Citrullus lanatus
Watermelon
Citrullus lanatus, commonly known as watermelon, is more than just a refreshing summer fruit. Beyond its sweet, hydrating flesh, this plant offers significant medicinal potential. Rich in lycopene, citrulline, and essential vitamins, it possesses antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cardiovascular benefits, making it a valuable resource in traditional and modern wellness.
- Scientific name: Citrullus lanatus
- Family: Cucurbitaceae
- Native range: Europe
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta within the class Equisetopsida. It falls under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Cucurbitalees, specifically within the family Cucurbitaeaceace. Finally, it is identified under the genus Citrullus.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Cucurbitales | WCVP |
| Family | Cucurbitaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Citrullus | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Citrullus lanatus, is recognized by various common names across different languages and regions. In Afrikaans, it is referred to as Waatlemoen, while in Bulgarian, it is called обикновена диня. It is known as هندوانه in Persian, and in Latvian, it goes by the name villainais arbūzs. Additionally, in Czech, the plant is commonly called lubenice obecná.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| af | Waatlemoen | Wikidata |
| bg | обикновена диня | Wikidata |
| fa | هندوانه | Wikidata |
| lv | villainais arbūzs | Wikidata |
| cs | lubenice obecná | Wikidata |
| zh-tw | 西瓜 | Wikidata |
| am | በጢሕ | Wikidata |
| ar | بطيخ أحمر | Wikidata |
| sv | Vattenmelon | Wikidata |
| fi | vesimeloni | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant, known as Citrullus lanatus, exhibits a specific distribution pattern across several Northern European territories. Its presence is documented within the borders of Denmark. Furthermore, it can be found inhabiting the landscapes of Finland. The species also extends its range into the coastal and inland regions of Great Britain. Finally, its geographical reach includes the northern territories of Norway and Sweden.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Europe | Denmark | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Finland | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Great Britain | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Norway | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Sweden | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Austria | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Czechia-Slovakia | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Germany | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | Portugal | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Albania | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, commonly known as watermelon, offers medicinal benefits through various components, specifically its seeds and root. The seeds are highly valued for their nutritional density, containing essential oils and proteins that can support heart health and skin vitality. Additionally, although less commonly utilized in modern diets, the root of the plant possesses traditional medicinal properties that have been studied for their potential bioactive compounds.- Total parts
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 4
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| seeds | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| root | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Citrullus lanatus has 35 reported phytochemicals identified across 35 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 1-naphthylacetic acid, 2-naphthoxyacetic acid, Glutamic acid, T3, aldehydes.
- Total chemicals
- 35
- Scientific sources
- 35
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| 1-naphthylacetic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| 2-naphthoxyacetic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Glutamic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| T3 | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| aldehydes | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| alkanes | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| anthracene | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| apigenin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| caffeic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| corticosterone | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Citrullus lanatus has 11 reported activities identified across 13 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antidiabetic, Antioxidant, Analgesic, Antihypertensive, Antimicrobial.
- Total activities
- 11
- Scientific sources
- 13
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antidiabetic | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antioxidant | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Analgesic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antihypertensive | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antimicrobial | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antispasmodic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Bronchodilator | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Diuretic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Emetic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Laxative | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Citrullus lanatus has 20 reported medicinal uses identified across 20 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Alzheimer's disease, Diabetes mellitus, STI, abiotic stress, asthma.
- Total uses
- 20
- Scientific sources
- 20
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Alzheimer's disease | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Diabetes mellitus | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| STI | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| abiotic stress | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| asthma | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| chronic pain | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| diabetes mellitus | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| diarrhea | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| diuretic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| drought | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |