Citrullus vulgaris

Citrullus vulgaris, Cucurbitaceae, Vitamins C, B2, beta-carotene, lycopene, minerals (calcium, magnesium, potassium, zinc), triterpene, sterols, alkaloids, cucurbitacin, carbohydrates, proteins, organic acids (lauric acid, palmitic acid), lysine
Citrullus vulgaris, Cucurbitaceae, Vitamins C, B2, beta-carotene, lycopene, minerals (calcium, magnesium, potassium, zinc), triterpene, sterols, alkaloids, cucurbitacin, carbohydrates, proteins, organic acids (lauric acid, palmitic acid), lysineCitrullus vulgaris, Cucurbitaceae, Vitamins C, B2, beta-carotene, lycopene, minerals (calcium, magnesium, potassium, zinc), triterpene, sterols, alkaloids, cucurbitacin, carbohydrates, proteins, organic acids (lauric acid, palmitic acid), lysineCitrullus vulgaris, Cucurbitaceae, Vitamins C, B2, beta-carotene, lycopene, minerals (calcium, magnesium, potassium, zinc), triterpene, sterols, alkaloids, cucurbitacin, carbohydrates, proteins, organic acids (lauric acid, palmitic acid), lysineCitrullus vulgaris, Cucurbitaceae, Vitamins C, B2, beta-carotene, lycopene, minerals (calcium, magnesium, potassium, zinc), triterpene, sterols, alkaloids, cucurbitacin, carbohydrates, proteins, organic acids (lauric acid, palmitic acid), lysineCitrullus vulgaris, Cucurbitaceae, Vitamins C, B2, beta-carotene, lycopene, minerals (calcium, magnesium, potassium, zinc), triterpene, sterols, alkaloids, cucurbitacin, carbohydrates, proteins, organic acids (lauric acid, palmitic acid), lysineCitrullus vulgaris, Cucurbitaceae, Vitamins C, B2, beta-carotene, lycopene, minerals (calcium, magnesium, potassium, zinc), triterpene, sterols, alkaloids, cucurbitacin, carbohydrates, proteins, organic acids (lauric acid, palmitic acid), lysineCitrullus vulgaris, Cucurbitaceae, Vitamins C, B2, beta-carotene, lycopene, minerals (calcium, magnesium, potassium, zinc), triterpene, sterols, alkaloids, cucurbitacin, carbohydrates, proteins, organic acids (lauric acid, palmitic acid), lysineCitrullus vulgaris, Cucurbitaceae, Vitamins C, B2, beta-carotene, lycopene, minerals (calcium, magnesium, potassium, zinc), triterpene, sterols, alkaloids, cucurbitacin, carbohydrates, proteins, organic acids (lauric acid, palmitic acid), lysine
Botanical Nomenclature Citrullus vulgaris
Common Name Colocynth, Tsamma Melon, Watermelon
Taxonomy- Family Cucurbitaceae
Distinguishing Features of the Plant Citrullus vulgaris is an annual herb growing from 50cm to 2m, with palmate, green, serrated leaves, yellow flowers and oblong, cylindrical or oval, shiny, green fruits. The flowering and the harvesting take place from July to August and the fruiting lasts from June to August.
Region Found Epirus
Part of the Plant with Active Substances Flowers, leaves, stem, essential oil
Active Substances Vitamins C, B2, beta-carotene, lycopene, minerals (calcium, magnesium, potassium, zinc), triterpene, sterols, alkaloids, cucurbitacin, carbohydrates, proteins, organic acids (lauric acid, palmitic acid), lysine
Pharmacological Effects - Therapeutic Applications The whole plant has cardiotonic, emollient, diuretic, antipyretic, laxative and antithelminthic properties. The seeds are administered in the form of herbal tea against various urinary problems, helminths and hypertension. The consumption of fruits contributes to the treatment of fever, nephrolithiasis and constipation. They also regulate heart's function and blood pressure. Finally, the whole plant has antioxidant and immunostimulant properties, due to its high content in beta-carotene and lycopene.
Method of Administration It is administered as diuretic and cardiotonic in the form of herbal tea (2-3 cups a day), or as a fresh fruit. The seeds oil is often used to produce soaps, which have antioxidant and regenerative properties.
Warning: The use of herb preparations is not recommended without seeking advice from your physician or pharmacist. The substances they contain may interact with the subscribed drugs that the patient already takes, thus eliminating their therapeutic efficacy or inducing toxicity. They may also burden further weakened vital functions of the body thus exposing the patient to increased morbidity and life threatened conditions.
Toxicity- Adverse Effects No side effects have been reported.
References 1)http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1264522/ 2)http://www.ijrpbsonline.com/files/37-4448.pdf 3)http://pakjp.pk/articles/23092011083538.pdf 4)http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15902549 5)http://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/m/melons30.html 6)http://www.medical-explorer.com/medicinal-ingredients-w/watermelon_1.html