Phytochemical and Pharmacological Screening of Seeds and Fruits Pulp of Cucurbita moschata Duchesne Cultivated in Egypt

Abstract

Family Cucurbitaceae is one of the most important families known for its edible fruits. It was, therefore, deemed of interest to carry out phytochemical and pharmacological studies on one of its species which is Cucurbita moschata Duchesne as one of widely used edible plants. Phytochemical screening of its seeds and fruits pulp revealed the presence of carbohydrates, saponins and steroids in considerable amounts in both of them. GLC analysis for lipoidal content of seeds revealed that lauric acid was the major saturated fatty acid while oleic and linoleic acids were the major unsaturated fatty acids. Vitamin A and E were estimated using RP-HPLC analysis. The highest vitamin E concentration was found in the petroleum ether extract (PEE) of the seeds while the highest vitamin A concentration was observed in 70% aqueous methanolic extract (AME) of seeds. Pharmacological investigation revealed that, AME of Cucurbita moschata Duchesne seeds and fruits pulp have favorable anti-inflammatory activities without notable ulcerogenic effect; that usually associated the antiinflammatory drugs; based on their antioxidant properties. Moreover, there are remarkable analgesic and antidepressant activities recorded for AME of its seeds. KeywordsCucurbita moschata Duchesne, lipid profile, vitamins, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antidepressant.