The Impact of Watermelon Juice on Blood Pressure

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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L-citrulline is found naturally in watermelon. Recently interest has increased for this amino acid due to potential health benefits. Notably, L-citrulline has the potential to lead to dilation of blood vessels due to its involvement in the production of nitric oxide. The study will be an acute single blind, randomised controlled, crossover intervention study in healthy, young volunteers. Participants receive either the test watermelon drink or control drink (water). Blood samples and vascular measures (by a single-cuff based method) will be measured at baseline. Vascular measures will be repeated at 15-minute intervals between 0-2 hours and a second blood sample will be drawn at 1.5 hours to coincide with the estimated peak plasma L-citrulline. Citrulline, arginine and nitric oxide metabolites will be measured in the blood samples.

Official Title
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The Impact of Watermelon Juice on Blood Pressure in Young Healthy Adults

Conditions
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Healthy Aging

Intervention / Treatment
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* Other: Watermelon Juice
* Other: Water


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Males and females 18-30 years Healthy (as per exclusion criteria) Able to understand information sheet Willing to comply with the study protocol Able to give informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: Medical history of myocardial infarction Medical history of angina Medical history of thrombosis Medical history of stroke Medical history of cancer Medical history of high cholesterol Medical history of liver diseases Medical history of renal diseases Medical history of respiratory diseases Medical history of bowel diseases Medical history of diabetes Medical history of other endocrine disorders BMI <18.5 kg/m2 or >25 kg/m2 Blood pressure <90/60 or > 140/90 mmHg Current use of antihypertensive medication Pregnant or lactating Alcohol intake > 14 units/week Cigarette smoker (or quit within the last 6 months) Vigorous exercise > 3 times/ week

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years
Maximum Age: 30 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Prevention
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Crossover Assignment
Masking: Single


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: Active<br>Watermelon juice | Other: Watermelon Juice<br>* 500 mL watermelon juice (What a Melon), containing  1 g of L-citrulline.<br>|
| Other: Control<br>Low nitrate water. | Other: Water<br>* 500 mL low nitrate water<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Change in blood pressure | Blood pressure by automated device | At baseline (t= 0 hours) and 15 minute intervals until t= 2 hours. | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Change in NOx (nitric oxide metabolites) | Plasma nitrate and nitrite concentration | At baseline (t= 0 hours) and t=1.5 hours. | 
| Change in l-arginine | L-arginine concentration | At baseline (t= 0 hours) and t=1.5 hours. | 
| Change in l-citrulline | L-citrulline concentration | At baseline (t= 0 hours) and t=1.5 hours. | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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Watermelon, L-citrulline, Blood pressure