Vitamin C group. Although blood cadmium levels did not show a statistically significant reduction, hematological analysis revealed that the extract, particularly at 250mg/kg, appeared to ameliorate hematological parameters, including red and white blood cell indices, showed no significant alterations. The result suggest that Citrullus lanatus rind extract possesses protective properties against cadmium-induced toxicity, potentially through its rich antioxidant phytochemicals, which mitigate oxidative stress and support hemopoietic function, rather than through direct chelation of the heavy metal.

This study accessed the microbial analysis of melon seeds purchased from different vendors in New Benin market, Ogida market, Oba market and Uselu market in Benin City, Edo state, Nigeria. Samples were collected in sterile plastic containers and taken to the laboratory for microbiological assessment following standard procedures. The microbiological assessment was carried out using cultural techniques. Identification of the microbial isolates was done using biochemical methods, phenotypic virulence properties were evaluated for the isolates and antimicrobial sensitivity was carried out using agar well diffusion method. The results showed that the bacterial counts ranged from 1.96±0.67 to 3.45±1.15x10 5 CFU/g. The total coliform counts ranged from 4.73±0.67 to 9.66±0.67 x10 3 CFU/g. The fungal counts ranged from 1.00±0.00 to 6.00±0.58x10 3 CFU/g. The bacterial isolated from the melon seed samples were Bacillus sp, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas sp and Staphylococcus aureus. The fungal isolates identified were Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, Rhizopus sp, Penicillium chrysogenum, Fusarium sp and Trichoderma sp respectively. The antibacterial susceptibility testing showed that all isolates were susceptible to ciprofloxacin, erythromycin and levofloxacin but were also resistant to pefloxacin, gentamycin, ampiclox, zinnacef, amoxicillin and rocephin. It was also evident that all isolates were found to have an MAR index greater than 0.2 which means that the isolates were all pathogens of public health importance. The study therefore suggests regular surveillance and checks to monitor local vended foods on sale to ensure effective food safety