Anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of watermelon (Citrullus Lanatus) have the potential to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation after exercise/physical activity: Systematic Review

This study aims to analyze and highlight the anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of watermelon (Citrullus Lanatus) have the potential to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation after exercise/physical activity: Systematic Review. This research uses a systematic review method by searching various journal databases such as Scopus, Web of Science, and Pubmed. Inclusion criteria in this study were articles published within the last 5 years and articles discussing watermelon, inflammation, oxidative stress, and physical exercise. The exclusion criteria in this study were articles published in non-reputable journals. A total of 2010 articles from the Scopus, Web of Science Pubmed and Embase databases were identified. A total of 7 articles that met the inclusion criteria were selected and analyzed for this systematic review. For standard operations, this study follows the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) assessment. The results of this systematic review research report that the flavonoid content found in Citrullus lanatus has anti-oxidant properties which can reduce oxidative stress. Furthermore, the anti-inflammatory properties of watermelon can reduce uncontrolled inflammation due to physical activity and intense exercise. In this case, Citrullus lanatus works by inhibiting inflammation through NF-kB signaling and reducing inflammation by suppressing the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-a. Reducing inflammation can potentially reduce the intensity of muscle pain. We recommend that Citrullus lanatus be used in individuals to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation caused by physical activity and intense exercise. Furthermore, we highly recommend future research to examine the effects of watermelon on other oxidative stress biomarkers such as protein carbonyl, as well as other inflammatory biomarkers such as IL-10, IL-6, and CRP.