ABSTRACT

Effect of Methanol Extract of Citrullus lanatus seeds on antioxidant activities in

dihydrotestosterone estradiol induced benigh prostatic hyperplasia in male wistar albino rat.

Phytochemical and acute toxicity test was conducted on the seed of Citrullus lanatus using

standard method. Thirty six (36) rats were divided into five experimental groups of six (6) rats

each; group 1 — normal control, group 2 — Disease control (BPH group), group 3 — standard drug

control (finasteride —group), group 4 and 5 (200 and 400 Mg/Kg of Citrullus lanatus extract

respectively). The NC was not induced with BPH but was given olive oil administrated orally

(everyday) and subcutaneous injection of olive oil (every other day) for 28 days. The disease

control group was induced BPH homones every other day for 28 days and orally administration

of olive oil for 28 days. The standard control group (Induced BPH) was given finasteride

5Mg/70kg administrated orally everyday. The 200Mg/kg and 400Mg/kg of methanol extract of

Citrullus lanatus seed was given to BPH induced rat orally everyday respectively. Result of the

phytochemical study shows high level of flavonoid (2.17±0.0 14 Mg/lookg) followed by saponin

(2.11±0.014 Mg/lookg). Cyanogenic glycosides (0.04±0.007 Mg/lookg) has the lowest

concentration. The result also show that PSA levels decreased significantly (P<0.05) in groups

treated with different doses of Citrullus lanatus extract. Body weight, CAT, SOD, GSH, GPX,

significantly (P<0.05) increased in treated BPH rats compared to non treated disease group.

There is a significant difference (P<0.005) in CAT, in group treated with 400Mg/kg Citrullus

lanatus seed compared to the normal control group. In SOD, there is a significant between group

treated with 400Mg/kg and 200Mg/kg of Citrullus lanatus extract compared to the normal

control group. In GPX and GSH, a significant difference between the normal control and the

treated groups. This study reveals important antioxidant constituents which shows that Citrullus

lanatus may have beneficial effect in preventing or suppressing the development of BPH and

useful in treatment and management.