Quantitative and qualitative analysis of the ethanolic extract of watermelon peels

The present study was undertaken to investigate the phytochemicals present in the ethanolic extract of watermelon peel (Citrullus lonatus, family Cucurbilaceae). Watermelon which was obtained from Eke-Awka market, Anambra state, Nigeria was analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively for the presence of phytochemicals such as tannins, flavonoids, alkaloids, saponin, terpenoids, and phenols using standard chemical methods. The qualitative results obtained  showed that, phenol, terpernoid, saponin, proteins, flavonoid and alkaloid were present. Phenol, flavonoid, saponin, alkaloids and oxalate contents of watermelon peel extract were quantified and results showed the following:  phenol (2.08mg/g), flavonoid (2.60%), saponin (6.20%), alkaloid (4.40%) and oxalate 0.43mg/100g. The results obtained from this study indicate that the peels will be of medicinal importance which suggest the possibility of utilizing the peels as functional foods or herbal drug to prevent or manage some critical diseases of man.