Profiling of Lipid and Vitamin contents in the extract of Watermelon (Citrullus vulgaris Schrad.) seeds

Abstract

There is a growing interest all over the world for discovering the untapped reservoir of medicinal plants. Many plants have been known to produce biologically active substances, some of which are related to special flavor or taste and others are found to be useful as antioxidants and/or antimicrobial agents. The therapeutic effects of several medicinal plants are usually attributed to their antioxidant phytochemicals. The current study investigates the lipid and vitamin profiling in the aqueous hot extract of watermelon (Citrullus vulgaris Schrad.) seeds. The lipid profile includes parameters such as total cholesterol, triglycerides, free fatty acids and phospholipids. The vitamin profile includes parameters such as Vitamin A, E, C, β carotene and Thiamine. Other than these parameters the essential oil content was also investigated to extend its role played in aiding therapeutic properties. All the parameters were quantified using standard laboratory protocols. The study results suggest the efficacy of the hot aqueous seed extract of Citrullus vulgaris Schrad. To be used as a good nutritional source for vitamin deficiency and also for prevention and treatment of various other disease conditions.