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

摘要

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 phyto chemical 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 acid s 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 kgsup?/supsup1/sup, 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.