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Posts Tagged ‘citrullus lanatus’

The popular summer fruit and beach bum favorite, Citrullus lanatus (watermelon), is now under scrutiny because of rumors of its Viagra-like effects on the male body. (source).

Past and recent studies on herbal equivalents of Viagra have been conducted to search for possible alternatives, which can then be sold for cheaper than the synthetic drug. A cheap Viagra substitute will increase the likelihood of ridding the world of erection maladies.

Several pure compounds from nature, like yohimbine, citrulline, two pyrano-isoflavones, berberine, forskolin and other herbal extracts have either been re-examined or are new potential candidates for the development of herbal erection disorder treatment. (Phytochemistry, 2003, Vol. 62, No. 7, pp. 1019-1025)

Of these substances, citrulline can be obtained from the flesh and rinds of watermelon. Its function in the human body involves the production of compounds that can cause the relaxation of the body’s blood vessels. Viagra’s effect is also relaxation, and this could imply that citrulline from watermelon fruit could be a viable Viagra alternative.

Citrulline interacts with the body’s enzymes when consumed in large quantities and is changed into arginine, an amino acid that has shown positive effects on the heart, and circulatory and immune systems.

Arginine can increase nitric oxide content, which relaxes the arteries and help alleviate angina, high blood pressure and other cardiovascular problems. This effect is again surprisingly similar to that of the popular erectile dysfunction medication. However, doubts abound on whether watermelon extracts will target the male sex organ and not other organs.

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