| Summary: | Citrullus lanatus is one of many species that are categorized under the genus Citrullus, which originates from Family Cucurbitaceae, the gourd family. It has been scientifically proven that many members of this family possessed pharmaceutical and medicinal values such as Cucurbit pepo (pumpkin), Citrullus colocynthis (bitter cucumber) and Citrullus lanatus (watermelon) is one of them. The aim of this study is to determine its phytochemical constituents and potential antimicrobial activity of C. lanatus, particularly in its peels. The peels were put under sequential extraction process involving two types of solvents, namely, methanol and hexane. Citrullus lanatus extracts were then evaluated in terms of its phytochemical constituents, by six qualitative phytochemical screening tests. In assessing C. lanatus potential antimicrobial activity, the peels extract were tested on two types of microorganisms, which are Staphylococcus epidermidis and Trichophyton mentagrophytes by using disk-diffusion method. For both solvents used, phytochemical screening tests verified the presence of alkaloid, flavonoid, saponin, tannin and terpenoid, except for phenolic compounds in the fruit peels. Result of antimicrobial activity revealed that C. lanatus peels extract impeded growth to both tested microorganisms. In conclusion, present study suggested that C. lanatus can be further developed to utilize its medicinal and pharmaceutical values. © 2018, Malaysian Society of Analytical Sciences. All rights reserved.
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