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At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2000

Insulinotropic effect of Citrullus colocynthis fruit extracts.

Infusions of Citrullus colocynthis Schrad. (Cucurbitaceae) fruits are traditionally used as antidiabetic medication in Mediterranean countries, but to our knowledge no studies have been undertaken so far to determine the possible mechanisms involved in the antidiabetic properties of the fruit. The present study was designed to investigate whether these fruits possess insulinotropic effects. For this purpose, different extracts of Citrullus colocynthis seed components were obtained: RN II (crude extract), RN VI (hydro-alcoholic extract), RN X (purified extract) and RN XVII (beta-pyrazol-1-ylalanine), the major free amino acid present in the seeds. The insulin secretory effects of these different extracts were evaluated in vitro in the isolated rat pancreas and isolated rat islets in the presence of 8.3 mM glucose. All tested extracts, when perfused for 20 min at 0.1 mg/ml, immediately and significantly stimulated insulin secretion. This effect was transient. In addition, the purified extract (RN X) provoked a clear dose-dependent increase in insulin release from isolated islets. Moreover, a significant and persistant increase in pancreatic flow rate appeared during RN VI, RN X and RN XVII perfusions. In conclusion, our results show that different Citrullus colocynthis seed extracts have an insulinotropic effect which could at least partially account for the antidiabetic activities of these fruits.

Amino Acids↗

PubMed2002

In vitro investigation of a standardized dried extract of Citrullus colocynthis on liver toxicity in adult rats.

A standardized extract of Citrullus colocynthis used as an oral natural laxative in folk medicine was tested for its influence on liver function parameters in vitro. Cytochrome P450 (CYP) dependent production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) under the influence of Citrullus colocynthis extract was investigated by means of stimulated lipid peroxidation (LPO), H2O2 formation and amplified chemiluminescence in rat liver microsomes. In rat liver 9000 x g supernatants 4 monooxygenase reactions mediated by different CYP forms were measured. Putative hepatotoxic effects of Citrullus colocynthis extract were measured by means of potassium and GSH concentrations in and LDH leakage from precision-cut rat liver slices. For possible hepatoprotective effects the influence of the extract on carbon tetrachloride-induced changes of these parameters was investigated. Citrullus colocynthis extract in concentrations higher than 10 microg/ml incubation mixture proved to inhibit lipid peroxidation and ROS-production as well as CYP1A-, 2B- and 3A-dependent reactions with typical substrates. In contrast, H2O2 production was not reduced under the influence of the extract, a slight but significant increase was seen. Citrullus colocynthis extract was found to be free of hepatotoxic effects in concentrations up to 100 microg/ml incubation mixture when liver slices were incubated in William's medium E for 22 hours. All viability parameters used were not influenced by the extract of Citrullus colocynthis. Carbon tetrachloride induced hepatotoxicity could not be prevented or alleviated. Moreover, the damage was sometimes enhanced by higher extract concentrations.

Animals↗

PubMed1995

An estimation of Citrullus colocynthis toxicity for chicks.

Citrullus colocynthis seed was fed at 2% and 10% of the basal diet to 7-d-old Bovans-type chicks for 6 w. Average body weights and efficiency of feed utilization were markedly depressed in the chicks on 10% Citrullus feed, and the serum activities of LDH, AST and CK and concentrations of total lipid and zinc were significantly increased. The concentration of serum total iron binding capacity was particularly reduced in chicks on 2% Citrullus feed. The concentrations of other serum and blood constituents and of hepatic copper, manganese and zinc were not significantly changes. Lesions seen in the intestines, livers, kidneys and other tissues were fully reversed 4 w after removal from the experimental diet.

Administration, Oral↗

PubMed1984

The effect of Citrullus colocynthis on sheep.

Fresh Citrullus colocynthis fruits and leaves were fed to ten sheep at daily doses ranging from 0.25 to 10 g/kg. The sheep showed signs of poisoning and died from 4 hours to 25 days after dosing. The clinical signs of diarrhea, anorexia, dyspnea and loss of condition were well correlated with the pathological findings. There was an increase in the concentrations of creatinine, urea and potassium and a decrease in total protein and calcium in the serum and in the blood sugar level of Colocynthis-poisoned sheep. Changes in the concentrations of serum phosphorus and magnesium were inconsistent. Hematological changes indicated the development of hemoconcentration. Leucocytosis resulted from an increased number of neutrophils.

Animals↗

PubMed2003

Immunostimulating activity of the hot water-soluble polysaccharide extracts of Anacyclus pyrethrum, Alpinia galanga and Citrullus colocynthis.

Hot water polysaccharide extracts of Anacyclus pyrethrum (L.) Link. (family Compositae) Citrullus colocynthis (L.) Schrad. (family Cucurbitaceae) and Alpinia galanga (L.) Willd. (family Zingiberaceae) were tested for their immunostimulating activity in mice. The fractions from Anacyclus pyrethrum and Alpinia galanga showed a marked stimulating effect on the reticulo-endothelial system (RES) and increased the number of peritoneal exudate cells (PEC), and spleen cells of mice. In this case, the optimum doses were 50 and 25 mg/kg for the two fractions, respectively. On the other hand, the polysaccharide extracts of both Anacyclus pyrethrum and Alpinia galanga markedly enhanced the proliferation of the murine spleen cells in vitro using two tests (in vitro and in vivo effect). The results of the in vivo effect at a doses of 50 and 25 mg/kg, showed a stimulation index better than obtained with the in vitro effect at 50 and 25 microg/ml for Anacyclus pyrethrum and Alpinia galanga, respectively. While the extract of Citrullus colocynthis showed much weaker and variable immunostimulating activity.

Adjuvants, Immunologic↗

PubMed1989

Toxicity of colocynithin and hydrated colocynithin from alcoholic extract of Citrullus colocynthis pulp.

The comparative toxicity of the alcoholic extract of Citrullus colocynthis pulp; colocynithin and hydrated colocynithin have been isolated and tried against seven insect species. The American cockroaches were more susceptible for both compounds than the German one, adult honey bee were more affected with Colocynithin than adult housefly. while hydrated colocynithin was more toxic to housefly than honey bee, cotton leafworm was less affected with both toxicants. Bed bug was less affected with Colocynithin than mosquito, but V.V. with hydrated Colocynithin. A direct parallel relation was found between toxicity and rate of penetration.

Animals↗

PubMed2003

Antibacterial screening of Citrullus colocynthis.

Crude ethanolic extracts of fruits, leaves, stems and roots of Citrullus colocynthis Schrad were examined for their antibacterial potentialities against Gram positive and Gram negative bacilli. Ethanolic extracts of fruits, leaves, stems and roots were found to be active against Gram positive bacilli, viz., Bacillus pumilus and Staphylococcus aureus, while fruit and root extracts in double strength gave positive results against Gram positive bacillus (Bacillus subtilis). The Gram negative bacilli viz., Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa showed no response.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2003

Induction of reversible antifertility with a crude ethanol extract of Citrullus colocynthis Schrad fruit in male rats.

A crude 50% ethanol extract of Citrullus Colocynthis Schrad was administered orally to male albino rats for evaluation of antifertility effects. The animals were divided into five groups: group A was a vehicle-treated control group; treatment groups B, C, and D received 100 mg/kg/day C. Colocynthis extract for periods of 20, 40, and 60 days, respectively, and group E animals received the extract at 100 mg/kg/day for 60 days followed by 60 days of recovery. For androgenicity evaluation of the extract, the animals were divided into four groups: group F animals were castrated 30 days before the experiment to serve as controls, and group G, H, and I were subjected to castration 30 days before the experiments, followed by administration of fruit extract (100 mg/kg/day p.o.), testosterone propionate (0.01 mg/rat/alternate day s.c.), and fruit extract along with testosterone propionate, respectively, for 30 days. Significantly reduced cauda epididymis sperm motility and density, number of pups, fertility, and circulatory levels of testosterone were observed in all treatment groups. The weights of testes, epididymis, seminal vesicle, and prostate were significantly decreased in groups B, C, and D. The weights of all organs in the different groups of the androgenicity study were markedly decreased in group F when compared with group A, in group G when compared with group F, and in group I when compared with group H, and increased in group H when compared with group F. The serum testosterone levels also showed a similar pattern. The concentration of testicular cholesterol was significantly elevated, while protein, sialic acid, acid and alkaline phosphatase concentrations were decreased. The histoarchitecture of the testes showed degenerative changes in the seminiferous epithelium, arrest of spermatogenesis at the secondary spermatocyte stage, cytolysis, and the lumen filled with eosinophilic material. Histometric parameters except Sertoli cell nuclear area and number of round spermatids showed marked alterations. All altered parameters restored to normal in group E. No changes were observed in body weight, litter size, hematology, and serum biochemistry. In conclusion, a 50% ethanol extract of C. Colocynthis showed an antiandrogenic nature, thereby reduced reversible infertility in male albino rats.

Animals↗

PubMed2000

Preliminary toxicity study on the individual and combined effects of Citrullus colocynthis and Nerium oleander in rats.

The toxicity of diet containing 10% of Citrullus colocynthis fruits or 10% of Nerium oleander leaves or their 1:1 mixture (5%+5%) for rats treated for 6 weeks was determined. Dullness, ruffled hair, decreased body weight gains and feed efficiency, and enterohepatonephropathy characterised treatment with C. colocynthis and N. oleander given alone. Diarrhoea was a prominent sign of C. colocynthis poisoning. Organ lesions were accompanied by leucopenia, anaemia and alterations in serum AST, ALT and ALP activities and concentrations of total protein, albumin, urea, bilirubin and other serum constituents. Feeding the mixture of C. colocynthis and N. oleander caused more marked effects and death of rats.

Animals↗

PubMed2001

Response of Najdi sheep to oral administration of Citrullus colocynthis fruits, Nerium oleander leaves or their mixture.

Susceptibility of sheep to oral administration of Citrullus colocynthis fruits, Nerium oleander leaves or their mixture is described in 12 sheep assigned as untreated controls, C. colocynthis-treated at 0.25g/kg/day, N. oleander-treated at 0.25g/kg and plant mixture-treated at 0.25g of C. colocynthis/kg plus 0.25g of N. oleander/kg. The daily use of 0.25g of C. colocynthis/kg for 42 days was not fatal to sheep and caused slight diarrhoea, catarrhal enteritis, centrilobular hepatocellular fatty change and degeneration of the renal tubular cells. Single oral doses of 0.25g of N. oleander/kg were lethal to sheep within 18-24h and caused uneasiness, grinding of the teeth, dyspnoea, anorexia, frequent urination, ruminal bloat, ataxia and recumbency before death. The main lesions were widespread congestion and haemorrhage, pulmonary cyanosis and emphysema and severe hepatonephropathy. Rapid death was also observed in sheep receiving single doses of the mixture of the two plants. Effects were correlated with changes in the activities of serum lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) and aspartate transaminase (AST) and concentrations of cholesterol, bilirubin, total protein, albumin, globulin and urea and haematological parameters.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2002

A genetic linkage map for watermelon derived from a testcross population: ( Citrullus lanatus var. citroides x C. lanatus var. lanatus) x Citrullus colocynthis.

A genetic linkage map was constructed for watermelon using a testcross population [Plant Accession Griffin 14113 ( Citrullus lanatus var. citroides) x New Hampshire Midget (NHM; C. lanatus var. lanatus)] x U.S. Plant Introduction (PI) 386015 ( Citrullus colocynthis). The map contains 141 randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers produced by 78 primers, 27 inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers produced by 17 primers, and a sequence-characterized amplified region (SCAR) marker that was previously reported as linked (1.6 cM) to race-1 Fusarium wilt [incited by Fusarium oxysporum Schlechtend.:Fr. f. sp. niveum (E.F.Sm.) W.C. Synder & H.N. Hans] resistance in watermelon. The map consists of 25 linkage groups. Among them are a large linkage group that contains 22 markers covering a mapping distance of 225.6 cM and six large groups each with 10-20 markers covering a mapping distance of 68.8 to 110.8 cM. There are five additional linkage groups consisting of 3-7 markers per group, each covering a mapping distance of 36.5 to 57.2 cM. The 13 remaining linkage groups are small, each consisting of 2-11 markers covering a mapping distance of 3.5-29.9 cM. The entire map covers a total distance of 1,166.2 cM with an average distance of 8.1 cM between two markers. This map is useful for the further development of markers linked to disease resistance and watermelon fruit qualities.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2000

Effect of combined Citrullus colocynthis and Rhazya stricta use in Najdi sheep.

The effect of oral administration of 0.25 g/kg/day of Citrullus colocynthis fruits, 0.25 g/kg/day of Rhazya stricta leaves or mixture of the two plants at 0.25 g/kg/day of C. colocynthis fruits plus 0.25 g/kg/day of R. stricta leaves in Najdi sheep was examined. Oral administration of 0.25 g/kg/day of C. colocynthis fruits or 0.25 g/kg/day of R. stricta leaves for 42 days proved not fatal but that of the mixture of the two plants (0.25 g + 0.25 g/kg/day) proved fatal within 26 days with profuse diarrhea, dehydration, loss in condition, ataxia and recumbency, prior to death. These manifestations accompanied by enterohepatonephrotoxicity, gelatinization of the renal and epicardial fat and transudate in serous cavities were correlated with alterations in serum LDH and AST activities and concentrations of total protein, albumin, globulin, bilirubin, cholesterol and urea and hematology.

Animals↗

PubMed2006

Growth inhibitory activity of cucurbitacin glucosides isolated from Citrullus colocynthis on human breast cancer cells.

Our aim was to study the effects of cucurbitacin glucosides extracted from Citrullus colocynthis leaves on human breast cancer cell growth. Leaves were extracted, resulting in the identification of cucurbitacin B/E glucosides. The cucurbitacin glucoside combination (1:1) inhibited growth of ER(+) MCF-7 and ER(-) MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cell lines. Cell-cycle analysis showed that treatment with isolated cucurbitacin glucoside combination resulted in accumulation of cells at the G(2)/M phase of the cell cycle. Treated cells showed rapid reduction in the level of the key protein complex necessary to the regulation of G(2) exit and initiation of mitosis, namely the p34(CDC2)/cyclin B1 complex. cucurbitacin glucoside treatment also caused changes in the overall cell morphology from an elongated form to a round-shaped cell, which indicates that cucurbitacin treatment caused impairment of actin filament organization. This profound morphological change might also influence intracellular signaling by molecules such as PKB, resulting in inhibition in the transmission of survival signals. Reduction in PKB phosphorylation and inhibition of survivin, an anti-apoptosis family member, was observed. The treatment caused elevation in p-STAT3 and in p21(WAF), proven to be a STAT3 positive target in absence of survival signals. Cucurbitacin glucoside treatment also induced apoptosis, as measured by Annexin V/propidium iodide staining and by changes in mitochondrial membrane potential (DeltaPsi) using a fluorescent dye, JC-1. We suggest that cucurbitacin glucosides exhibit pleiotropic effects on cells, causing both cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. These results suggest that cucurbitacin glucosides might have therapeutic value against breast cancer cells.

Blotting, Western↗

PubMed2003

Effect of combination of Capsicum frutescens and Citrullus colocynthis on growth, haematological and pathophysiological parameters of rats.

The toxicity of diet containing 10% of Capsicum frutescens or 10% of Citrullus colocynthis fruits or their 1:1 mixture (5% + 5%) to rats treated for 6 weeks was evaluated. Body weight loss, inefficiency of feed utilization, diarrhoea, and enterohepatonephropathy characterized C. colocynthis toxicosis in rats. Despite impairment of rat's growth neither nephropathy nor diarrhoea was detected in rats fed the 10% C. frutescens diet. Feeding the mixture of C. frutescens and C. colocynthis caused more pronounced effects and death of rats. Vital organ lesions accompanied by anaemia and leucopenia were correlated with changes in serum ALP, AST and ALT activities with alterations in concentrations of total protein, albumin, urea and other serum constituents. Serum bilirubin concentration did not change.

Anemia↗

PubMed2004

Biochemical effects of Citrullus colocynthis in normal and diabetic rats.

Diabetes mellitus is one of the most common endocrine diseases. In UAE many traditional plants such as the Citrullus colocynthis (Handal) are used as antidiabetic remedies. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of the aqueous extract of the seed of C. colocynthis on the biochemical parameters of normal and streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Diabetes mellitus was induced by a single intraperitoneal (60 mg/kg body wt1) injection of STZ. Normal and diabetic rats were fed with the plant extract daily by oral intubation for 2 weeks. Blood sample were collected at the beginning and end of the experiment for the measurement of biochemical parameters. The plasma level of alanine aminotranferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) increased significantly after the onset of diabetes. Oral administration of the plant extract reduced the plasma level of AST and LDH significantly. However, the plant extract failed to reduce the increased blood level of GGT and ALP in diabetic rats. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) increased significantly after the onset of diabetes. No significant difference was observed in the blood creatinine, K+, Na+, Ca2+ and P levels of normal and diabetic rats. The plant extract did not have any effect on BUN level, however, it caused an increase in the level of K+, Na+ in diabetic rats. In conclusion, oral administration of the aqueous extract of the C. colocynthis can ameliorate some of the toxic effects of streptozotocin.

Animals↗

PubMed2000

The hypoglycaemic and antihyperglycaemic effect of citrullus colocynthis fruit aqueous extract in normal and alloxan diabetic rabbits.

Effects of the aqueous, glycosidic, alkaloidal and saponin extracts of the rind of Citrullus colocynthis on the plasma glucose levels were investigated in normal rabbits, while the effects of saponin extract on the fasting plasma glucose levels were studied in alloxan induced diabetic rabbits. In normal rabbits, oral administration of aqueous extract (300 mg/kg) produced significant reduction in plasma glucose after 1 h and highly significant after 2,3 and 6 h. Phytochemical screening revealed that the rind of C. colocynthis and its aqueous extract contains tertiary and quaternary alkaloids, glycoside and saponin components. The hypoglycaemic effects of these components given orally at a dose (50 mg/kg) were studied in normoglycaemic rabbits. Result showed that the alkaloidal extract did not significantly lower the blood glucose levels from 132 mg/100 ml at 0 h to 120 mg/100 ml after 6 h, while the glycosidic extract significantly lowered the fasting glucose levels after 2 and 3 h and highly significant after 6 h. The effect was more pronounced with saponin extract, the saponin significantly lowered the fasting glucose levels after 1 and 2 h and highly significant (P<0.001) after 3 and 6 h. Graded doses (10, 15 and 20 mg/kg) of saponin extract, when given orally to alloxan diabetic rabbits, produced a significant reduction of plasma glucose concentration. These results suggest that the aqueous extract of the rind of C. colocynthis possesses a hypoglycaemic effect and its hypoglycaemic action could be attributed for more extent to the presence of saponin in addition to the presence of glycosidic components.

Alkaloids↗

PubMed1998

Microbial populations associated with the retting of melon pods (Colocynthis citrullus L.) during seed recovery.

The traditional process for the retting of melon pulp and microbiological characteristics in the recovery of melon seeds (Colocynthis citrullus L.) were investigated. Melon pods were sliced open and exposed for seven days. The pulp underwent a natural fermentation that was characterized by the growth of microorganisms to 10(8)-10(10) cfu/g. The pH fluctuated between 4.8 and 5.1 with a lactic acid content of 0.72%. Bacillus subtilis, B. polymyxa, Lactobacillus fermentum, L. brevis and Streptococcusfaecalis were the predominant microorganisms but, significant contributions were made by Staphylococcus saprophyticus and Enterobacter cloacae. Penicillium, Aspergillus and Rhizopus species including the yeasts, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Candida krusei and Deboromyces hansenii were isolated from the fermentation. Growth of microorganisms was completely inhibited in antibiotic-treated samples indicating that the melon pods were the main source of microorganisms for the fermentation.

Cucurbitaceae↗

PubMed1984

Carcinogenic activity of condensate from coloquint seeds (Citrullus colocynthis) after chronic epicutaneous administration to mice.

In the Sahelian countries coloquint seed tar is used in traditional medicine. A condensate from the seed of Citrullus colocynthis was obtained in a camel nomad settlement. It contained a large number of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, including known carcinogens [e.g., benzo(a)pyrene, benz(a)anthracene, benzo(b)fluoranthene, benzo(j)fluoranthene]. The dose-related carcinogenic activity of this condensate was established after chronic epicutaneous application to mouse skin. We conclude that the manufacture and use of coloquint tar and related compounds may involve a health hazard and could lead to the development of cancer.

Africa↗