Abstract:
To evaluate in-vivo antioxidant potential of fruit mucilage from Cucumis melo variety momordica (PM) and
variety agrestis (KM) using rats as experimental animals, the fruits were collected, identified, dried and pulverized.
Mucilages were isolated from the fruit powders by microwave-assisted method. Aqueous extracts obtained were filtered
to remove fruit pulp. Each filtrate was centrifuged at 4000xg rpm for 15 min. Each supernatant was precipitated with 3
volumes of 95% ethanol and maintained overnight at 4°C. These precipitates were filtered and lyophilized. In vivo
antioxidant activity was determined using rats for 14 days. Paracetamol (75mg/Kg, i.p.) for inducing oxidative stress and
Vitamin C & Vitamin E (200mg/Kg each, p.o.) as standard treatment were used. PM and KM were given in 500mg/Kg
and 1000mg/Kg, p.o. doses in separate groups. SOD, MDA, GSH and CAT levels were estimated in organs (liver,
kidney, heart, brain) of all groups using standard procedures. Toxic control showed prominent toxicity in the liver. The
levels of GSH, CAT and SOD were raised and MDA levels were reduced in all organs of test and standard groups. The
levels of antioxidant biomarkers varied in all remaining groups. The overall results are significant suggesting strong
antioxidant potential of PM and KM.
