Citrullus lanatus seeds vs Sea Holly

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Citrullus lanatus seeds

Citrullus lanatus

Urinary

Eryngium maritimum

Urinary

Citrullus lanatus seeds

✅ Generally safe in pregnancy

✅ Generally safe while nursing

Sea Holly

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Description

Widely cultivated cucurbit; seeds and flesh rind used medicinally for kidney, urinary, and metabolic conditions.

European coastal plant historically used as an aphrodisiac and diuretic; roots used for urinary and kidney conditions in European folk medicine.

Active Compounds

citrulline, arginine, lycopene, flavonoids

saponins, tannins, flavonoids, essential oils, rosmarinic acid

Traditional Uses

Kidney conditions in Chinese folk medicine, Urinary disorders, Fever cooling, Diuretic use

Urinary disorders, Kidney conditions, Aphrodisiac use, Cough

Modern Uses

Diuretic effects, Arginine precursor, Antioxidant lycopene

Diuretic activity, Anti-inflammatory effects, Antimicrobial properties, Expectorant action

Adult Dosage

Seeds as food; rind tea for urinary; flesh as food

Root decoction: 1-2 cups daily; 1-2ml tincture 3x daily

Contraindications

None significant as food

Pregnancy, Kidney disease (acute)

Side Effects

None documented

Mild diuretic effects, Gastric irritation with excess

Drug Interactions

0 known interactions

Reviewed by: HerbAlly Editorial Team, Medical herbalists and healthcare professionals

Sources: WHO Monographs · NCCIH · PubMed · Commission E