Watermelon: A Natural Viagra

Irwin Goldstein, MD, editor-in-chief, Journal of Sexual Medicine; medical director, Alvarado Hospital Medical Center; clinical professor of surgery, University of California San Diego.

Treating Erectile Dysfunction (ED): Is Watermelon a Natural Viagra?

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common condition in men, particularly as they get older. Prescription medications, such as sildenafil (Viagra), can help stimulate blood flow back to the penis to help resolve ED. There are also many herbal supplements and natural remedies marketed as alternative treatments for ED.

One such product is derived from a summertime staple: watermelon. That’s because of an amino acid in watermelon called L-citrulline. L-citrulline is said to stimulate blood flow to the penis.

The research surrounding L-citrulline is not conclusive enough to prove that watermelon should be your go-to treatment method for managing symptoms of ED.

Read on to learn more about watermelon, L-citrulline, and ED.

Watermelon contains high amounts of L-citrulline. This is a nonessential amino acid. Once it’s taken up by your nitric oxide system, it then promotes blood vessel dilation. As a result, your blood pressure decreases. Blood flow also improves.

L-citrulline may help stimulate enzymes called cGMPs. They play a direct role in blood flow. The thought is that more L-citrulline consumption could help improve ED. Unscientific accounts of L-citrulline are numerous on the internet, especially by supplement manufacturers.

In terms of scientific data, a few studies have looked at the role of L-citrulline in ED. One study published in Urology found that 24 men who took supplements over the course of a month noted improvements in mild ED symptoms. Another study looked at the effect of watermelon extract on male rats’ sexual activity and found an increase in activity. More long-term research needs to be conducted to explore the efficacy and overall safety of L-citrulline.

L-citrulline supplements

You should only take L-citrulline supplements with your doctor’s consent. While no severe side effects are known, there’s a potential for drug interactions, especially if you already take an ED drug such as Viagra. Also, it’s important to note that the supplements offer the most promise for moderate forms of ED. It’s important to know that supplements are not monitored by the FDA for safety or purity. Buy any supplement from a reputable source.

You’d need to eat about 3 1/2 cups of diced watermelon per day to match the L-citrulline levels found in supplements. Orange and yellow varieties of watermelon may have slightly higher levels, which means you can eat less to reap the same citrulline levels of traditional red watermelon.

L-citrulline is also naturally present in some other foods. These include garlic, fish, and legumes.

Men with mild to moderate ED might benefit from taking L-citrulline via watermelon or through supplements. When eating watermelon, you can reap the nutritional benefits outside of L-citrulline. Watermelon is a high source of vitamins A and C as well as fiber and potassium.

Antioxidants are good for your overall health and longevity but in moderate amounts. According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health , high levels of antioxidants can actually be harmful. Another consideration is that supplemental forms of antioxidants aren’t a good replacement for those consumed through fresh foods. This is because supplement-based antioxidants aren’t processed by the body the same way.

The actual fruit isn’t likely to cause any risks. However, if you have pollen allergies, you may want to use caution. Some people who have grass pollen allergies experience allergic reactions to raw fruits and veggies. This is called oral allergy syndrome (OAS). OAS usually causes mild symptoms, such as skin rash. Rarely, it can cause more severe reactions like breathing difficulties. Use extra caution during grass allergy season to prevent possible reactions. If you have asthma, ask your doctor about taking supplements before trying them.

L-citrulline can interact with prescription medications for:

If you do decide to take L-citrulline supplements, talk to your doctor first. This is especially important if you’re already taking other supplements or medications. L-citrulline supplements ought to be considered a part of your penile health plan and not as a replacement for another medication you might need. Talk to your doctor about all your options.

Watermelon can be one natural way to safely reduce ED. Eating watermelon alone likely won’t solve the issue long-term, though. This is because ED is often a symptom of another underlying condition, such as high cholesterol. You’ll need to see your doctor to help manage any health issues you might be experiencing. Resolving these will likely improve ED.

At the same time, eating moderate amounts of watermelon can’t hurt. Not only is there the possibility of improved libido, but you’ll also reap the antioxidant benefits of the fruit such as those found in vitamins A and C.

L-citrulline supplements may not be as effective for ED. They also haven’t been studied as extensively as Viagra.

Last medically reviewed on June 2, 2017

Watermelon: A Natural Viagra?

July 1, 2008 — Men hoping for some fireworks in their love life this Fourth of July may want to skip the burgers and beer at the barbecue and eat plenty of watermelon.

Watermelon may be a natural Viagra, says a researcher. That’s because the popular summer fruit is richer than experts believed in an amino acid called citrulline, which relaxes and dilates blood vessels much like Viagra and other drugs meant to treat erectile dysfunction (ED).

“We have known that watermelon has citrulline,” says Bhimu Patil, PHD, director of the Fruit and Vegetable Improvement Center at Texas A&M University, College Station. Until recently, he tells WebMD, scientists thought most of the citrulline was in the watermelon rind. “Watermelon has more citrulline in the edible part than previously believed,” he says.

How could watermelon be a natural Viagra? The amino acid citrulline is converted into the amino acid arginine, Patil says. “This is a precursor for nitric oxide, and the nitric oxide will help in blood vessel dilation.”

So, the burning question: How much watermelon does it take?

“That is a good question,” Patil says. Unfortunately, “I don’t have an answer for that.”

He does know that a typical 4-ounce serving of watermelon (about 10 watermelon balls) has about 150 milligrams of citrulline. But he can’t say how much citrulline is needed to have Viagra-like effects.

He’s hopeful that someone will pick up on his research and study the fruit’s effect on penile erections.

Watermelon’s Viagra-Like Effects

On hearing about the Texas finding, Irwin Goldstein, MD, editor-in-chief of The Journal of Sexual Medicine, was underwhelmed. Suggesting a man feast on watermelon to boost performance, he says, “would be the equivalent of someone dropping a beer bottle in Minneapolis, where the Mississippi River starts, and hoping to see it make an impact on someone in New Orleans.”

“To say that watermelon is Viagra-like is sort of fun,” says Goldstein. “But to even vaguely hope that eating watermelon will alleviate ED is misleading.”

“The vast majority of Americans produce enough arginine,” adds Goldstein, medical director of Alvarado Hospital Medical Center, San Diego, and clinical professor of surgery, University of California San Diego School of Medicine. “Men with ED are not deficient in arginine.”

Though arginine is required to make nitric oxide, and nitric oxide is required to dilate blood vessels and have an erection, “that doesn’t mean eating something that is rich in citrulline will make enough arginine that it will lead to better penile erections,” Goldstein says.

Goldstein has served as a consultant for many companies that make ED drugs.

Calling watermelon a natural Viagra is “clearly premature,” says Roger Clemens, DrPH, adjunct professor of pharmacology and pharmaceutical sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, and a spokesman for the Institute of Food Technologists.

Clemens studied the amino acid arginine himself, researching a supplement to improve vascular flow for patients with hardening of the arteries or atherosclerosis. He has since abandoned that line of research, he says.

It can require a lot of watermelon to boost blood levels of arginine, he adds. In a study published in 2007 in Nutrition, he says, volunteers who drank three 8-ounce glasses of watermelon juice daily for three weeks boosted their arginine levels by 11%.

Watermelon is low in calories and provides potassium and the phytonutrients lycopene and beta-carotene, in addition to the citrulline.

Clemens’ advice on watermelon and the Fourth of July? “Put salt on it and enjoy.”

Just don’t expect fireworks anywhere but in the sky.

Show Sources

Bhimu Patil, PhD, director of Texas A&M University Fruit and Vegetable Improvement Center, College Station.

Roger Clemens, DrPH, adjunct professor, pharmacology and pharmaceutical sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles; spokesman, Institute of Food Technologists.

Irwin Goldstein, MD, editor-in-chief, Journal of Sexual Medicine; medical director, Alvarado Hospital Medical Center; clinical professor of surgery, University of California San Diego.

Clevidence, B.A. Nutrition, March 2007; vol 23: pp 261-266.

Watermelon and Sex

“Watermelon has ingredients that deliver Viagra-like effects to the body’s blood vessels and may even increase libido.” When a major university, such as Texas A&M, puts out a press release with such a claim, it is guaranteed to get a great deal of media response. Indeed, news organizations around the world picked up the story, concocting clever headlines such as “No Wonder Watermelons Grow So Big,” “Watermelon, The New Oyster?” and “Watermelon Could Add Bite to Sex Life.” Some even came up with irresponsible, but attention-grabbing headlines like “Watermelon Can Duplicate Viagra Effects.” The problem is that no evidence exists to support these fanciful claims. No study was carried out at Texas A&M, or indeed anywhere else, to demonstrate that watermelon has any such effect. So how did the misleading headlines come about?

Texas A&M carries out research on plant breeding, including that of watermelon. One aim of this research is to investigate the possibility of increasing the naturally occurring amount of an amino acid called citrullin in watermelon. Citrulline is of interest since in the body it can be converted to arginine, an amino acid that plays a role in immune system activity, as well as in the dilation of blood vessels. A press officer at the University, given the task of putting out a release about this rather mundane research, asked watermelon breeder Dr. Bhimu Patil to suggest some interesting items about watermelon that could be included in the press release. Patil then speculated about watermelon increasing levels of arginine in the blood, and mentioned that arginine is the source of nitric oxide, which in turn dilates blood vessels and can increase blood flow. He also pointed out that Viagra works by increasing levels of nitric oxide. Presto, the press officer put two and two together and came up with five, and the press release about watermelon increasing libido was born. Pure mythology. While there is zero evidence abou watermelon having any effect on male performance, the notion of citrulline increasing arginine levels is correct. That was shown in a study published in Nutrition, a respected peer-reviewed journal. Twenty-three volunteers were asked to drink either three or six eight-ounce glasses of watermelon juice a day for three weeks and have their blood tested for arginine. This amount of juice of course corresponds to more watermelon than anyone could reasonably eat. Compared with people who drank no watermelon juice, levels of arginine increased by 12-22%. No physiological consequences of this increase were measured in any way. The point of the research was simply to determine the possibility of increasing arginine levels by diet because of the possible role of this amino acid in improving blood flow. Indeed, there is some evidence that dietary supplements containing arginine can allow blood vessels to dilate more readily, but arginine pills have been linked with nausea and gastrointestinal discomfort. Supplying the body with citrulline, which is then converted into arginine, may get around this problem. But the fact is that no studies have shown that boosting arginine, either through supplements, or through high-citrulline foods has any effect on erectile biology. The only activity that will be stimulated by drinking huge amounts of watermelon juice is urination.

A ripe, sweet watermelon can certainly give a boost to the taste buds, but don’t expect anything else to be boosted. Except sales.

Watermelon as Natural Viagra: Does it Really Work?

Yes, you read it right. As per a study by the National Library of Medicine, around 24 men noted improvements in erectile dysfunction symptoms after consuming supplements that contained citrulline for over a month.

Watermelon contains high amounts of an amino acid called citrulline. It is responsible for promoting blood vessel dilation and relaxation. As it serves the same purpose as Viagra and drugs meant to treat erectile dysfunction, many researchers believe that there are benefits of watermelon sexually and it may be a natural Viagra.

Erectile dysfunction is a common condition among men. More so, among older men. The reason sildenafil (Viagra) is prescribed in the cases of ED is due to stimulation.

It stimulates the blood flow back to the penis. But since watermelon is believed to provide a similar stimulation, hence watermelon benefits sexually and it can be an impeccable alternative to Viagra.

What’s more impressive? As a fruit, watermelon is immensely refreshing and beneficial for your health. Not to forget that it is supremely delicious.

It is also low in calories. It has only 46 calories per cup. So all you fitness enthusiasts needn’t worry. Watermelon is also rich in Vitamin C and Vitamin A.

But does watermelon really work as a natural Viagra for men? Although research is still in its initial stages with no concrete proof, there is enough reason to believe that watermelon might be a viable replacement for Viagra and using watermelon fruit for sex drive can work.

Let’s understand the benefits of watermelon sexually and other general health benefits for men.

Watermelon Benefits for Men

Watermelon for hydration:

Did you know that watermelon is 92% water? This impeccable combination of water and fiber makes this fruit a complete winner. You can eat an adequate amount of watermelon without worrying about calories and stay hydrated.

2. Watermelon for inflammation:

As watermelon is rich in vitamin C and lycopene, both of which are anti-inflammatory, it’s capable of lowering inflammation in men.

3. Watermelon for muscle soreness:

A lot of men turn to supplements to relieve muscle soreness. However, watermelon can be used as a replacement as it contains citrulline.

Watermelon juice benefits are immense. You can preferably have it as a juice as it enhances the absorption of citrulline and is a natural Viagra drink. So try inducing watermelon juice as a post-workout meal in your daily life.

4. Watermelon for skin and hair health:

Watermelon contains two essential vitamins for hair health and skincare: Vitamin A and Vitamin C. For creating and repairing skin cells, vitamin A is vital. It also helps in removing dryness. Vitamin C keeps your hair voluminous by making a protein called collagen.

5. Watermelon for digestion:

This summer fruit contains two things vital for digestion: Fibre and Water. On one hand, water keeps your digestive track moving while fibre contributes bulk for stool. If you want a normal bowel movement, include such natural Viagra fruits in your diet.

6. Watermelon for eye health:

A frequent eye problem found in many ageing men that can cause blindness is AMD or age-related macular degeneration. Watermelon contains anti-inflammatory lycopene and an antioxidant which may prevent AMD. Moreover, it’d keep your eyes healthy.

7. Watermelon for heart health:

Several nutrients and minerals in watermelon are capable of improving heart health. Lycopene helps in lowering blood pressure and cholesterol while diminishing the thickness of artery walls. Citrulline helps your blood vessels expand.

Are there any side effects of using watermelon as Viagra?

Not really. However, although antioxidants are exceptional for your overall health, it’s vital to consume them in moderation as high levels of any antioxidant can be harmful.

Men with pollen allergies must take caution as they might face an allergic reaction to raw watermelon. This allergy is popularly known as oral allergy syndrome.

As this condition can lead to skin rash and breathing difficulties, it’s best to consult a doctor before consuming watermelon as natural Viagra.

The final verdict?

If you’re looking for a natural replacement of Viagra, you should trust the benefits of watermelon for sexually enhanced performance as it is a celebrated fruit for libido.

However, having this natural Viagra fruit i.e, watermelon for libido alone isn’t a long term solution as erectile dysfunction is typically a result of other conditions like high blood pressure or high cholesterol.

Nonetheless, watermelon should be consumed daily, as it’s the best natural Viagra available to men and is an excessively healthy fruit. So what’s the ideal quantity that you should consume? Many experts believe that around 3-4 cups of watermelon per day can do the trick as it can match the citrulline levels found in Viagra.

You can also go for the yellow and orange variants of the fruit. Watermelon and ginger juice Viagra is another option. So make sure that you include this anti-inflammatory, digestion improving, Vitamin C rich fruit in your diet but keep your expectations in check.

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Can watermelon help with erectile dysfunction?

Men have long experimented with remedies to treat erectile dysfunction and have had mixed results. Though research is still in its preliminary stages, some studies suggest that watermelon may be a viable substitute for Viagra.

The advent of Viagra and other erectile dysfunction (ED) treatments revolutionized the world of sexual medicine. No longer did men with certain medical conditions or age-related ED have to resign themselves to unsatisfying sex lives.

However, ED drugs do not work for every man. Some men experience side effects, while the drug is unsuitable for others , such as men with certain types of chest pain and heart disease.

For men who cannot take Viagra, watermelon is a safe alternative that is unlikely to cause serious side effects. Learn more with this article.

Watermelon is a natural source of citrulline. Citrulline is an amino acid that may support better erections.

Viagra works by increasing blood flow to the penis, allowing a man to more easily get an erection when he is aroused. Citrulline may do the same thing, although it works in a different way to Viagra.

Preliminary research suggests that the body may convert citrulline to another amino acid, called arginine. Arginine converts to nitric oxide. Nitric oxide opens the blood vessels wider, increasing blood flow to the penis and improving erections.

Because watermelon is mostly water, the highest concentrations of citrulline come from concentrated watermelon juice.

Men who want to try watermelon as a natural Viagra may find better results with watermelon juice.

Research into the effects of citrulline and watermelon is relatively new. Most studies have been small or looked only at animals. As such, it is too early to say there is conclusive proof that watermelon can act as a natural Viagra.

Preliminary research is promising, and there are few or no risks associated with consuming watermelon. This means that most men can safely try watermelon juice or citrulline supplements as an alternative to Viagra.

A 2011 study followed 24 men with mild ED. The men took a placebo for 1 month. For another month, they took a citrulline supplement.

Just two of the men taking a placebo saw their erections return to normal hardness levels. But half of the men who took citrulline experienced improvements that brought their erections to normal hardness levels.

Men who took citrulline also had more sex, averaging 1.37 sessions of intercourse per month before treatment, and 2.3 per month after treatment. None of the men experienced side effects.

A 2013 study gathered data on rats with ED due to low blood flow to the penis. This disorder, called arteriogenic erectile dysfunction, is a common cause of erectile problems in humans.

Rats that took a citrulline water supplement experienced improvements in erectile function compared with rats that received a placebo and rats that underwent surgery on their blood vessels. This finding suggests that citrulline may improve blood flow, potentially improving erections.

A 2014 study evaluated male rats treated with watermelon flesh extract. Rats who consumed watermelon were more likely to mount females and start intercourse. This increase in libido, the study’s authors concluded, suggests that watermelon might also be a viable treatment for ED.

There were no serious side effects, and the rats that ate watermelon extract did not experience an increase in weight.

Research published in 2017 sought to further understand the role of citrulline and arginine in erectile function. Researchers measured levels of both amino acids in 122 men with ED.

They found lower levels of one or both amino acids in men with ED, particularly in men with arteriogenic erectile dysfunction. This suggests that increasing levels of either citrulline or arginine, or both could improve erectile function.

Men should note that watermelon is likely not as effective as Viagra, and may not work for men who have not been able to get an erection with Viagra.

This is because watermelon increases blood flow to the penis, just like Viagra. If another issue, such as nerve damage or a serious relationship problem, is causing a man’s ED, merely increasing blood flow may not be much help.

While research on animals often applies to humans, this is not always the case. Studies finding positive results in rats may point toward the value of citrulline in treating ED, but they do not prove that it works in humans.

The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have not approved citrulline as a treatment for ED. Many more trials are necessary before doctors can determine whether or not citrulline works.

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