BIOCHEMICAL AND HISTOLOGICAL EVIDENCE OF THE NEPHROPROTECTIVE EFFECT OF WATERMELON (Citrullus Lanatus) SEED EXTRACT

Abstract

Drug-induced toxicity is one of the most common causes of kidney disorders, while most conventional drugs are inadequate
for treatment. This study was aimed at evaluating the phytochemical constituents and acute nephroprotective potential
of aqueous extract of watermelon seed (WMSE) in gentamicin (GM)- and cisplatin (Cisp)-induced nephrotoxicity in rats
as an alternative for the management of the condition. Aqueous seed extract (WMSE) was screened for phytochemical
constituents and DPPH scavenging activity. Nephrotoxicity was induced with GM (120 mg/kg b.wt) and Cisp (100 mg/kg
b.wt.). WMSE (at 100 and 250 mg/kg b.wt.) and Silymarin (120 mg/kg b.wt.) were co-administered orally during the
9-day study period. Nephroprotection was studied by assaying the activity of kidney function parameters, haematological
parameters, kidney oxidative stress status and histology of the kidney. The aqueous seed extract contained alkaloids,
glycosides, saponins, tannins, flavonoids, and phenolic compounds with 69% DPPH scavenging activity. Gentamicin and
cisplatin-treated groups recorded increased serum creatinine and urea, decreased kidney antioxidant (SOD, GPx and GSH),
increased relative kidney weight, and histological modification of the kidney tissues were observed. Treatment with WMSE
restored these parameters to near-normal levels with improved SOD activity, increased GSH levels in Cisp treated group
and improved haematological parameters of the GM model and ameliorated renal pathology. WMSE ameliorated acute
nephrotoxicity activity by modulation of antioxidant levels and could be explored as an alternative therapy for acute kidney
disease.