Ameliorative Effect of Hydromethanolic Fraction of Citrullus lanatus Seeds on Biochemical and Histology Parameters of Female Wistar Rats Administered with Caffeine
G. I. Onyeso
Department of Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Madonna University, Elele, Rivers State, Nigeria
K. W. Nkpaa *
Department of Biochemistry (Toxicology Unit), Faculty of Chemical and Biological Sciences, College of Natural and Applied Sciences, University of Port Harcourt, P.M.B 5323, Choba, Rivers State, Nigeria
P. C. Osaretin
Department of Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Madonna University, Elele, Rivers State, Nigeria
E. Ugochukwu
Department of Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Madonna University, Elele, Rivers State, Nigeria
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
This study aimed at evaluating the ameliorative effect of hydromethanolic fraction of C. lanatus seeds on biochemical and histology parameters of female Wistar rats administered with caffeine. Oral administration of hydromethanolic fraction of C. lanatus seeds on experimental rats caused a significant reduction in serum aspartate, alanine and alkaline transaminases. The extract caused an increase dopamine and prolactin levels. The extract of C. lanatus at 200 mg kg-1 not only reversed the histopathological effects of caffeine but also counteracted the deleterious effects of caffeine - induced pituitary gland and hepatocyte injury by protecting pituitary gland tissues and hepatocyte cells. Thus hydromethanolic fractions of C. lanatus seeds have ameliorative effect.
Keywords: Serum transaminases, dopamine, prolactin, C. lanatus, hepatocytes, pituitary gland