Haematopoietic Enhancing Effect of Ethanolic Seed Extract of Citrullus lanatus (Watermelon) on Bone Marrow of Wistar Rats

Aim: To evaluate the haematopoietic property of citrullus lanatus seed extract by determining the phytochemical, cytological and histological profiles on the bone marrow of wistar rats.

Methodology: Phytochemical properties were determined using a UNICAMM 969 atomic absorption spectrophotometer and functional groups were analyzed using Furrier Transform Infrared ray (FTIR). Fifteen (15) wistar rats average weights of 150 g were divided into three groups A, B, and C of 5 rats each. Group A (controls) received 0.1 ml saline while groups B and C received 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg of ethanolic seed extract of Citrullus lanatus respectively for 14 days. Thereafter, the animals were sacrificed under anaesthesia using ketamine 50 mg/kg. Bone marrow was collected from the femoral shaft and stained using haematoxylin and eosin (H & E) and its smear was also stained cytologically using May-Grünwald-giemsa stain.

Results: Atomic Absorbance Spectrum (AAS) revealed concentrations of 754.20 µg/kg, 53.70 µg/kg, 45.10 µg/kg, 24.20 mg/kg 11.80 µg/kg and 1.10 µg/kg for Iron, Zinc, Lead, Copper, Nickel and Cadmium ions respectively. The FTIR revealed presence of methyl, aldehyde, acetyl, carboxyl and ether groups. Bone marrow histology from groups B and C show greater cellularity compared to the control (group A). The cytology revealed more of myeloid precursors in the control and erythroid lymphoid precursors in the extract groups.

Conclusion: Citrullus lanatus seed extract has physiochemical properties which support its hematopoietic effect on the bone marrow and can be use as blood supplement.