Characterization and anti-oxidant activity of Cucurbita maxima Duchesne pulp and seed extracts

Abstract

The study aimed to characterize phytochemical composition of C. maxima seeds and pulp. The ethanol and aqueous extract of C. maxima seeds and pulp were done using percolation method. The phytochemical composition of ethanol and aqueous extract were determined using methodology described by the association of official analytical chemists. Qualitative screening of both aqueous and ethanol seed and pulp extracts showed presence of alkaloids, flavanoids, phenolics, carbohydrates, tannins, saponins, terpenoids and proteins. The quantitative tests reported concentration of 0.336g/100g of phenols, 0.012g/100g flavanoids and 0.009g/100g tannins in seed aqueous extracts while 0.213g/100g, 0.175g/100g and 0.016/100g in pulp respectively. The levels of phenols, flavanoids and tannins reported in ethanol extracts were 0.277g/100g, 0.246g/100g and 0.010g/100g in pulp and 0.530g/100g, 0.252g/100g and 0.064g/100g in seed respectively. Saponins were present in ethanol extracts only. The percentage content of alkaloids was 4.9% in pulp and 5.97% in seed aqueous extracts while ethanol pulp and seed extracts was 9.49% and 9.74% respectively. All extracts showed significant levels of anti-oxidant activity at different concentration levels. The presence of these phytochemical compounds shows that C. maxima are a potential medicinal candidate that needs to be explored further for actual use as in pharmaceutical industry.