Comparative study of nutritional composition, antioxidant activity and functional properties of Cucumis melo and Citrullus lanatus seeds powder

The current research studied the nutritional and functional properties and antioxidant profile of Cucumis melo and Citrullus lanatus seeds. Results showed that the protein, fat, and fiber content of C. melo seed powder were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than C. lanatus. Furthermore, results of mineral profile showed that Citrullus lanatus seeds have 236.7 ± 4.4 mg/100 g potassium, 98.6 ± 0.3 mg/100 g sodium, 25.0 ± 0.03 mg/100 g magnesium, and 30.8 ± 0.04 mg/100 g calcium while Cucumis melo seeds showed 309.1 ± 5.3 mg/100 g potassium, 61.5 ± 0.2 mg/100 g sodium, 57.8 ± 0.15 mg/100 g magnesium, and 53.1 ± 0.07 mg/100 g calcium. Moreover, amino acids (valine (4.14), leucine (6.11), isoleucine (5.32), cysteine (1.43), lysine (2.93), glycine (6.23), alanine (3.24), and aspartic acid (6.87) of C. melo seeds were higher as compared to C. lanatus seeds. Total phenolic and total flavonoids contents of Cucumis melo were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than Citrullus lanatus. Results regarding the DPPH and FRAP of Cucumis melo were comparatively higher than Citrullus lanatus seeds powder due to higher phenolic contents. Further, water holding capacity of Cucumis melo seeds powder was 2.78 g H2O/g as compared to Cucumis melo (2.52 g H2O/g) and Cucumis melo seed powder showed a higher oil retention capacity 1.88 g oil/g as compared to Citrullus lanatus seeds powder 1.80 g oil/g. Conclusively, the outcome from comparative study presented C. melo as valuable and superior source of essential nutrients along with bioactive components which enhance their technological properties. Incorporation of C. melo and C. lanatus is highly recommended as a sustainable source of agro-industrial waste to achieve the nutritional and technological properties in the end product.