L-Citrulline Ameliorates Sleep Deprivation-Induced Oxidative Stress, Inflammation and Haematological Alterations in Adult Female Wistar Rats

Sleep deprivation contributes to a negative interaction between homeostatic and circadian processes. This study investigated the effects of L-citrulline on Wistar rats subjected to paradoxical sleep deprivation (PSD). Thirty female Wistar rats were housed under controlled conditions and acclimated for 14 days. Following acclimatisation, the rats were randomly divided into five groups (n = 6 each): a normal control group, a negative control group (PSD without intervention), and three treatment groups administered L‑citrulline at doses of 200, 400, and 800 mg/kg, respectively. PSD was induced using the column-in-water method, with rats placed on platforms in water to prevent sleep for 20 h daily over seven days. L-citrulline was administered two hours before each PSD session. At the study’s conclusion, blood samples were collected via cardiac puncture for haematological and biochemical analyses following anaesthesia with pentobarbital. L‑citrulline significantly (P < 0.05) reduced oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory markers through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It also improved (P < 0.05) haematological parameters, oxygen transport, red blood cell stability, and platelet function. These findings highlight its potential in preserving immune balance and supporting cardiovascular and haematological health in sleep-deprived conditions.