Anti-Inflammatory and Hepatoprotective
Effects of the Homogenate of Cucumis Sativus
(Cucumber) Fruits

Agatemor, Mark-Maria Uzuazokaro

Research on inflammation has become the focus of global scientific study because of its
implication in virtually all human and animal diseases. Also, liver diseases have been on increase
and of global concern.Cucumis sativus is believed to have anti-oxidant activity, high flavonoid
content, anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect, which may be likely of use in the management
of these diseases. The anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective effects of the homogenate of
Cucumis sativus fruit were therefore studied. The fresh fruit of Cucumis sativus was
homogenized and used for all experimental analysis without further dilution. Acute toxicity tests
of the homogenate of Cucumis sativusfruit were carried out. The phytochemical analyses and
proximate compositions of the fruit homogenate were carried out. 1, 1-Diphenyl-2-Picryl
Hydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity of the fruit homogenate was determined. The
effects of the fruit homogenate on agar-induced paw oedema in rats were investigated. The
effects of the fruit homogenate on liver function enzyme (alanine aminotransferase, aspartate
aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase) activities, total bilirubin concentration and lipid
profile (total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein, triacylglycerol and low density lipoprotein
concentrations) in rats intoxicated with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) were evaluated using
standard biochemical methods.The effects of the fruit homogenate on hypotonicity-induced
haemolysis of RBC, phospholipase A2and prostaglandin synthase activitieswere also studied.
Data were analysed using SPSS and two-way ANOVA; the acceptance level of significance was
p˂0.05.The qualitative phytochemical tests on the homogenate of Cucumis sativus fruitrevealed
the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, glycosides, resins, steroids, saponins and
tannins. The quantitative phytochemical analysis of the homogenate ofCucumis sativus fruit
showed that,reducing sugars (574.36 ± 3.88 mg/g) was highest amount when compared to other
phytochemicals, alkaloids (2.22 ± 0.96 mg/g) and flavonoids (2.14 ± 0.56 mg/g) were
moderately present while cyanogenic glycoside (0.21 ± 0.13 mg/g) was the lowest in
quantity.Proximate analysis showed thatCucumis sativus fruit contained the following - fibre
(1.30 ± 0.01%), moisture (94.6 ± 0.08%), protein (3.11 ± 0.07%) and ash (1.07 ±
0.24%)contents. The acute toxicity test showed no toxicity up to 5ml/kg (≡ 5000mg/kg) body
weight which indicated the possible safety of the fruit to the users. There was relative increase in
the percentage inhibition of DPPH radical scavenging activity with increased amount of the
homogenate. At doses of 2ml and 4ml/kg b.w., the fruit homogenate significantly (p ˂ 0.05)
inhibitedagar-induced raw paw oedema relative to control. Studies on membrane stabilization
using hypotonicity-induced red blood cell haemolysis revealed that the fruit homogenate
significantly (p˂0.05)inhibited haemolysis when compared to indomethacin (a known standard
drug).The homogenate exhibited a significant (p˂0.05) dose (0.5ml and 1.0ml) related inhibition
of prostaglandin synthase activity (79.9% and 81.0% respectively), compared to 0.4mg/ml of
indomethacin, standard drug (82.0%). The fruit homogenate like prednisolone significantly
(p˂0.05) inhibited phospholipase A2 activity.Treatment of rats with the homogenate of Cucumis
sativus fruits significantly (p˂0.05) decreased CCl4-inducedelevated levels of the liver enzymes
ALT, AST and ALP and of total bilirubin in the serum when compared to positive control. The
homogenate also attenuated the CCl4-induced elevation of LDL, total cholesterol and
triacylglycerol amounts and ameliorated the induced depletion of HDL. The results indicated that
the homogenate of Cucumis sativus fruits possesses anti-inflammatory activities and
hepatoprotective effects