The primary objectives of the study are outlined below: 1. To investigate the relative bioavailability and absorption/kinetic profile of polyphenols after consumption of watermelon rind, flesh and seeds, respectively in an acute pilot study. 2. To study the effects of watermelon intake on endothelial function using the FMD technique and to understand the relationship between plasma metabolites, including L-citrulline and arginine, and FMD responses.
The proposed trial will be a randomized, 4 arm, placebo controlled, within-subject crossover, study design. It is a pilot trial to establish methods and collect the preliminary data (N=6). Subjects meeting eligibility criteria (see eligibility criteria) will participate in 4 study visits where they will receive one serving (equivalent to 100 kcal) of 1 of 4 treatments: watermelon rind, watermelon flesh, watermelon seeds or placebo. Qualified subjects from the screening visit will be randomized into the study and provided with a standard breakfast consisting of a high carbohydrate and moderate fat western-type meal 3 hours after the treatment. Each subject will be asked to come for one screening visit, a pre-study visit, and four dinner pick-ups on the day before each of the four test visits. The study day visit will last for approximately 9 h with a follow up visit the next day (24 h) for blood collection to allow for the characterization of target watermelon polyphenols and metabolites in plasma. Subjects will be instructed not to alter their usual diet or fluid intake during the study periods. Seven days prior to each study day visit, subjects will be advised not to consume fruits and vegetables rich in polyphenols and carotenoids or other high phytochemical foods (watermelon and products, arugula, spinach, tea, berries, grapes, carrots, tomatoes, sweet potatoes etc.). Each study visit will involve with blood samples collection at time points 0 (fasting), 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 h and 24 hour (h). An assigned test treatment will be provided immediately after the 0 h blood collection, a breakfast meal will be provided immediately after the 2 h blood collection, and lunch after 6 h blood collection. FMD will be measured at 0 (fasting), 1, 3, 5, and 7h.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
OTHER
watermelon rind
watermelon flesh
watermelon seeds
Clinical Nutrition Research Center
Chicago, Illinois, United States
Quantitative characterization of watermelon polyphenolic compounds in plasma over 24-hour in humans
This will be conducted by using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography iFunnel quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometer (UHPLC-QTOF-MS) and triple quadrupole mass spectrometer (UHPLC-QQQ-MS).
Time frame: 24-hour Postprandial period
The changes in endothelial function using ultrasound technique after consumption of each treatment
Flow Mediated Vasodilation imaging of the brachial artery to assess endothelial-dependent relaxation
Time frame: 24-hour Postprandial period
the relationship between plasma metabolites and FMD responses after consumption of treatments
Correlation between plasma metabolites and FMD Change
Time frame: 24-hour Postprandial period
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
6
Control Comparator