Phytochemical Composition and Antioxidant Potential of Citrullus lanatus Fruit Juice for Goat Semen Preservation
Keywords:
Water Melon, Antioxidants, Phytochemicals, Goat Semen Preservation, Free Radical Scavenging ActivityAbstract
Watermelon is a natural fruit containing various bioactive compounds, including lycopene, carotenoids, and vitamins, which may contribute to its antioxidant properties. This study assessed the phytochemical composition and antioxidant potential of Citrullus lanatus (watermelon) fruit juice as an external antioxidant source for preserving goat semen. The Sugar Baby variety was cultivated at the National Horticultural Research Institute, Ibadan, during the second cropping season (August–December). Fully ripened watermelons was harvested, washed, and the flesh was separated from the rind before juice extraction using a mechanical juice extractor. The extracted juice was then centrifuged at 3000 rpm, and the upper phase was used for further analysis. The study determined both qualitative and quantitative phytochemical components, including lycopene, free radical scavenging ability, minerals, and vitamins. The proximate composition of the watermelon flesh was analyzed using standard methods, revealing the following composition: moisture (93.50±1.00%), crude protein (7.35±0.35%), crude fiber (1.06±0.06%), ether extract (6.14±0.02%), ash (4.57±0.43%), and nitrogen-free extract (80.88±0.12%). The qualitative phytochemical screening confirmed the presence of phenolics, terpenoids, beta-carotenes, flavonoids, lycopene, and anthocyanins in the watermelon juice. The quantitative analysis showed the levels of terpenoids (93.33±2.36 mg/100g), beta-carotene (958.3±10.27 μg/100g), anthocyanins (26.66±6.24 mg/100g), and flavonoids (945±20.41 mg/100g). The mineral composition included iron (9.1±0.08 mg/100g), zinc (0.6±0.00 mg/100g), calcium (76.67±2.36 mg/100g), sodium (265.23±10.80 mg/100g), potassium (23.33±2.36 mg/100g), and phosphorus (88.33±6.23 mg/100g). The vitamin analysis revealed ascorbic acid (15.33±0.47 mg/100g), thiamine (0.066±0.00 mg/100g), and niacin (0.163±0.01 mg/100g). The study also recorded total phenolic content (24.43±0.17 GAE/g), lycopene concentration (53.33±2.36 mg/100g), and antioxidant activity (free radical scavenging ability) at 32.267±0.26%. These findings highlight that watermelon is a valuable source of lycopene, demonstrating notable antioxidant activity and containing significant amounts of phytochemicals, vitamins, and minerals. The high lycopene content in watermelon juice contributes to its effectiveness in neutralizing free radicals.
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