Asian Hematology Research Journal

Effects of Watermelon Juice on the Haematological Indices and Body Mass Index of Male Wistar Rats

Ojeka, Sunday Ogbu *

Department of Human Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Health Science, University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.

Zabbey, Victor Zigabelbari *

Department of Human Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Health Science, University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.

Onwoke, Ebibi Elizah *

Department of Medical Physics, Faculty of Science, Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo, Benue State, Nigeria.

*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.

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Abstract

Background: Despite the various claims on the potential health benefits of consuming watermelon fruit, little has been said on its benefits on the blood and body mass index. The present study was therefore carried out to investigate the effect of oral administration of watermelon juice on haematological parameters and body mass index (BMI) of male Wistar rats.

Methods: Twenty-four (24) male Wistar rats weighing between 120 and 160g were selected into four groups of 6 rats each. Group 1served as control with no treatment, Group 2 received 0.5ml of watermelon juice (WMJ), Group 3 received 1ml of WMJ and Group 4 received 1.5ml of WMJ. Weekly measurements of body weight and body length were recorded and after 5 weeks of administrations, blood samples were collected from the study animals via cardiac puncture after sedating them with 80% chloroform. The blood samples were put into properly labeled ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) bottles. Quantitative data emanating from the study were subjected to statistical analyses using SPSS software, version 21.0.

Results: The study found a statistically significant increase in lymphocytes and monocytes while there was no change in the neutrophils and eosinophils in the experimental groups with respect to the control. There was also a significant increase in red blood cell count while there was no significant change in the PCV, HCB, MCHC and MCV, with respect to the control. There was a significant increase in the plateletocrit and no significant change in MPV and PDW. Finally, there was a significant percentage increase in BMI in all the groups, which was least in the experimental group that was given the highest dosage of the watermelon juice.

Conclusion: These results underscore the potential benefits of watermelon juice supplementation on hematological parameters and BMI and warrant further investigation into its impact on overall health.

Keywords: Watermelon juice, haematological indices, platelet count, differential white blood cell count and body mass index

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