Nuzhat Sultana, Shahid Ali.
Evaluation of Neurobehavioral Effect of Citrullus Lanatus Juice on Albino Mice.
J Bahria Uni Med Dental Coll Jan ;7(3):156-9.

Objective: To observe the effect of Citrullus lanatus var. lanatus on albino mice model of anxiety and depression. Methodology: This experimental study was done in the Pharmacology department of Karachi University for a period of 02 months from 5th February-9th April 2016. Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus var. lanatus) was used. Animals were randomly assigned into 4 groups A, B, C and D (n=10). Group A was control (normal saline). Group B was treated with Citrullus lanatus juice in a dose of 3 ml/kg, Group C was given 6 ml/kg of juice. Two drugs (Diazepam and Fluxetin) were used as standard and given to group D animals. All doses were administered orally. Level of anxiety and depression among animals was tested by light/dark box test and forced swim test. Data was analyzed statistically. Results: Animals treated with Citrullus lanatus juice showed marked reduction in anxiety which was evident from results of light/dark box test while forced swim test revealed no effect on depression. Conclusion: Citrullus lanatus contains important natural anti-oxidants like lycopene and vitamin C which prevent injury to vital organs like liver, heart and brain from toxic effects of reactive oxygen species. Arginine in Citrullus juice is also precursor of neurotransmitters like -Aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate. These results showed that Citrullus because of its components like arginine played an important role in maintaining normal neurological function and ameliorated anxiety and depression. Keywords: Anti-anxiety effect, Anti-depressant effect, Citrullus lanatus, Diazepam, Fluoxetine.

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