Nephroprotective Role of Aqueous Extract of Citrullus Lanatus Seed in Alcohol-Induced Renal Dysfunction in Wistar Rats

Abstract

Chronic alcohol consumption induces renal oxidative stress, tubular degeneration, and glomerular dysfunction. Plant-based antioxidants such as Citrullus lanatus (watermelon) seeds possess bioactive compounds that may protect against nephrotoxicity (Ifudu and Adewale, 2014; Varga et al., 2017). This study evaluated the nephroprotective effect of aqueous extract of Citrullus lanatus seed (AECL) on alcohol-induced renal dysfunction in Wistar rats. Thirty 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 ethanol (1 mL/day) for 2 weeks; Group III received AECL (500 mg/kg) only; Group IV received ethanol + AECL (500 mg/kg); and Group V received ethanol + AECL (1000 mg/kg). All treatments were administered orally for 6 weeks. Serum levels of urea, creatinine, uric acid, and electrolytes (Na⁺, K⁺, Cl⁻) were determined using standard colorimetric methods. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and LSD post-hoc test, with p ≤ 0.05 considered significant. Alcohol significantly increased serum urea, creatinine, and uric acid (p < 0.05) compared to control. Treatment with AECL reduced these parameters dose-dependently. The 1000 mg/kg extract produced values closest to normal. Electrolyte levels were also stabilized in treated groups. Aqueous extract of Citrullus lanatus seed confers nephroprotection against alcohol-induced renal toxicity, likely through antioxidant and membrane-stabilizing actions.