Hepatoprotective Effects of Aqueous Extract of Citrullus lanatus Seed on Alcohol-Induced Liver Toxicity in Wistar Rats

Abstract: Chronic alcohol consumption leads to oxidative stress and hepatic dysfunction. Natural antioxidants from plant sources such as Citrullus lanatus (watermelon) seeds may protect against such damage through free radical scavenging and membrane-stabilizing actions (Osna et al., 2017; Harjumäki et al., 2021). This study evaluated the hepatoprotective potential of aqueous extract of Citrullus lanatus seed (AECL) on alcohol-induced liver toxicity in Wistar rats. Thirty adult male Wistar rats (130–150 g) were divided into five groups (n = 6): Group I (normal control) received feed and water only; Group II (alcohol control) received 1 mL ethanol daily for 2 weeks; Group III (extract control) received AECL 500 mg/kg only; Group IV received ethanol + AECL 500 mg/kg; and Group V received ethanol + AECL 1000 mg/kg. Treatments were given orally for 6 weeks. Serum ALT, AST, ALP, and total protein were assayed. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA with LSD post-hoc test (p ≤ 0.05). Alcohol exposure significantly increased (p < 0.05) ALT, AST, and ALP, while total protein decreased. Co-administration of AECL (500 mg/kg and 1000 mg/kg) significantly reversed these alterations toward normal. The higher dose produced effects comparable to control. Aqueous extract of Citrullus lanatus seed protects against alcohol-induced liver injury, likely via antioxidant and membrane-stabilizing mechanisms. Keywords: Citrullus lanatus, hepatotoxicity, ethanol, liver enzymes, antioxidant, Wistar rat. Title: Hepatoprotective Effects of Aqueous Extract of Citrullus lanatus Seed on Alcohol-Induced Liver Toxicity in Wistar Rats Author: Afuberoh Francis Chukwudi, Eyeghre Onoriode Akpoghene, Anyaogu Charles Chinemeze, Okoye Ogochukwu Fidelis, Darlington Victor Nweze, Okonkwo Ifeoma Rita, Akpudo Genevieve Chiemelie International Journal of Recent Research in Life Sciences (IJRRLS) ISSN 2349-7823 Vol. 12, Issue 4, October 2025 - December 2025 Page No: 37-43 Paper Publications Website: www.paperpublications.org Published Date: 17-December-2025 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17961428 Paper Download Link (Source) https://www.paperpublications.org/upload/book/Hepatoprotective%20Effects%20of%20Aqueous%20Extract-17122025-2.pdf