TITLE:
Anti-Hyperglycemic Activities of Citrullus lanatus (Cucurbitaceae) Seeds Aqueous Extract in Rats
AUTHORS:
Kouamé Hermann Yéboué, Alassane Meité, Bi Jean Severin Irié, Kouame Amoin Elodie Ya, Brou Andre Konan
KEYWORDS:
Citrullus lanatus, Hyperglycemia, Aqueous Extract, Rats, Antidiabetic
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Biosciences and Medicines,
Vol.14 No.8,
August
6,
2026
ABSTRACT: Background: Citrullus lanatus (watermelon) is used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, including diabetes. However, scientific validation of its anti-hyperglycemic properties is limited. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the phytochemical composition, acute toxicity, and pharmacological effects of the aqueous extract of C. lanatus seeds (EACL) on glycemic and lipid parameters in rats. Methods: Phytochemical screening, acute toxicity tests in mice, and a 14-day repeated dose study in normoglycemic rats were conducted. The anti-hyperglycemic effect of EACL (2000 mg/kg) was evaluated in three models of glucose-induced hyperglycemia in rats (pre-treatment, post-treatment, and co-administration) and compared to the standard drug glibenclamide. Results: Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of sterols, polyphenols, flavonoids, saponins, quinones, and tannins. EACL was found to be non-toxic (DL50 > 5000 mg/kg). In normoglycemic rats, EACL significantly reduced blood glucose (p Conclusion: The aqueous extract of C. lanatus seeds possesses significant hypoglycemic and anti-hyperglycemic properties, supporting its traditional use in managing diabetes.