from fruit to pharma: a review on the phytochemicals, extraction methods, and pharmacological potential of citrullus lanatus (thunb.) matsum. & nakai

Objective: watermelon, a tropical fruit with high water content, is rich in phytochemicals like cucurbitacins, flavonoids, glycosides, carotenoids, polyphenols, and amino acids. these compounds have anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects, and can help control blood pressure, glucose levels, and lipid metabolism.methodology: a complete database search was undertaken using terms such as' pharmacology','extraction methods,' ' nutrition profile,' ‘citrullus lanatus’, ‘phytochemistry’ to locate relevant material. databases such as google scholar, sid, magiran, pubmed, and scopus were utilized to look for relevant publications, particularly ethnobotanical research on the issue. results: watermelon exhibits a range of pharmacological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti-ulcer, antidiabetic, anti-obesity, laxative, and anticancer properties. the study emphasizes the need for effective and environmentally friendly extraction techniques, including supercritical fluid and ultrasound-assisted extraction, to separate bioactive components from watermelon.conclusion: environmentally friendly extraction methods and further research could advance its potential as a plant-based medication.