Haematological, blood sugar, and body mass index changes in Sprague-Dawley rats administered with wa
Authors:
EHICHIOYA David
Publication Type: Journal article
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Abstract
Background: Watermelon [Citrullus lanatus, (Cucurbitaceae)] has been reported to have
many potentially bioactive compounds proven to improve health. Aim: This study
determined the outcome of watermelon juice on BMI, blood sugar, and haematological
parameters in Sprague-Dawley female rats. Methods: A total number of 18 adult rats were
used. Animals were randomly divided into three groups: A (control), B (0.5 ml of
watermelon juice) and C (1.0 ml of watermelon juice). Watermelon was orally administered
daily for 30 days. Haematological analysis was carried by using Beckman-coulter
haematological analyzer and CD4+ Dynal bead technique. Glucose concentration was
determined after enzymatic oxidation and BMI calculated using rat weights and lengths.
Results: In group C, there was a significant reduction in BMI compared to group A (1.08 ±
0.04) (P<0.05) even though blood sugar level across the three groups was within same
range. CD4+ count was significantly increased in group C (8.67 ± 0.88) (P<0.05) compared
to the control group (5.00 ± 1.15) and WBC increased marginally in both treatment groups
after 30 days of ingesting the watermelon juice. NEUT and PLT increased slightly in group
C compared to control group. RBC, HCT and HGB concentrations from the experimental
rats in groups B and C were similar but reduced slightly compared to group A. Conclusion:
Consumption of watermelon juice led to reduced body weight gain and maintained a
relative blood sugar level. It may suggest ability to provide vital nutrients, stop bleeding,
fight microbial infections and possible initiation of immune response.