PHYTOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF AQUEOUS EXTRACT OF CITRULLUS COLOCYNTHIS (L.) SCHRAD RIND
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the phytochemical constituents of the aqueous extract of C.
colocynthis (L.) Schrad rind, a commonly discarded plant part with untapped therapeutic
potential. The rind was collected, dried, pulverized and subjected to cold aqueous extraction.
Qualitative and quantitative phytochemical analyses were conducted using standard methods.
The percentage yield of the extract was 19.50%. Qualitative screening revealed the presence
of flavonoids, phenols, alkaloids, tannins, saponins, terpenoids, steroids, amino acids,
carbohydrates and proteins. Quantitative analysis showed that phenolic and flavonoid content
increased with concentration, ranging from 40.00 to 56.70 mg GAE/g and 29.74 to 38.22 mg
Rutin/g respectively. The extract also exhibited notable levels of proteins, alkaloids and
reducing sugars. The study also demonstrated that phytochemical concentration increased
with extract dose, indicating a dose-dependent response. These findings suggest that the rind
of C. colocynthisis rich in bioactive compounds with promising pharmacological benefits such
as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. The study concludes that this
often-overlooked part of the plant has substantial potential for use in health products and
pharmaceutical formulations
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