ABSTRACT
The recognition of herbal medicines for treating various illnesses stems from their effectiveness, affordability, accessibility, alignment with patients' beliefs, perceived low toxicity, minimal side effects, and fulfillment of the desire for personalized healthcare. However, there are growing concerns regarding the safety of herbal medicines. This study aimed to assess the safety of hydroethanolic extract of Citrullus lanatus (watermelon) seeds in female Wistar rats. Twenty rats were randomized into four groups (I, II, III and IV) of five animals each. The rats in group I (Control) received 1.0 mL of distilled water orally, while those in groups II, III and IV received equal volume (1.0 mL) of the hydroethanolic extract of C. lanatus seeds, corresponding to 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg body weight, respectively for 7 days. Weight changes were monitored, and on the eighth day, biochemical analyses were conducted on serum and tissues. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of several compounds, with notable minerals including iron (16.20 mg/mL), potassium (8.57 mg/mL), and magnesium (6.40 mg/mL). Heavy metals analysis reveals the presence of cadmium (0.12 mg/mL), chromium (8.44 mg/mL), lead (0.23 mg/mL), and cobalt (0.58 mg/mL) in trace amount. Lipid profile analysis showed a significant decrease (p<0.05) in total cholesterol (TC) and triglycerides (TAG) at higher doses, accompanied by an increase in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and a decrease in low-density lipoprotein (LDL). Hematological parameters showed no significant changes except for lymphocytes; mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), and red blood cell count (RBC), which increased dose-dependently, while neutrophils decreased. Liver parameters indicated increased levels of protein, bilirubin, and albumin, with decreased ALT, AST, and LDH activities. Urea, calcium, chloride, and sodium ion activities increased significantly, while potassium, bicarbonate, uric acid, and creatinine activities showed no significant differences. Overall, the study suggests that the hydroethanolic extract of C. lanatus seeds is safe and exhibits hepatoprotective, antihyperlipidemic, and hematological effects.