Watermelon (Citrullus Lanatus): A Comprehens...

Watermelon (Citrullus Lanatus): A Comprehensive Review

Author Name : Amy Masih, Manpreet Kaur, Dr. Barinderjit Singh

ABSTRACT

Watermelon (Citrullus lantanas) is a nourishing and popular fruit in the world. Watermelon is grown in favourable climates from tropical to temperate regions worldwide belong to the family Cucurbitaceae. Watermelon contains phytochemicals such as polyphenols, flavonoids, stilbenes/ lignans, and is rich source of carotenoids, lycopene. Watermelon contains cucurbitacin E which is anti-inflammatory phytonutrient and amino acids such as L-arginine and citrulline. It is the major source of vitamin C and vitamin A. In the nutritional composition of watermelon includes carbohydrates, sugar, soluble and insoluble fibres. Moreover, is contains good amount of potassium and magnesium. Watermelon by-products which can be produced such as juice, smoothies, dips, seed oils, medicines, ethanol etc., consumption of watermelons imparts various health benefits such as chemical components of watermelon enhance its capacity to scavenge the low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) in a cell membrane. A plethora of evidence shows that it can be effective for weight loss. Several epidemiological studies showed it has phytochemicals that can reduce risk of Cardio Vascular Disease (CVD) aging related ailments, obesity, diabetes, ulcers, and various types of cancers. Watermelon pomace is reported to be a concentrated source of lycopene as compared to the juice. This review shows up to date information on nutritional and Phytochemical constituents of watermelon, its wastage and by products and different methods used for dehydration, extraction and analysis of its chemical constituents.

Keywords: Citrullus lanatus, Harvesting, Health, Proximate, Pigments, Tarbooz, Waste, Watermelons