The Potency of Antidiabetic Properties of Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) Rind Ethanolic Extract in Glucose-Induced Male Albino Mice

Objectives: Evaluate the effectiveness of watermelon rind ethanolic extract in reducing blood glucose levels in glucose-induced male albino mice and examine potential adverse effects and the impact of different extract concentrations.  Methods: This in vivo study was conducted at the Adventist Medical Center College Pharmacy Department Laboratory and involved 42 mice that were given standard care. The watermelon rinds were processed into a powder, and the ethanolic extract was extracted using maceration and refined with a rotary evaporator. The potency of the antidiabetic properties of Citrullus lanatus rind ethanolic extract was evaluated by observing the blood sugar level of the male albino mice after inducing glucose. The mice were divided into seven groups, each receiving varying dosages of a specific extract. The blood samples were collected by cutting a small portion of the male albino mouse tail. A device called a glucometer was utilized to monitor the blood glucose level. The ANCOVA was then utilized for the analysis of the data.  Results: Univariate ANCOVA analysis showed that baseline weight did not significantly affect results, but treatment effects were significant (p <.01) with a large effect size (η2 = .860). Higher doses of both metformin and the extract resulted in notable weight loss. A significant reduction in blood glucose levels was observed, especially at 175 mg/kg of the extract, where levels decreased from 131 mg/dL to 85.75 mg/dL. The study rejected the null hypothesis, confirming the extract's efficacy in lowering blood glucose levels.  Conclusion: The watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) rind ethanolic extract could potentially be used as a treatment against diabetes.