Evaluation of the Medicinal Properties and Possible Nutrient Composition of Citrullus lanatus (Watermelon) Seeds

Abstract

Background and Objective: In countries where cultivation of Citrullu slanatus (watermelon) is on the increase, watermelon is known to have invaluable benefits. Watermelon seeds are often discarded while the fleshy fruit is eaten. This study aimed at determining the medicinal and nutritive bioactive components of Citrullus lanatus through proximate, mineral, vitamin, amino acid and phytochemical analysis. Materials and Methods: In this study, seeds of watermelon were analyzed for proximate, minerals, phytochemicals and vitamin content. The proximate analysis, minerals content, vitamins, amino acids and phytochemicals screening were performed using standard guideline of AOAC, GC-MS, AAS, HPLC and the statistical analysis was carried out using the Microsoft excel software 2010 version. Results: The proximate analysis results indicated that the watermelon seeds had moisture 48.7%, ash content 0.96%, fat 22.77%, carbohydrate 13.99% and protein content 8.9%. The amino acid profile showed the seeds were rich in phenylalanine, arginine, valine, glutamate and serine content. Vitamins A and C at 68.13 and 19.45 mg kgG 1 , respectively were the most abundant vitamins in the seeds. The seeds also contained appreciable mineral elements such as; Fe, Mg, Na and K with K (18.189 ppm) being the highest. The phytochemistry of the samples showed a lot of compounds with known medicinal effects. Conclusion: The present findings suggested watermelon seeds as considerable source of nutrients in the diet and may have health and economic benefits due to its vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals with high level of antioxidant activities and consequently a very useful potential nutraceutical.

Analysis of Micronutrients and Anti-nutritional Factors in Oha Seeds (Pterocarpus Mildbreadii)

“…The micronutrient composition of Pterocarpusmildbreadii (Table 1) revealed significant amounts of potassium (K + ), calcium (Ca 2+ ), sodium (Na 2+ ), phosphorus (P 2+ ), iron (Fe 2+ ), manganese (Mn 2+ ), magnesium (Mg 2+ ), Cadium (Cd 2+ ), copper (Cu 2+ ), and zinc (Zn 2+ ). The findings of this study revealed that the outcomes were consistent with previous studies (Enemor, et. al., 2019).…”

“…Zinc, on the other hand, was found in the smallest number. As compared to previous work done on seeds by (Enemor, et. al., 2019)no Lead or Cadmium was found.…”

Evaluation of the Nutritional Status and Phytomedicinal Properties of Dried Rhizomes of Turmeric (<i>Curcuma longa</i>)

“…Overall, aspartate (9.78 g/100 g) was found in higher concentration followed by glutamate (9.65 g/100 g) and arginine (6.55 g/100 g). In a previous study, Enemor et al [2] indicated that the presence of the essential amino acids in the plant under analysis may demonstrate its potential and involvement in body building activities, cell proliferation and stabilization of protein complexes in wound healing. Figure 1 shows the chromatogram obtained for the amino acid profiling of C. longa.…”

“…A vast array of indigenous plants has been employed in the treatment and management of various ailments and illnesses including plants that have served as mere spices for cooking. Enemor et al [2] noted that evidences are also beginning to emerge that even plant seeds hitherto neglected possess, tremendous nutritional and pharmacological potentials. Such plants have not been sufficiently exploited for their nutritional components and potential phytoethnomedicinal properties, hence the need for this study.…”

Unveiling the Bioactive Potential of Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Waste in Human Health from a Consumer Perspective

“…In turn, watermelon seeds are an excellent source of dietary oils [135], with high levels of linoleic acid and lower concentrations of oleic, palmitic, and stearic acids, as well as minerals (P, K, Na, and Mg) [136]. Enemor, Oguazu, Odiakosa and Okafor [137] also reported a vast vitaminic repertoire in watermelon seeds, namely vitamins A and C and in minor concentrations B1, B2, B3, B6, B9, B12, D, E, and K. A myriad of other bioactive compounds has been also reported in these seeds, mainly sinapic acid, and lower amounts of other phenols, flavonoids, saponin, tannins, cardiac and cyanogenic glycosides, terpenoids, phytosterol, steroids, and phytates [138,177].…”