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Researchers from the Huazhong University of Science and Technology in China have found that vegetables in the Cucumis genus of plants, which includes the muskmelon and the cucumber, contain anti-cancer properties thanks to the presence of a compound that can protect against tumors.

The aim of the Chinese researchers was to demonstrate the potential of a compound known as cucurbitacin A in fighting against tumors. Particularly, they tested its effects on non-small cell lung cancer cells.

Cucurbitacins are a class of biochemical compounds produced by several plant species, most of which belong to the family Cucurbitaceae, which includes pumpkins, watermelons, gourds and calabash. Cucurbitacin A, however, is only found in the Cucumis genus: cucumbers, muskmelons, horned melons and the West Indian gherkin.

Cucurbitacin A is responsible for inducing cell death in specific cancer cells

In the study, the research team analyzed the effects of cucurbitacin A on the induction of apoptosis, or programmed cell death, in non-small cell lung cancer cells.

Results of the study revealed that cucurbitacin A prompted cytotoxicity and suppressed the colony formation tendency of lung cancer cells. These suggested that the compound stopped the growth of the lung cancer cells. It was also shown that the compound encouraged morphological changes in these cells by promoting chromatin condensation, cell shrinkage, and apoptotic body formation. The researchers concluded that cucurbitacin A stops the growth of non-small cell lung cancer cells as it encourages cancer cell death and prevents the proliferation of cancer cells.

“In summary, the current results reveal that cucurbitacin A exhibits potent anti-tumor effects in human A-549 non-small cell lung cancer cells and these anti-tumor effects are mediated via apoptosis induction,” wrote the researchers in the conclusion of their study.

The researchers published their findings in the African Journal of Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicines.

Other benefits of eating cucumber and muskmelon

Cucumber and muskmelon are very powerful superfoods in their own right. They are both filled with nutrients that provide a variety of health benefits.

Cucumber is filled with flavonoids, lignans and triterpenes. These three phytonutrients have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and even anti-cancer benefits. Cucumber also provides a lot of vitamins, such as vitamins A, C and K, as well as several other nutrients such as potassium, magnesium and manganese.

Muskmelon is similar. It is considered to be one of the most nutrient dense melons out there. They’re very rich in vitamins A and C as well as other compounds such as zeaxanthin, potassium and dietary fiber. In fact, just one serving of muskmelon can provide you with around half of your recommended daily intake of vitamins A and C.

• Cucumber and muskmelon can hydrate you — Cucumber is made up of around 95 percent water. Meanwhile, the muskmelon is made up of around 90 percent water. Eating a cup of cucumber or muskmelon can be as hydrating as drinking a glass of water.
• Cucumber and muskmelon are good for skin health –– Cucumber has a cooling and soothing effect on the skin. When used topically, cucumber juice is able to decrease swelling, irritation and inflammation. If you place cucumber slices on your eyes it can decrease puffiness and it can even treat sunburn when placed on affected areas. Muskmelon acts similarly because it’s filled with collagen, which can keep skin tissues strong and tight, preventing the appearance of signs of aging.
• Cucumber and muskmelon are great for the heart — Both cucumber and muskmelon are able to regulate blood pressure levels. They both do this by promoting vasodilation, or the widening of the blood vessels. Relaxed and widened blood vessels aid in the smooth flow of blood. This is greatly beneficial if you have hypertension. Furthermore, the vitamin K in cucumber is essential for improving the body’s blood clotting process.

Other vegetables like cucumber and muskmelon are able to provide a variety of health benefits. To learn more about them, head over to Veggie.news.

Sources:

Journals.SFU.ca ^[PDF]

LiveScience.com

Food.NDTV.com