Cucurbitacin B

Cucurbitacin B is a tetracyclic triterpenoid, which can induce apoptosis in human hepatoma cells. It can also induce DNA damage and autophagy in MCF-7 breast cancer cells. In the wild, watermelons, cucumbers, and muskmelons produce bitter Cucurbitacins to defend against preditors. Humans have bred these fruits to eliminate these compounds thereby yielding fruits that are more appealing to our palate.