Scientists: Watermelon Yields Viagra-Like Effects

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A slice of cool, fresh watermelon is a juicy way to top off aFourth of July cookout and one that researchers say has effectssimilar to Viagra — but don't necessarily expect it to keepthe fireworks going all night long.
Watermelons contain an ingredient called citrulline that cantrigger production of a compound that helps relax the body's bloodvessels, similar to what happens when a man takes Viagra, saidscientists in Texas, one of the nation's top producers of theseedless variety.
Found in the flesh and rind of watermelons, citrulline reacts withthe body's enzymes when consumed in large quantities and is changedinto arginine, an amino acid that benefits the heart and thecirculatory and immune systems.
''Arginine boosts nitric oxide, which relaxes blood vessels, thesame basic effect that Viagra has, to treat erectile dysfunctionand maybe even prevent it,'' said Bhimu Patil, a researcher anddirector of Texas A&M's Fruit and Vegetable Improvement Center.''Watermelon may not be as organ-specific as Viagra, but it's agreat way to relax blood vessels without any drug side effects.''
Todd Wehner, who studies watermelon breeding at North CarolinaState University, said anyone taking Viagra shouldn't expect thesame result from watermelon.
''It sounds like it would be an effect that would be interestingbut not a substitute for any medical treatment,'' Wehner said.
The nitric oxide can also help with angina, high blood pressure andother cardiovascular problems, according to the study, which waspaid for by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
More citrulline — about 60 percent — is found inwatermelon rind than in the flesh, Patil said, but that can vary.But scientists may be able to find ways to boost the concentrationsin the flesh, he said.
Citrulline is found in all colors of watermelon and is highest inthe yellow-fleshed types, said Penelope Perkins-Veazie, a USDAresearcher in Lane, Okla.
She said Patil's research is valid, but with a caveat: One wouldneed to eat about six cups of watermelon to get enough citrullineto boost the body's arginine level.
''The problem you have when you eat a lot of watermelon is you tendto run to the bathroom more,'' Perkins-Veazie said.
Watermelon is a diuretic and was a homeopathic treatment for kidneypatients before dialysis became widespread.
Another issue is the amount of sugar that much watermelon wouldspill into the bloodstream — a jolt that could cause cramping,Perkins-Veazie said.
Patil said he would like to do future studies on how to reduce thesugar content in watermelon.
The relationship between citrulline and arginine might also provehelpful to those who are obese or suffer from type-2 diabetes. Thebeneficial effects — among them the ability to relax bloodvessels, much like Viagra does — are beginning to be revealedin research.
Citrulline is present in other curcubits, like cucumbers andcantaloupe, at very low levels, and in the milk protein casein. Thehighest concentrations of citrulline are found in walnut seedlings,Perkins-Veazie said.
''But they're bitter and most people don't want to eat them,'' shesaid.