Citrullus lanatus ‘sentinel’ (watermelon) extract reduces atherosclerosis in LDL receptor-deficient mice

Abstract

Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus or C. lanatus) has many potentially bioactive compounds including citrulline, which may influence atherosclerosis. In this study, we determined the effects of C. lanatus, provided as an extract of the cultivar `sentinel', on hypercholesterolemia-induced atherosclerosis in mice. Male LDL receptor deficient mice at 8 weeks old were given either C. lanatus `sentinel' extract (2% vol/vol; n=10) or a mixture of matching carbohydrates (2% vol/vol; n=8) as the control in drinking water, while fed a saturated fat-enriched diet for 12 weeks ad libitum. Mice consuming C. lanatus `sentinel' extract had significantly increased plasma citrulline concentrations. Systolic blood pressure was comparable between the two groups. Consumption of C. lanatus `sentinel' extract led to lower body weight and fat mass without influencing lean mass. There were no differences in food and water intake, and urine output between the two groups. C. lanatus `sentinel' extract administration decreased plasma cholesterol concentrations that were attributed to reductions of intermediate/low density lipoprotein cholesterol. Plasma concentrations of MCP-1 and IFN-γ were decreased and IL-10 increased in mice consuming C. lanatus `sentinel' extract. Intake of C. lanatus `sentinel' extract resulted in reductions of atherosclerosis in both aortic arch and thoracic regions. In conclusion, consumption of C. lanatus `sentinel' extract led to reduced body weight gain, decreased plasma cholesterol concentrations, improved homeostasis of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, and attenuated development of atherosclerosis without affecting systolic blood pressure in hypercholesterolemic mice.

Modulating Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Elders: The MOXIE Study

“…Chronic ingestion of watermelon extract has shown promise for reducing total and LDL-cholesterol concentrations in both mice (87) and younger adult subjects (88). Two research groups have reported beneficial effects of powdered watermelon extract on blood pressure and other measures of vascular function among adults with pre-existing obesity, prehypertension or stage 1 hypertension (Table 3) (46, 47, 49–51).…”

Hepatotherapeutic Tendency of Citrullus lanatus Rind Methanolic Extract on Liver Markers in Male Wistar Rats

“…The rind of watermelon is usually green in color but may vary depending on the specie [5]. The rind make up the outer part of the fruit that cover the inner fleshy and commonly edible part usually composed of seeds [6]. In countries like Nigeria and some other parts of west Africa, the only part regarded as edible is the reddish inner fleshy part of the fruit [7].…”

Development of Isocratic RP-HPLC Method for Separation and Quantification of L-Citrulline and L-Arginine in Watermelons

“…Figueroa et al [4] demonstrated that watermelon juice supplementation improves aortic hemodynamics by reducing the reflected wave amplitude in prehypertensive individuals. A study by Poduri et al [5] reported that watermelon attenuated hypercholesterolemia-induced atherosclerosis in mice. Commercial watermelon juices provide enormous marketing potential and nutritious drinks for individuals to maintain a healthy lifestyle.…”