Comparative evaluation of antioxidant effects of watermelon and orange, and their effects on some serum lipid profile of Wister albino rats

The comparative antioxidant effects of watermelon and orange, and their effects on serum (high density lipoproteins) HDL-cholesterol and (low density lipoproteins) LDL-cholesterol in normal rats given varying doses of the juices were investigated. 120 g/70 kg body weight was used as the standard dose, and the animals were given the normal dose, × 1.5, and × 2.0 of the normal dose, orally, for a period of six weeks. Our findings showed that watermelon juice caused a dose related decrease in SOD activity at weeks three and six, while orange juice caused a dose related increase in superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. They both showed catalase activity lower than that for control, and at high doses, both showed increased activity of catalase. Both juice caused a dose related increase in HDL-cholesterol, with no significant difference (p > 0.05) between them. And, watermelon caused a dose related decrease in LDL-cholesterol, while orange caused a dose related increase in LDL-cholesterol. But, LDL concentration for orange treated test groups were shown to be higher than that for watermelon treated test groups. These show that both fruits are complimentary, as the shortcoming of one is made up for by the other. So, for full health benefit, it is better to consume both at the same time.