Cytogenetic Toxicity and Infertile Properties of the Aqueous Extract of Cucumis melo Seeds (Cucurbitaceae) in Male Zonocerus variegatus Cell Model (Orthoptera: Pyrgomorphidae)

Background: The Muskmelon, a variety of Cucumis melo L, is popular in Cameroon for its high nutritional and medicinal values. However, the cytogenotoxic and infertile properties of this species is yet to be evaluated. During this study, phytochemical analysis by colorimetric dosage of dry extracts of C. melo was carried out and the cytogenetic toxicity properties evaluated.

Results: Qualitative analysis revealed the seeds of the species to contain alkaloids, phenols, flavonoids, triterpenoids, tannins, saponins, anthocyanins and sterols while quantitative analysis on the other hand indicated 46 ± 0.71 Gallic Acid Equivalent, 29.44 ± 0.87 Tannic Acid Equivalent and 5.87 ± 0.67 Quercetin Equivalent respectively for total phenols, for total tannins and for total flavonoid. The treatment of male individuals of Zonocerus variegatus with various concentration of the aqueous extracts of the seeds of C. melo revealed that increasing concentrations (0, 5, 10, 20, 30 and 40 µg/ml) of the aqueous extract resulted in significant and proportional regression of the meiotic index and chiasma frequency. Chromosomal abnormalities were also induced in Anaphase-1.

Conclusions: These results indicate that the aqueous extract of C. melo seeds can be used to selectively eliminate orthopteran pests. It could be used in the fight against gonadal cancer, as the extract has been shown to be more effective in reducing the pool of dividing gonadal cells. Consumers of C. melo seeds are advised to use this plant with caution, as it can alter spermatogenesis and other processes.