THERAPEUTIC POTENTIAL OF Citrullus lanatus RIND EXTRACT ON CADMIUM- INDUCED HEMATOLOGICAL ALTERATIONS IN WISTAR RATS

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.