What to know about Citrullus vulgaris (watermelon) before using it medicinally

Citrullus vulgaris, commonly known as watermelon, is a herb renowned for its numerous health benefits, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that improve cardiovascular health and boost immune function.

In terms of horticultural aspects, Citrullus vulgaris is a warm-season crop that requires full sun and well-drained soil to thrive, often cultivated for its fruit, leaves, and vines. From a botanical perspective, Citrullus vulgaris belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family and is characterized by its large, edible fruit with a hard rind and soft, juicy flesh.

Historically, this herb has been referenced in ancient civilizations, such as ancient Egypt and Greece, where it was revered for its medicinal and culinary properties.

This article explains the medicinal, horticultural, botanical, and historical aspects of Citrullus vulgaris .

What are the medicinal properties of Citrullus vulgaris ?

Citrullus vulgaris helps with inflammation, skin conditions, and digestive issues due to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties.

The active constituents responsible for the medicinal properties of watermelon include citrulline, cucurbitacin E, and lycopene, which have been shown to exhibit anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities.

The parts of the plant most used for medicinal purposes are the fruit, seeds, and rind, which contain citrulline, cucurbitacin E, and other bioactive compounds.

When used improperly, watermelon can cause side effects such as gastrointestinal upset, allergic reactions, and interactions with certain medications.

Precautions when using watermelon medicinally include consulting a healthcare professional, monitoring blood pressure, and avoiding use in pregnant or breastfeeding women due to potential allergenic effects.

What are the horticulural aspects of Citrullus vulgaris ?

Citrullus vulgaris grow best in full sun with a minimum of 6 hours direct sunlight. It requires well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.8. Watermelon needs a warm climate with temperatures between 65°F to 85°F (18°C to 30°C).

Proper planting tips for watermelon include sowing seeds 1 inch deep and 6-8 feet apart. The soil should be warm before sowing, typically after the last frost date. Use a trellis or other support for climbing varieties. Plant in raised beds for better drainage.

Harvest watermelons when the rind turns from yellow to cream, and a dull thud is heard when tapped. Check for a spot on the underside of the fruit where it rested on the soil. Harvest before the rind turns yellow, as this indicates over-ripeness.

Common pests affecting watermelon include aphids, whiteflies, and squash bugs. Diseases include powdery mildew, fusarium wilt, and gummy stem blight. Regularly inspect the plant and remove infected areas to prevent further damage. Use integrated pest management techniques for effective control.

What are the botanical aspects of Citrullus vulgaris ?

Citrullus vulgaris is an annual vine in the family Cucurbitaceae. It has a prostrate or climbing habit, with a long, thin stem and a spreading habit. Leaves are alternate, cordate, and deeply lobed with 5-9 leaflets. The inflorescence is a monoecious or polygynous flower cluster.

Citrullus vulgaris belongs to the kingdom Plantae, class Magnoliopsida, order Cucurbitales, family Cucurbitaceae, subfamily Cucumeroideae, and genus Citrullus. The species is further divided into several cultivars, including 'Sugar Baby', 'Yellow Doll', and 'Charleston Grey'. It is closely related to Cucumis melo and Cucumis sativus.

Several variants of Citrullus vulgaris exist, including the sugar baby, Charleston grey, and yellow doll cultivars. The fruit varies in size, shape, color, and sweetness level. The plant also exhibits variability in growth habit, leaf shape, and flowering pattern. Some variants are more disease-resistant or heat-tolerant.

Citrullus vulgaris is native to southern Africa and has been naturalized in many parts of the world. It is widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions, including the United States, China, and India. The plant thrives in well-drained soil and full sun, and is often grown as a summer crop in temperate climates.

The life cycle of Citrullus vulgaris begins with seed germination, followed by cotyledon emergence and seedling growth. The plant flowers and produces fruit after 60-90 days, with the fruit ripening in 6-8 days. The fruit contains two main parts: the exocarp and the mesocarp, which enclose the juicy pulp and the seed. After fruiting, the plant produces seeds, which can be saved for future cultivation.

What are the historical aspects of Citrullus vulgaris ?

Citrullus vulgaris is an ancient plant with a long history of use in various cultures for food, medicine, and ceremonial purposes. It has been consumed for over 4,000 years, originating in southern Africa. In ancient times, it was a staple food in many civilizations.

In ancient Greek mythology, the watermelon was associated with the goddess Hera, who was said to have transformed the melon's rough exterior into its smooth flesh. The fruit was also a symbol of the god Dionysus, representing fertility and abundance. The Egyptians revered the watermelon as a symbol of the sun god.

The symbolic meanings of watermelon varied across cultures. In ancient China, it represented good fortune and prosperity, while in Africa, it was a symbol of fertility and abundance. In some cultures, it was also associated with love and romance. In ancient Japan, it was seen as a symbol of long life and good health.

Historical texts such as the Ebers Papyrus (circa 1550 BCE) and the Kahun Papyrus (circa 1900 BCE) mention watermelon as a food source and medicinal plant. The ancient Greek physician Hippocrates (460-370 BCE) described the watermelon as a treatment for fever and thirst.

Archaeological findings in ancient civilizations have revealed artifacts related to watermelon cultivation and use. For example, the ancient Egyptian tomb of Tutankhamun (circa 1323 BCE) contained watermelon seeds and fragments of the fruit. In ancient China, the discovery of watermelon remains has been dated to the Shang Dynasty (16th-11th centuries BCE).