A Review on Clinical and Preclinical Pharmacological Studies in Muskmelon Fruit

Abstract

Muskmelons are extensively cultivated throughout India particularly in the hot and dry North-Western are as belongs to family Cucurbitaceae. Muskmelon, also referred to as ‘sweet melon,’ got its name from its strong musky smell. It is a yellow-coloured fruit with tempting sweetness and a pleasant aroma. Generally, muskmelon fruit is eaten fresh or made salad or as a dessert. Seed kernels are used in soups and stews as a thickening, emulsifying, fat binding and flavouring agent. Muskmelon has rich calories, carbohydrate, protein, dietary fibre, sodium, vitamin A, folic acid, niacin, Vitamin C it is also nutrient enriched with good quantities of calcium, magnesium, potassium and carotenoids, does not have fat, cholesterol or saturated fat and have high content of polyphenol antioxidants which enhance the immune function and cardiovascular system. Polyphenols regulates nitric oxide that assists in prevention of heart attacks and also strengthens blood vessels. It can be used for weight loss purposes. During summer, it prevents dehydration of body and replenishes water content and electrolytes in the body. Musk melon is scientifically proven for its useful medicinal values such as Analgesic and Anti-inflammatory Activity, Anti-oxidant and Anti-Vitiligo Effect, Anti-ulcer activity, Anti-cancer activity, Hepato-protective activity, Diuretic effect, Anti-diabetic activity, Antibacterial activity, Antifungal activity. In this review, the effort has been made to focus on the pharmacological activities of the Muskmelon.