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Watermelon has a positive effect on male capabilities
Last reviewed: 02.07.2025
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Watermelon pulp contains the amino acid citrulline, which has a vasodilating effect.
The effect of the amino acid also extends to the vascular network of the penis: in terms of effectiveness, citrulline can be compared with the well-known drug sildenafil.
Inside the body, citrulline is transformed into arginine. The latter helps to increase blood circulation in the penis, which leads to a stable erection.
Of course, such information has become available thanks to numerous studies by scientists. Most of the experiments were conducted with the participation of animals, so it may be too early to talk about a "new Viagra".
What is clear is that watermelon pulp is a healthy product in many ways, which will definitely benefit the body. Even if the scientists' arguments turn out to be wrong.
What facts did the researchers provide us with?
Seven years ago, 24 male patients suffering from erectile dysfunction were monitored. They were given a placebo for four weeks, after which they had to take citrulline for the same amount of time. In the second case, scientists noticed a significant increase in potency.
After treatment with citrulline, the frequency of sexual intercourse in patients increased from 1.37 times per month to 2.3 times. No side effects were observed, all participants felt well.
A couple of years later, experiments were conducted on male rats with vascular-related erectile dysfunction. The rats were treated with citrulline for a month, which significantly improved blood circulation and erection.
A study conducted by scientists 4 years ago allowed them to evaluate the effect of watermelon extract on the quality of potency. It turned out that rodents consuming such an extract had much more frequent contact with females: their libido increased several times. There were also no problems with the tolerability of the treatment.
And finally, recently scientists from Italy reported on an interesting study, which involved male volunteers. Scientists have determined that vascular disorders are associated with a deficiency of certain amino acids, including arginine. Thus, it was suggested that taking arginine or citrulline could have a positive effect on erectile dysfunction.
Scientists cannot yet say how much watermelon should be eaten to achieve results. However, it is clear that citrulline will not be able to help those patients who were not helped by Viagra. The effect of the watermelon amino acid is based on improving vascular circulation: therefore, the substance will not have the same positive effect if the disorder is caused by nerve damage or other reasons.
Experts advise choosing yellow-orange varieties of watermelons for a lasting effect, since the red pulp contains slightly less citrulline.
The amino acid is absent from watermelon seeds. Restrictions on watermelon treatment apply to patients suffering from diabetes or allergies to the berry.
Details of the research are published in the Italian periodical Andrology