Hepatorenal Toxicity with Hematological and Biochemical Changes in Wistar Rats Fed the Ethanolic Extract of the Pulp of Citrullus colocynthis from Two Regions in Saudi Arabia

Fruits of Citrullus colocynthis were collected from the central (Riyadh) and the northern (Hail) regions of Saudi Arabia. The total phenolic and flavonoid concentrations of the pulp extract from both regions were determined. The hepatorenal toxicity and the associated hematologic and biochemical changes in male Wistar rats were evaluated in experimental animals.

Forty male Wistar rats were assigned to five equal groups. Group 1 as control and fed normal saline. Group 2 and 4 were fed 100 and 300 mg/kg bodyweight of C. colocynthis pulp extract from the central region respectively. Group 3 and 5 were fed 100 and 300 mg/kg bodyweight of C. colocynthis pulp extract from the northern region respectively.

The total phenolic and flavonoids contents of the pulp extract from the central and the northern regions were determined. There was a significant increase (p<0.05) in the total leucocytes counts in animals fed high doses of C. colocynthis pulp extract from both regions. The total platelets count was significantly increased (p<0.05) in groups 4 and 5. There was a significant increase in the serum concentrations of alkaline phosphatase and alanine aminotransferase. No significant increase in the levels of blood urea nitrogen and creatinine. Histologically, livers of the experimental animals showed dilatation of central veins, congestion of sinusoids, cytoplasmic degeneration of hepatocytes and infiltration of inflammatory cells. Kidneys showed dilatation of the glomeruli, severe congestion of kidney tissue with infiltration of inflammatory cells. Histological changes were dependent on the dose.