Antisecretory Effects of Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) Juice in Male Albino Rats

Aims: To evaluate the effects of the juice of Citrullus lanatus (watermelon) on gastric acid secretion and pH in Indomethacin-induced ulceration in male albino rats.
Study Design: The experiment was divided into two studies. Under each study, four groups of rats were pre-treated with distilled water (control), 25% watermelon, 50% watermelon and 100% watermelon juice respectively for 30 days.
Place and Duration of Study: Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria, between June, 2011 and July, 2012.
Methodology: Sixty-four animals in total were used for the experiment. The animals were divided into two experimental studies: Study I contained thirty-two rats which were used for the study on ulcerogenesis. Study II also contained thirty-two rats which were used for the study on gastric acid secretion. Each of the experimental studies was further divided into four groups in accordance with the study design.
Results: Rats pre-treated with Citrullus lanatus juice exhibited significant dose-dependent reduction of gastric lesions formation (P<0.05). Also, ulcerogenesis in the pretreated groups was significantly lower than that observed with the control (P<0.05).
Conclusion: The results suggest that Citrullus lanatus (watermelon) juice has a significant gastroprotective effect in Indomethacin-induced gastric ulceration. One of the mechanisms by which this protective effect is carried out is by its inhibition of gastric acid secretion.