Citrulline and blood pressure: a short-term signal with unresolved questions
Short trials in postmenopausal women found uneven results across vascular, muscle and metabolic measures; the review did not establish a basis for clinical recommendations.
Based on the published abstract. The full paper may contain additional methods, results and limitations.
The 30-second takeaway
Citrulline, given directly or through watermelon products, showed a possible blood pressure signal in postmenopausal women with hypertension. Results for arterial stiffness and blood-vessel function were inconsistent, and metabolic measures showed no consistent changes. These short studies leave uncertainty about broader benefits and do not support treating the supplement as an established therapy.
Differences in study designs and outcomes prevented a pooled analysis. The abstract does not describe individual control conditions, and all trials were conducted in the United States over short periods.
Results depended on the outcome
Most studies reporting blood pressure found reductions. Findings for arterial stiffness and the function of the blood-vessel lining were mixed, while weight, glucose, insulin and blood lipids showed no consistent effects.
Training and safety need context
Muscle improvements were suggested only when supplementation accompanied resistance training. No supplement-related adverse effects were reported, but that describes what these brief trials observed; it does not establish safety over longer periods.
The original publication
Citrulline supplementation in postmenopausal women: a systematic review of vascular, muscular, and metabolic effects.
Bahari H, Ramezani E, Malekahmadi M
BMC Womens Health · 2026
- PubMed ID
- 41588439
- Record checked
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