Co-administration of Caffeine and Hydromethanolic Fraction of Citrullus lanatus Seeds Extract Improved Heamatological and Lipid Profile of Wistar Albino Rats

Aim: This study was designed to evaluate the ameliorative effect of co-administration of caffeine (CF) and hydromethanolic fraction of Citrullus lanatus (CL) seeds extract on heamatological and lipid profile of wistar albino rats.

Methods: Heamatological parameters were determined using a Synchron CX5 autoanalyzer according to the manufacturer’s protocol while, plasma lipid profiles were determined using Randox diagnostic kits and the determination were based on CHOD-PAD enzymatic colorimetric method of Trinder.

Results: The result showed that administration of CL and CF on WBC and HB in group III and IV were significantly higher (p<0.05) when compared to the control group. Whereas RBC level in group IV was significantly higher (p<0.05) compared to the control group. The effect of CL and CF on the HCT, MCV and MCHC levels of rats in groups II and IV were significantly different (p<0.05) compared to the control group. TC concentrations of rats in groups IV and V were significantly higher (p<0.05). Also, LDL concentration in groups II and IV were significantly different (p<0.05) while TG concentrations of in groups II, III and IV were significantly different (p<0.05) compared to the control group. CF however caused a decrease in red blood cells and an increase in white blood cells.

Conclusion: It is therefore suggested that CF should be consumed only in moderate doses to ensure normal regulation of blood levels. The study also indicates the possible use of hydromethanoic extract of CL seed in the treatment of anemia. Furthermore, it showed that CF alone is not a risk factor for coronary heart disease, only when taken in conjunction with a diet high in cholesterol. CL when taken in moderate quantity is very good to the body due to its LDL lowering effects, although when taken too much it had a hypercholesterolemic effect.