Versatile Nutraceutical Potentials of Watermelon—A Modest Fruit Loaded with Pharmaceutically Valuable Phytochemicals

Watermelon (Citrulus lantus) is an important horticultural crop which belongs to the Curcubitaceae family. The nutraceutical potential of watermelon has been illustrated by several researchers, which makes it a better choice of functional food. Watermelon has been used to treat various ailments, such as cardio-vascular diseases, aging related ailments, obesity, diabetes, ulcers, and various types of cancers. The medicinal properties of watermelon are attributed by the presence of important phytochemicals with pharmaceutical values such as lycopene, citrulline, and other polyphenolic compounds. Watermelon acts as vital source of l-citrulline, a neutral-alpha amino acid which is the precursor of l-arginine, an essential amino acid necessary for protein synthesis. Supplementation of l-citrulline and lycopene displayed numerous health benefits in in vitro and in vivo studies. Similarly, the dietary intake of watermelon has proven benefits as functional food in humans for weight management. Apart from the fruits, the extracts prepared from the seeds, sprouts, and leaves also evidenced medicinal properties. The present review provides a comprehensive overview of benefits of watermelon for the treatment of various ailments.

Theoretical insight of alpha amino acid phenylalanine adsorption on pristine and decorated fullerenes

Fullerenes, with their extensive application potentials, have been receiving attention for their possible usage as drug delivery vehicles and devices for sensor technologies. In this work, the optimized molecular geometries, some diagnostic geometric parameters, electronic characteristics, natural bond orbital examinations and the interaction phenomena between C60, Si- or Al-doped C60 and phenylalanine amino acid molecule were investigated by the quantum mechanical calculations. It is observed that the impurity addition and using water as the solvent intensify the interaction between fullerene and amino acid system. These lead to various alterations in the electronic properties and NH stretching values of the clusters studied.

New Anti-Aging and Anti-Wrinkle Material: Properties and Activities of Nanoparticle Containing Poly(Aspartic Acid) Derivatives

Polymers such as sodium polyacrylate; polysaccharides in starch; polyamino acids, which are the products of alpha-amino acid condensation; and polypeptides are widely used in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. They are used as viscosity agent, emulsifying agent, and carriers for drug delivery. However, we studied the function of polymers as activity agent, especially that of synthesized poly(aspartic acid). Poly(aspartic acid) is a biocompatible synthetic polymer. It is a water-soluble polyamide containing carboxylic pendants prepared from polysuccinimide, the polycondensate of aspartic acid monomer, by hydrolysis. In this study, we prepared poly(aspartic acid) derivatives conjugated with L-lysine or L-lysine and other materials. The chemical structure of these polymers was confirmed by FT-IR and 1H-NMR spectroscopy. Moreover, these novel poly(aspartic acid) derivatives stimulated typeⅠcollagen biosynthesis and inhibited MMP-1(collagenase) activity. We could conclude that the microfludization process improved skin permeability and confirmed better permeability than that achieved with existing nano emulsions.

Glutamic acid and its Sodium salt Glutamate(Aji-no-moto)

Glutamic acid is an alpha amino acid that is used by almost all living beings. It is non–essential acidic amino acid. MSG (Mono Sodium Glutamate) is a food additive. MSG is a flavour enhancer. It is traded under the name Aji–no–moto. MSG elicits a unique taste known as UMAMI as a 5th basic taste different from the other basic tastes(bitter, salty, sour, sweet). It is generally used in treatment of hepatic coma. It causes various health hazards. A higher dose of Aji–no–moto is associated with increased risk of obesity. Excessive consumption of it promotes cancer growth.