<p>Watermelons contain ingredients that cause the same physiological effects as Viagra, though on a smaller and less-focused scale, according to a study conducted by researchers at Texas A&amp;M University.</p> <p>Citrulline, an organic compound found in the melon, is converted through the digestive process into arginine, an amino acid that increases levels of nitric oxide and relaxes blood vessels.</p> <p>Bhimu Patil, director of Texas A&amp;M's Fruit and Vegetable Improvement Center and lead researcher for the study, said only the presence of the chemical had been detected and that medical effects have not yet been proven.</p> <p>"Because of the presence of citrulline, we speculate that watermelon might have some of the same effects as Viagra," Patil said, adding that clinical trials would be necessary to gauge the fruit's actual effects on humans.</p> <p>In Luling, a town 45 minutes southeast of Austin that attracts an estimated 30,000 attendees at its annual Watermelon Thump, people haven't decided what to make of the news, said James Nickells, secretary of the Watermelon Thump Association.</p> <p>"Most people think it's interesting, a comical thing," Nickells said. "I haven't talked to any of the growers about whether it might be marketable, but everybody in town is laughing about it."</p> Mackenzie Meador watermellon fruit viagra sex erection penis stimulation aphrodisiac food the-feed 0 2008-07-10T10:44:28-04:00 <p>New research suggests that trace chemicals in watermellon rinds could share similar properties with Viagra. Summer picnics have never been more fun!</p> 10 1175 watermellon-is-the-new-viagra 2008-07-10T10:44:42-04:00 true false false false false 2008-09-18T15:40:32-04:00 http://www.dailytexanonline.com/news/2008/07/08/TopStories/Watermelon.May.Induce.Effects.Similar.To.Viagras.Researchers.Say-3388847.shtml 11 621