Char Magaz: Uses, Benefits and Side Effects

Introduction: 

“When diet is wrong, medicine is of no use. When diet is correct, medicine is of no need.” Ayurveda allows us to cherish our innate nature and avail various health benefits. Ayurveda is a treasure trove of different herbal medicines and char magaz is a hidden gem commonly found in Indian kitchens. As the name suggests, char magaz is a blend of four (char) seeds which together may positively impact the brain (magaz). Char Magaz includes the seeds of melon (Cucumis melo), watermelon (Citrullus lanatus), pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo) and cucumber (Cucumis sativus). There are not enough studies conducted to assess the effect of char magaz in humans, so in this article, we will provide brief information on all these four seeds individually and considerations that you need to keep in mind if you plan to add this superfood to your diet.^1,2 

Nutritional Value of Char Magaz: 

As there are not enough studies conducted on char magaz, the nutritional value of all four components (pumpkin, watermelon, cucumber and melon seeds) has not been evaluated. So, in the table below, an attempt has been made to identify the nutritional components of individual seeds.^3–7 

Properties of Char Magaz:  

Due to limited studies, the properties of char magaz are not well known. However, there are scientifically proven properties of individual seeds (pumpkin, watermelon, melon and cucumber), which will be discussed below:  

Following are the properties of pumpkin seeds:⁸ 

• It may have properties to manage blood glucose levels.  
• It may have properties to arrest the uncontrolled multiplication of cells. 
• It may have the ability to reduce inflammation.  
• It may have properties to reduce blood pressure. 

List of the properties of cucumber seeds:⁹ 

• It may have the potential to reduce lipid levels. 

The properties of watermelon seeds are:¹¹ 

• It may have the potential to manage obesity. 
• It may have the potential to reduce blood glucose levels. 
• It may have the potential to halt the abnormal multiplication of cells. 

Enumerated below are properties of melon seeds:^12,13 

• It may have antioxidant properties. 
• It may have the potential to manage blood glucose. 

Potential Uses of Char Magaz for Overall Health: 

The potential of char magaz has not been studied in depth; however, the uses of pumpkin, melon, watermelon and cucumber seeds have been well established. In the section below, we will mention some of the potential benefits of these seeds individually and how combining these four may positively impact human health. 

Potential uses of Char Magaz in Diabetes 

Many different ayurvedic treatments have been tested for managing diabetes; char magaz is one of them. Chen et al. conducted a review in 2005 which stated that pumpkin seeds might enhance insulin (a hormone that regulates blood glucose) levels. A review was conducted by Abinaya et al. in 2016, which stated that watermelon seeds potentially reduce elevated blood glucose levels. Wang et al., in 2018, stated that melon seeds might help with diabetes. This indicates char magaz may have the potential to manage diabetes. However, more studies are needed to support these claims with greater reliability.^8,11,13 

Potential uses of Char Magaz on lipid profile 

A lipid profile is a blood test which measures the number of triglycerides and cholesterol in the blood. An altered lipid profile is a risk factor for diseases like atherosclerosis, pancreatitis, etc. Soltani et al. conducted a study in 2016; this study showed that cucumber seeds could improve the lipid profile. As cucumber seeds are a vital component of char magaz, it may also be likely that char magaz has the potential to correct an abnormal lipid profile. However, more studies are needed to claim these effects. It is also advised to consult your physician for proper treatment and not consider char magaz as a remedy.⁹ 

Potential uses of Char Magaz in Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease 

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) includes a range of liver diseases characterised by fat accumulation in the liver. A review conducted by Maria et al. in 2022 stated that pumpkin seeds might help manage NAFLD due to unsaturated fatty acids in pumpkin seeds. Pumpkin seeds also help reduce oxidative stress and may reduce the chance of hepatic damage. This indicates that char magaz may have the potential to manage NAFLD. However, we need more studies to support these claims.⁸ 

Potential uses of Char Magaz in Breast Cancer 

Breast cancer is a very common cancer and the leading cause of death in females globally. In India, breast cancer affected almost 118000 women in 2016 and has almost increased by 50% from 1965 to 1985. A review done by Maria et al. in 2022 stated that pumpkin seeds might have a chemotherapeutic potential against breast cancer. This effect is attributed to the presence of phytoestrogens in pumpkin seeds. Thus, it can be concluded that char magaz may reduce breast cancer risk. However, we need more studies to support these claims. So, it is advised to consult your doctor for the proper treatment of breast cancer.^8,10 

Other potential uses of Char Magaz:  

• Char magaz has the potential to improve cognitive function with its monounsaturated fatty acid levels.⁸ 
• Pumpkin seeds are traditionally used in wound healing due to their antimicrobial properties.⁸ 
• Pumpkin seeds and watermelon seeds may help manage ulcers.^8,11 
• Pumpkin seeds may help manage depression due to the high amount of tryptophan.⁸ 
• Cucumber seeds may help in managing constipation.⁹ 
• Watermelon seeds may help in weight loss and may help in managing obesity.¹¹ 

Though studies show the benefits of pumpkin, melon, cucumber and watermelon seeds in various conditions, these are insufficient to predict the benefits of Char magaz and there is a need for further studies to establish the true extent of the benefits of Char magaz on human health.  

How to Use Char Magaz? 

• Char magaz is used to make a drink called “Sardie”, a cold drink. 
• It is also used to make smoothies and desserts like halwa.¹ 
• Pumpkin seeds are roasted and consumed as snacks, they can also be added or sprinkled on fruits, salads, soups, cakes, etc.¹⁴ 

You must consult a qualified doctor before taking char magaz. Do not discontinue or replace an ongoing treatment of modern medicine with an ayurvedic/herbal preparation without consulting a qualified doctor.   

Side Effects of Char Magaz:² 

• Faizal et al. conducted a review in 2020 that showed that pumpkin, cucumber, melon and watermelon seeds may be contaminated with aflatoxins which may result in negative health effects like cancer, liver damage, etc. 
• Eating pumpkin seeds in excess can result in constipation, stomach pain, flatulence, etc. 

However, if you experience any adverse reactions to char magaz, it is advised to discontinue its intake and immediately contact a doctor or your Ayurvedic physician who has prescribed it. They will be able to guide you appropriately for your symptoms. 

Precautions to take with Char Magaz: 

Consuming Char Magaz is okay if taken in moderate amounts. However, general precautions must be taken.  

• The safety profile of Char Magaz is not well established in special groups like pregnant and lactating women, the elderly and children. So, it is always advised to consult a qualified physician if you plan to take char magaz. 

Interactions with Other Drugs: 

Limited studies have been conducted on char magaz. Therefore, it is difficult to assess the likelihood of interactions of char magaz with other medications, food, etc. Enlisted below are some potential interactions which may occur: 

• Char magaz is known to cause a reduction in blood glucose. Hence, consuming char magaz with your diabetic medications can cause your blood glucose to drop too low.  
• It is advised to avoid taking char magaz along with your lipid-lowering medicines. 

However, you must always seek the advice of your Ayurvedic physician about the possible interaction of char magaz with other medicines, as they will know your health condition and other medications you are taking.^8,9 

Frequently Asked Questions: 

Disclaimer: The information included on this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional. Because of unique individual needs, the reader should consult their physician to determine the appropriateness of the information for the reader’s situation.

References: 

1. Reetapa Biswas, 2016, A comprehensive review on watermelon seed – the spitted one”, International Journal of Current Research, 8, (08), 35828-35832. Available at: https://www.journalcra.com/article/comprehensive-review-watermelon-seed-%E2%80%93-spitted-one 

2. Razis, Ahmad Faizal Abdull et al. “Seasonal Variation in Aflatoxin Levels in Edible Seeds, Estimation of Its Dietary Intake and Vitamin E Levels in Southern Areas of Punjab, Pakistan.” International journal of environmental research and public health vol. 17,23 8964. 2 Dec. 2020, doi:10.3390/ijerph17238964. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7730547/ 

3. Seeds, dried, watermelon seed kernels nutrition facts and analysis. Available at: https://www.nutritionvalue.org/Seeds%2C_dried%2C_watermelon_seed_kernels_nutritional_value.html?size=100+g 

4. Handley, L W et al. “Carbohydrate Changes during Maturation of Cucumber Fruit : Implications for Sugar Metabolism and Transport.” Plant physiology vol. 72,2 (1983): 498-502. doi:10.1104/pp.72.2.498. available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1066262/ 

5. Wang, Xu et al. “Preparation of cucumber seed peptide-calcium chelate by liquid state fermentation and its characterization.” Food chemistry vol. 229 (2017): 487-494. doi:10.1016/j.foodchem.2017.02.121. available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9050637/ 

6. Seeds, dried, pumpkin and squash seed kernels nutrition facts and analysis. Available at: https://www.nutritionvalue.org/Seeds%2C_dried%2C_pumpkin_and_squash_seed_kernels_nutritional_value.html?size=100%2Bg (Accessed: January 30, 2023).  

7. Seeds, dried, melon nutrition facts and analysis. Available at: https://www.nutritionvalue.org/Enriched_macaroni_product%2C_melon_seed_by_Goya_Foods%2C_Inc.__931926_nutritional_value.html?size=100+g (Accessed: January 30, 2023).  

8. Maria et al. “Nutritional Value, Phytochemical Potential and Therapeutic Benefits of Pumpkin (Cucurbita sp.).” Plants (Basel, Switzerland) vol. 11,11 1394. 24 May. 2022, doi:10.3390/plants11111394. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9182978/ 

9. Soltani, Rasool et al. “Evaluation of the Effects of Cucumis sativus Seed Extract on Serum Lipids in Adult Hyperlipidemic Patients: A Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial.” Journal of food science vol. 82,1 (2017): 214-218. doi:10.1111/1750-3841.13569. available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27886382/ 

10. Mehrotra, Ravi and Kavita Yadav. “Breast cancer in India: Present scenario and the challenges ahead.” World journal of clinical oncology vol. 13,3 (2022): 209-218. doi:10.5306/wjco.v13.i3.209. available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8966510/ 

11. Manivannan, Abinaya et al. “Versatile Nutraceutical Potentials of Watermelon-A Modest Fruit Loaded with Pharmaceutically Valuable Phytochemicals.” Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) vol. 25,22 5258. 11 Nov. 2020, doi:10.3390/molecules25225258. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7698065/ 

12. Zeb, Alam. “Phenolic Profile and Antioxidant Activity of Melon (Cucumis Melo L.) Seeds from Pakistan.” Foods (Basel, Switzerland) vol. 5,4 67. 17 Oct. 2016, doi:10.3390/foods5040067. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5302436/ 

13. Wang, Fang et al. “Antidiabetic Activity and Chemical Composition of Sanbai Melon Seed Oil.” Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine: eCAM vol. 2018 5434156. 2 May. 2018, doi:10.1155/2018/5434156. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5954909/ 

14. Garg, D.P. (2022) 14 health benefits of pumpkin seeds – pharmeasy, PharmEasy Blog. Available at: https://pharmeasy.in/blog/health-benefits-of-pumpkin-seeds/ (Accessed: January 31, 2023).