ABSTRACT
This research work was carried out to investigate the effect of the aqueous extract of Momordica charantia on haemoglobin concentration in albino rats. The aqueous extract of Momordica charantia was prepared from the leaves of the Momordica charantia plant and given orally to the experimental animals. Haemoglobin concentration was determined after two weeks of administration. The aqueous extract was prepared and given orally at doses of 80, 100, 120 and 140 mg/kg body weight daily to the experimental animals. This study was carried out at the Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, University of Ilorin between July and August 2010. The results of the work showed that there was significant decrease in mean haemoglobin concentration in test animals in comparison with the control (p<0.05). Oral administration of aqueous extract of Momordica charantia causes a decrease in haemoglobin concentration which can lead to anaemia.
ABSTRACT
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.