Prevention and Control by Muskmelon and Hami Melon Seeds Towards Controlling Malignant Diseases: Description, Chemistry and Uses

Despite significant advances in cancer therapy, cancer incidence and mortality rates remain high. As a result, the search for more effective and less toxic cancer treatment strategies remains at the forefront of current research. Fruits are widely consumed and are thought to have numerous health benefits. Fruit seeds are currently gaining popularity because of their highly beneficial bioactive compound and their nutritional values. Furthermore, the melon fruit seeds which have a high abundance of oil are naturally high in bioactive compounds and antioxidants. Melon seeds, which contain a high concentration of protease inhibitors, may protect against tumour progression and angiogenesis. Cucumis melo L. is a member of the Cucurbitaceae family and is widely consumed around the world. The seed which is about 10% of its total weight is totally discarded as agro-waste. Minerals (potassium, sodium, magnesium and calcium) and phenolic chemicals are abundant in melon peel. Lycopene and β-carotene are two carotenoids found in it. Melon seeds, on the other hand, are high in protein (15–36%) and fibre (7–44%). Melon seed oil contains phenolic components, sterols (β-sitosterol, 0.06–289 mg/100 g oil) and tocopherols. Nonetheless, just like soybean and sunflower oils, melon seed oil also contains bioactive constituents such as unique fatty acid, phenolics, tocopherols and sterols. The properties of this oil are highly beneficial. The aforementioned bioactive components support antibacterial, antioxidant and anti-hypercholesterolemic activities. Hence, C. melo seed oil has a major potential as a main functioning composition. The application of these seeds as a unique, versatile and uncommon source of oil can be a best example of fruit by-product attaching to the principles of the financial circular system and feasible and contributing to the earning of fruit processing industries. This chapter aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of the anticancer properties of muskmelon and Hami melon seeds, as well as their active constituents.