19-3 |
Citrulline found in watermelon rind |
A. M. RIMANDO, Natural Products Utilization Research Unit, USDA-ARS-National Center for Natural Products Research, 3044 Natural Products Center, PO Box 8048, University, MS 38677-8048 and P. Perkins-Veazie, USDA, ARS, South Central Agricultural Research Lab., Hwy. 3 W., PO Box 159, Lane, OK 74555-0159. Citrulline and nitric oxide (NO) are the products of arginine catabolism in the endothelial cells. NO is a vasoprotective molecule and its role in mental and physical fatigue has been gaining much attention. Exogenous citrulline, which is better absorbed than arginine, is converted to arginine in the body and again recycled to produce NO. Oral intake of citrulline has been indicated in asthenia and for vasoprotection in sickle cell disease and atherosclerosis. Melons are a good source of citrulline. It was the objective of this work to determine the citrulline content of some varieties of watermelon. In the process we found that watermelon rinds, not just the flesh, are also a rich source of citrulline. Analysis by GC/MS showed that the rinds contain as much citrulline as the flesh. Watermelon rinds present a utilizable by-product as a good source of citrulline.
Session 19, Citrus and other fruit processing waste by-products and their utilization
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