ANTIOXIDANT, PHYTOCHEMICALS AND PROXIMATE ACTIVITIES OF WATERMELON SEEDS

ABSTRACT

Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) is a flowering plant species of the Cucurbitaceae family. It is a large berry whose swollen roundness and vibrant red flesh connote fertility and sexuality. The study was carried out to determine the Antioxidant, Phytochemicals and Proximate Activities of Watermelon (Citrullus Lanatus) Seeds. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out to estimate the watermelon phytochemical and mineral composition, provide information relating to the proximate analysis of watermelon seeds, and Provision of information relating to the in vitro antioxidant activities of watermelon seeds. The composition of a mineral can be expressed as a chemical formula, which simply gives the proportions of the different elements and groups of elements in the mineral. Investigation revealed the problems associated with the phytochemical and mineral composition, proximate analysis and in vitro antioxidant activities of watermelon (citrullus lanatus) seeds lack proper estimation of watermelon phytochemical and mineral composition and there is no proper and precise information relating to the proximate analysis of watermelon seeds. The watermelon seeds are known to have economic benefits especially in countries where cultivation is on the increase. They are used to prepare snacks, milled into flour and used for sauces. This research work when completed and implemented it will help to estimate the watermelon phytochemical and mineral composition, to provide information in vitro antioxidant activities of watermelon seeds, and proximate analysis of watermelon seeds. Besides, the study will serve as reference material for subsequent researcher in the field or related topics.

CHAPTER ONE

1.1 Introduction

Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) is a flowering plant species of the Cucurbitaceae family and the name of its edible fruit. A scrambling and trailing vine-like plant, it is a highly cultivated fruit worldwide, with more than 1,000 varieties. The watermelon seeds are known to have economic benefits especially in countries where cultivation is on the increase. They are used to prepare snacks, milled into flour and used for sauces. Oil from the seeds are used in cooking and incorporated into the production of cosmetics (Jensen et al., 2011).

As a prelude to other parts of this study, this chapter will discuss the background upon which this study was initiated, the statement of problems that led to this study, the Aim and Objectives of the study. Others are Significance of the study, Scope of work, Limitations of the Study and Definition of technical terms.

1.2 Background of Study

Diets rich in phytochemicals such as carotenoids and phenolic compounds have been associated with a reduced risk of certain types of cancer, cataracts, inflammation, cardiovascular, muscular degeneration and neurodegenerative diseases (Bueno, et al., 2012; Sergent, et al., 2010; Snyder, et al., 2011; Tanaka et al., 2012). Tropical fruits consumption is increasing on domestic and international scale due to growing recognition of their nutritional and therapeutic values (Alves et al., 2008).

Phytochemicals, the biologically active and naturally-occurring compounds in plants provide health benefits for humans. They contribute to plants colour and flavor, and are found in different parts of the plants such as root, stem, leaves, fruits and seeds. They have biological properties such as antioxidant activity, antimicrobial effect, modulation of detoxifying enzymes, stimulation of the immune system, and general modulation of hormonal activity. As a result of these properties, researchers are interested in their health benefits. The identification and quantification of phytochemicals in pulps and byproducts of tropical fruits are of utmost importance in order to substantiate their potential health benefits in human nutrition. Fruits occupy a part of daily diet of the rich and rarely the poor and there are many parts of a fruit that are not considered edible, and so are usually thrown away.

One such fruit is Citrullus lanatus, which is taken by all but the seeds, are thrown away and generally not included in regular diet. The juice or pulp of Citrullus lanatus is considered as the edible portion but rind and seeds are discarded as major solid wastes (Bawa and Bains, 1977). The fruit has numerous small black seeds embedded in the middle of the flesh, while the embryo completely fills the seed. The seeds have sweet and nutritious kernels. Citrullus lanatus is of the cucurbitaceae family and several studies have shown that seeds of the cucurbitaceae are potential sources of nutrients such as protein, minerals and lipids as well as ingredients for native medicine.

Watermelon is grown in favorable climates from tropical to temperate regions worldwide for its large edible fruit, which is a berry with a hard rind and no internal divisions, and is botanically called a pepo. The sweet, juicy flesh is usually deep red to pink, with many black seeds, although seedless varieties exist. The fruit can be eaten raw or pickled, and the rind is edible after cooking. It may also be consumed as a juice or an ingredient in mixed beverages (Wikipedia, 2021).

The plant is related to the cantaloupe, squash and pumpkin and other plants that grow on vines (on the ground). It is high in fibre, citrulline and arginine (Collins et al., 2007; Oyeleke et al., 2012). Citrullus lanatus seeds are highly nutritional; they are rich sources of protein, B-group of vitamins, minerals (such as magnesium, potassium, phosphorous, sodium, iron, zinc, manganese and copper), fat, as well as phytochemicals (Braide, et al., 2012).

Therefore, in Nigeria where the research was carried out, the activities that was conducted is to know the Antioxidant, Phytochemicals and Proximate Activities of Watermelon (Citrullus Lanatus) Seeds.

1.3 Statement of Problems

Investigation revealed the problems associated with the phytochemical and mineral composition, proximate analysis and in vitro antioxidant activities of watermelon (citrullus lanatus) seeds;

Lack proper estimation of watermelon phytochemical and mineral composition,
Inadequate information relating to the in vitro antioxidant activities of watermelon seeds,
Lack of proper and precise information relating to the proximate analysis of watermelon seeds.

1.4 Aim and Objectives of Study

The aim of the study is to determine the Antioxidant, Phytochemicals and Proximate Activities of Watermelon (Citrullus Lanatus) Seeds. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows:

To estimate the watermelon phytochemical and mineral composition,
To provide information relating to the proximate analysis of watermelon seeds,
Provision of information relating to the in vitro antioxidant activities of watermelon seeds.

1.5 Significance of Study

This research work when completed and implemented it will help to estimate the watermelon phytochemical and mineral composition, to provide information in vitro antioxidant activities of watermelon seeds, and proximate analysis of watermelon seeds.

This study will be of immense benefit to academic students and other researchers who intend to know more on this study and can also be used by non-researchers to build more on their research work. This study contributes to knowledge and could serve as a guide for other study.

1.6 Scope of Study

The scope of the research is focused on the Antioxidant, Phytochemicals and Proximate Activities of Watermelon (Citrullus Lanatus) Seeds.

1.7 Limitations of the Study

During the course of this study, many things militated against its completion, some of which are:

Time Constraint: The time frame given to accomplish this project was very short due to school academic calendar and it was carried out under pressure which made the researcher not to implement some necessary features.
Research material: availability of research material is a major setback to the scope of the study.
Frequent power failure: This made the researcher append more money on fuel to ensure sustainable power.
Financial Constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection.

1.8 Definition of Terms

Watermelon: A watermelon is a large berry whose swollen roundness and vibrant red flesh connote fertility and sexuality.

Seeds: the unit of reproduction of a flowering plant, capable of developing into another such plant.

Phytochemical: Phytochemical is a chemical compound produced by plants, generally to help them resist fungi, bacteria and plant virus infections, and also consumption by insects and other animals.

Mineral: A mineral is a naturally occurring inorganic element or compound having an orderly internal structure and characteristic chemical composition, crystal form, and physical properties.

Composition: composition is the act of putting something together, or the combination of elements or qualities.

Mineral Composition: The composition of a mineral can be expressed as a chemical formula, which simply gives the proportions of the different elements and groups of elements in the mineral.

Proximate: Proximate is used in the analysis of biological materials as a decomposition of a human-consumable good into its major constituents.

Analysis: a detailed examination of anything complex in order to understand its nature or to determine its essential features

Proximate Analysis: Proximate analysis refers to the quantitative analysis of macromolecules in food.

In Vitro: In vitro Describing biological processes that are made to occur outside the living body, in laboratory apparatus (literally 'in glass', i.e. in a test tube).

Antioxidants: Antioxidants are substances that may protect your cells against free radicals, which may play a role in heart disease, cancer and other diseases.

Activities: a thermodynamic quantity representing the effective concentration of a particular component in a solution or other system, equal to its concentration multiplied by an activity coefficient.

…

CHAPTER TWO

2.0 Literature Review

2.1 Introduction

The review of relevant literature is the main topic of this chapter. A literature review covers theoretical and methodological contributions to a certain issue in addition to the state of knowledge at the time of writing. It provides information about the state of the art in relation to the subject you are writing about. It examines the body of work on the chosen subject. The literature evaluation in this study comprises the …

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
PRELIMINARY PAGES

Title page
Approval page
Dedication
Acknowledgement
Table of Contents
Abstract
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Introduction
1.2 Background of Study
1.3 Statement of Problems
1.4 Aim and Objectives of Study
1.5 Significance of Study
1.6 Scope of Study
1.7 Limitations of the Study
1.8 Definition of Terms
CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 Introduction
2.2 Concept of Phytochemical
2.2.1 Definition of Phytochemicals
2.2.2 History of Uses of Phytochemical
2.2.3 Functions of Phytochemical
2.2.4 Effects of Food Processing Using Phytochemicals
2.3 Concept of Watermelon
2.3.1 History of Watermelon
2.3.2 Nutrients of Watermelon
2.4 Benefits of Watermelon
2.4.1 Helps You Hydrate
2.4.2 Contains Nutrients and Beneficial Plant Compounds
2.4.3 Contains Compounds That May Help Prevent Cancer
2.4.4 May Improve Heart Health
2.4.5 May Lower Inflammation and Oxidative Stress
2.4.6 May Help Prevent Macular Degeneration
2.4.7 May Help Relieve Muscle Soreness
2.4.8 Is Good for Skin and Hair
2.4.9 Can Improve Digestion
2.5 Health Benefits of Watermelon
2.6 Adverse Effect of Large Quantity Watermelon Consumption
CHAPTER THREE
MATERIALS AND METHODS
3.1 Sample Collection and Preparation
3.2 Preparation of Extract
3.3 Proximate Composition
3.3.1 Determination of Proximate Composition
3.4 Elemental Analysis
3.5 Phytochemical analysis
3.5.1 Phytochemicals Screening
3.6 Determination of Minerals
3.7 Determinations of Antioxidant Activity
3.8 Determinations of Total Phenol Content
3.9 Statistical Analysis
CHAPTER FOUR
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
4.1 Results
4.1.1 Phytochemical Screening of the Methanol and Aqueous Extracts
4.1.2 Proximate analysis
4.1.3 Elemental Analysis
4.2 Discussion
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
5.1 Introduction
5.2 Summary of Findings
5.3 Conclusion
5.4 Recommendation
REFERENCES

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