# Char magaz
**Char magaz** (also read as "four brains" in Persian-influenced usage, a pun on the kernel meaning rather than a tested claim about cognition) is a blend of the seed kernels of four plants of the gourd family [Cucurbitaceae](https://www.edgepedia.org/cucurbitaceae): watermelon (*Citrullus lanatus*), melon (*Cucumis melo*), cucumber (*Cucumis sativus*), and pumpkin (*Cucurbita pepo*).[1](https://thecareonline.com/char-magaz-four-seeds-guide/) • [4](https://pharmeasy.in/blog/ayurveda-uses-benefits-and-side-effects-of-char-magaz/) It is used in Indian and Pakistani cuisines, especially Rajasthani and Mughlai cooking, where it is most often ground into a paste to thicken gravies such as korma and shahi paneer, and is also used in sweets and cooling drinks.[2](https://www.justgotochef.com/ingredients/char-magaz) • [3](https://www.chefadora.com/ingredients/char-magaz) In Rajasthan, almonds sometimes replace cucumber seeds, and market mixes are not always uniform.[1](https://thecareonline.com/char-magaz-four-seeds-guide/) A 2020 review found that the four seed types may be contaminated with aflatoxins, which are linked to cancer and liver damage.[4](https://pharmeasy.in/blog/ayurveda-uses-benefits-and-side-effects-of-char-magaz/)
| Key fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Cuisines | Indian and Pakistani; especially associated with Rajasthani and Mughlai cooking[2](https://www.justgotochef.com/ingredients/char-magaz) |
| Main culinary role | Ground into a paste to thicken gravies such as korma and shahi paneer, and used in sweets and cooling drinks[3](https://www.chefadora.com/ingredients/char-magaz) |
| Nutrition (pumpkin seeds, per 100 g) | Fat 49 g, protein 30 g, carbohydrates 11 g, potassium 8.9 g, dietary fiber 6 g, calcium 46 mg, iron 8.8 mg[4](https://pharmeasy.in/blog/ayurveda-uses-benefits-and-side-effects-of-char-magaz/) |
| Nutrition (watermelon seeds, per 100 g) | Fat 47 g, protein 28 g, carbohydrates 15 g, potassium 6.48 g, sodium 99 mg, calcium 54 mg[4](https://pharmeasy.in/blog/ayurveda-uses-benefits-and-side-effects-of-char-magaz/) |
| Safety note | A 2020 review found the four seed types may be contaminated with aflatoxins, which are linked to cancer and liver damage[4](https://pharmeasy.in/blog/ayurveda-uses-benefits-and-side-effects-of-char-magaz/) |
## Composition and naming
The four kernels are sold hulled, with the tough outer shell removed, leaving a soft, mild kernel[1](https://thecareonline.com/char-magaz-four-seeds-guide/). All four plants belong to the gourd family Cucurbitaceae: watermelon (*Citrullus lanatus*), melon (*Cucumis melo*), cucumber (*Cucumis sativus*), and pumpkin (*Cucurbita pepo*)[4](https://pharmeasy.in/blog/ayurveda-uses-benefits-and-side-effects-of-char-magaz/). Regional variation exists: in [Rajasthan](https://www.edgepedia.org/rajasthan), almonds sometimes replace cucumber seeds, and market mixes are not always uniform, with some sellers substituting lauki or tinda seeds or padding packs with mostly melon kernels[1](https://thecareonline.com/char-magaz-four-seeds-guide/).
## Culinary uses
**Thickening.** The blend is most often ground to a paste that gives body and a pale, nutty creaminess to rich gravies; korma, shahi paneer, and some haleem recipes call for a spoonful[3](https://www.chefadora.com/ingredients/char-magaz).
**Sweets and drinks.** Char magaz appears in sweet dishes such as halva, panjiri, kheer, and burfi, and in cooling beverages including sardie, thadal, and thandai, to which it adds a creamy texture and nutty flavor[3](https://www.chefadora.com/ingredients/char-magaz). Roasted pumpkin seeds from the mix can be eaten as snacks or sprinkled on fruits, salads, and soups[4](https://pharmeasy.in/blog/ayurveda-uses-benefits-and-side-effects-of-char-magaz/). The seeds are sometimes pressed to extract char magaz oil (Roghan Char Magaz), used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine and skincare[3](https://www.chefadora.com/ingredients/char-magaz) • [5](https://alshifaherbal.com/product/roghan-char-magaz-char-magaz-oil/).
## Traditional medicine context
[Unani medicine](https://www.edgepedia.org/unani-medicine) groups melon and gourd seeds under a cold and moist temperament, the opposite of summer heat and dryness, which is why the blend appears in summer sharbats, thandai at Holi, and cold milk drinks; hakeems often combined it with almonds and poppy seed (khashkhash) in cooling preparations[1](https://thecareonline.com/char-magaz-four-seeds-guide/). Ayurvedic tradition treats the seeds as light and nourishing and suited to warm weather[1](https://thecareonline.com/char-magaz-four-seeds-guide/).
These are long-held household and scholarly traditions rather than tested clinical findings. There are not enough human studies to assess the effect of char magaz as a blend, and the effect of the mixture on blood glucose, for example, has not been studied, although individual studies of pumpkin, melon, and watermelon seeds suggest possible glucose-lowering effects[4](https://pharmeasy.in/blog/ayurveda-uses-benefits-and-side-effects-of-char-magaz/). The seeds do contain protein, [B vitamins](https://www.edgepedia.org/b-vitamins), essential amino acids such as arginine, lysine, glutamic acid, and tryptophan, and minerals including magnesium, calcium, and copper[6](https://www.netmeds.com/c/health-library/post/char-magaz-benefits-uses-ingredients-method-dosage-and-side-effects).
## Nutrition of the component seeds
Because the blend itself has not been fully analyzed, published values describe the individual seeds. Per 100 g, dried watermelon seed kernels contain about 47 g fat, 28 g protein, 15 g carbohydrates, 6.48 g potassium, 99 mg sodium, and 54 mg calcium[4](https://pharmeasy.in/blog/ayurveda-uses-benefits-and-side-effects-of-char-magaz/). Pumpkin seeds contain about 49 g fat, 30 g protein, 11 g carbohydrates, 8.9 g potassium, 6 g dietary fiber, 46 mg calcium, and 8.8 mg iron[4](https://pharmeasy.in/blog/ayurveda-uses-benefits-and-side-effects-of-char-magaz/). Melon seeds are reported with 79 g carbohydrates, 11 g protein, 4.8 g sugar, 3.2 g dietary fiber, and 1.6 g fat per 100 g[4](https://pharmeasy.in/blog/ayurveda-uses-benefits-and-side-effects-of-char-magaz/). Values for cucumber seeds were not specified in these listings[4](https://pharmeasy.in/blog/ayurveda-uses-benefits-and-side-effects-of-char-magaz/).
## Safety and storage
A 2020 review by Faizal and colleagues found that pumpkin, cucumber, melon, and watermelon seeds may be contaminated with aflatoxins, fungal toxins produced by *Aspergillus* species that are associated with cancer and liver damage[4](https://pharmeasy.in/blog/ayurveda-uses-benefits-and-side-effects-of-char-magaz/) • [7](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9147583/). Eating pumpkin seeds in excess can cause constipation, stomach pain, and flatulence[4](https://pharmeasy.in/blog/ayurveda-uses-benefits-and-side-effects-of-char-magaz/).
The kernels keep about 1 to 2 months at room temperature and 4 to 6 months in a sealed jar in the refrigerator[1](https://thecareonline.com/char-magaz-four-seeds-guide/). A typical household quantity is 1 to 2 tablespoons (10 to 20 g) a day, with 2 to 4 hours of soaking before smooth grinding[1](https://thecareonline.com/char-magaz-four-seeds-guide/).
## References
1. [Char Magaz Explained: The Four Seeds, Thandai and Keeping Them Fresh, TheCareOnline](https://thecareonline.com/char-magaz-four-seeds-guide/)
2. [Char Magaz, GoToChef](https://www.justgotochef.com/ingredients/char-magaz)
3. [Char Magaz Benefits: Boost Health & Flavor, Chefadora](https://www.chefadora.com/ingredients/char-magaz)
4. [Char Magaz: Benefits, Uses, Side Effects & More, PharmEasy](https://pharmeasy.in/blog/ayurveda-uses-benefits-and-side-effects-of-char-magaz/)
5. [Roghan Char Magaz / Char Magaz Oil, Al Shifa Herbal](https://alshifaherbal.com/product/roghan-char-magaz-char-magaz-oil/)
6. [Char Magaz: Benefits, Uses, Ingredients, Method, Dosage and Side Effects, Netmeds](https://www.netmeds.com/c/health-library/post/char-magaz-benefits-uses-ingredients-method-dosage-and-side-effects)
7. [Aflatoxin Contamination, Its Impact and Management Strategies: An Updated Review, Toxins (2022)](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9147583/)
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*Topic: Encyclopedia › Life and health › Plants and algae › Seed plants › Other flowering plants › Rosids › Fabaceae: legumes and the pea family › Titles A to L › Titles A to De*
*Initially written Sep 17, 2026 · Reviewed: Sep 30, 2026; Oct 21, 2026 · Edited: Sep 30, 2026; Oct 11, 2026; Oct 15, 2026; Oct 21, 2026; Oct 25, 2026 · Last review: Oct 21, 2026*
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