DOCSLIB.ORG

Potential Health Benefits of Cucurbita Ficifolia 3

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Potential Health Benefits of Cucurbita Ficifolia 3 Progress in Nutrition 2020; Vol. 22, N. 3: e2020002 DOI: 10.23751/pn.v22i3.9555 © Mattioli 1885 Review Potential Health Benefits of Cucurbita ficifolia: An Updated Review Dhananjay Yadav1, Pallavi Singh Chauhan2, Meerambika Mishra3,*, Minseok Kwak4,* 1Department of Medical Biotechnology, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan 38541, South Korea; 2Amity Institute of Biotechno- logy, Amity University, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, 474005, India; 3Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Col- lege of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, United States; 4Department of Chemistry, Pukyong National University, Busan, 48513, South Korea - *E-mail: [email protected]; [email protected] Summary. Plant-based medicines are widely used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes and its complications. Among them, pumpkin is one of the popular edible plants which are consumed as vegetables. Recent data suggested that pumpkin has significant medicinal properties that can be utilized in the therapy of diabetes and to lower down associated morbidity. The presence of unique natural edible substances in the pumpkin which includes phytochemicals and antioxidants. Several potential medical benefits such as hepatoprotective, anti- cancerous, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antiulcer activities are also documented. The purpose of the present article is to discourse the antidiabetic potentials and lipid-lowering properties of pumpkin which may convey further research and a clinical trial with this plant for the betterment of mankind. Additionally, the review insight a short description on distribution, botanical and physical characteristics, ecology and nutritional values. Key words: Cucurbita ficifolia, antidiabetic properties, anti-inflammatory properties, hypolipidemic activity Introduction plants (5). Herbal products are not only used in the dietary purpose but it has a discrete role in the treat- Plants are an important source in the Indian sys- ment of various disease including liver disorder, an tem of medicine and other prehistoric systems in the inflammatory disorder, hypertension and other car- world. There are many antidiabetic plants or herbs, diovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia which may contribute useful foundation in the devel- etc (6-10). Diabetes mellitus and its complications opment of drugs, for the therapy of diabetes mellitus. are now possess a huge increment in numbers around While numerous herbal remedies have been proposed every country and its prevention and treatments are for the treatment of diabetes mellitus only a few have the priority to reduce the burden of disease. Various been scientifically established (1, 2). There were various plants can be used to treat diabetes and its complica- plant preparations which have been stated in Ayurveda tions. Among them Cucurbita ficifolia (Cucurbitaceae), and other aboriginal systems of medicine practicing popularly known as pumpkin is widely used to lower in India, which are demanded and useful in diabetes the blood glucose levels still there has not been exten- mellitus and its complications (3). The use of medici- sive information about this plant and therefore in this nal plants was recorded in an ancient era over 5000 review, we highlighted and updated the useful proper- years ago (4). Still, there has been extensively used in ties of Cucurbita ficifolia such as its antidiabetic poten- modern medicine and approximately one-fourth of tial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-lipidemic effects. prescribed medicines around the world derived from 2 D. Yadav, P.S. Chauhan, M. Mishra, M. Kwak Cucurbita ficifolia and its distribution stamens. The female flowers have strong peduncles, 3 to 5 cm long, which is ovoid to elliptical, with multi- Cucurbita ficifolia is a perennial climber cultivat- locular ovary: sepals are sporadically foliaceous and a ed for its edible seeds, fruit, and greens. In India, it is corolla which is bigger than male flowers. The flowers known as “Kumra”, while in English it is also called are of a thickened style and with three lobate stigmas. chilacayote, chiverre, fig-leaved gourd, malabar gourd, Malabar squash, pie melon, or shark fin melon. The Physical characteristics, ecology, and nutritional singularity of the plant doesn’t allow it to mate with values the other members of its genus. It belongs to the fam- ily Cucurbitaceae and it consisted of nearly 100 genera Basically, it is flowering from July to September, and over 750 species (11). There is marvelous genetic and the seeds mature from August to October. The flow- diversity within the family, and the variety of versions ers are monoecious that means both sexes may present for cucurbit species comprises tropical and subtropical on the same plant and pollinated by insects. The plant regions, temperate locations and arid deserts. Cucurbi- is self-fertile and it prefers light, medium and clay soils. ta consisted of a wide source of secondary metabolites. Cucurbita ficifolia prefers acid, neutral and basic (alka- The cucurbitacins, tetracyclic triterpenoids which pos- line) soils to grow and necessitates moist or wet soil. sess a bitter flavor in many cucurbits, are thoroughly The plants of Cucurbita ficifolia are cultivated in explored as attractants of beetles such as Diabrotica virtually all the mountains of Latin America covering speciosa (12) large grounds of about 1000 to 3000 meters. The con- In recent years, the biochemical isolation tech- straint of growth to elevated grounds with differenti- niques become more sophisticated and advanced, and ates Cucurbita ficifolia from other members of its genus therefore novel compounds of interest are being con- through field observations it has been discovered that fined. Mukherjee et al. (1986) isolated amarinin from average-sized fruits enclose 500 or more seeds while Luffa amara that inhibits the growth of cultured plant the plant produces beyond 50 fruits. The different cells and even gibberellin cannot overcome its action parts of Cucurbita ficifolia plants are put to numerous (13). The discovery of Cucurbita ficifolia leaves a pos- food uses and the unripe fruit is consumed boiled as sibility that its ancestral species might still be prevalent a vegetable, whereas the flesh of the ripe fruit is used in the eastern Andes. The growth of Cucurbita ficifolia for preparing sweets and soft alcoholic drinks. Study is done from northern Mexico to Argentina and Chile. research in Chile has revealed that some proteolytic It’s also widespread in Europe (France and Portugal) enzymes from the flesh of Cucurbita ficifolia can be uti- and Asia (India) lized to treat wastewater from the industrial processing of foods. Botanical description Antidiabetic properties of Cucurbita ficifolia It is unaffected with low temperatures nonethe- less not to severe frosts. It has five vigorous, consider- Hyperglycemia, the main symptom of diabetes, ably angular stems and leaves with 5 to 25 cm petioles has its deleterious effect on antioxidant levels in the which are ovate-cordate to suborbicular-cordale, may body (14). This was due to the elevated production of or may not white spots on the superficial, and pres- oxygen free radicals and a reduction of antioxidant en- ence of three to five curved or obtuse, apiculate lobules, zymes (15). Thus, oxidative stress has been reported to along with the central one greater than the lateral. play a deleterious role in diabetes mellitus, related to The male flowers are long and pediculate with micro & macrovascular complications (16). Therefore a campanulate calyx which is 5 to 10 mm long and a compound with both hyperglycemic and antioxidant wide of 5 to 15 x 1 to 2mm linear sepals and a tubular properties would be a useful anti-diabetic agent. campanulate corolla. The main plant consisted of three Potential Health Benefits of Cucurbita ficifolia 3 Numerous plants and natural products have been (27). Also, it was reported that the administration of studied for anti-diabetic activity in different laborato- pectin, results in a reduction of phosphorylase activ- ries. Despite the presence of known antidiabetic medi- ity(28). Basically, three main components of Cucurbita cines in the pharmaceutical market, remedies from ficifoliainclude polysaccharides, oils and proteins from medicinal plants are used with success to treat this dis- fruit flesh, ungerminated seeds and germinated seeds ease. In modern science, no satisfactory effective drugs respectively (29, 30). These chemicals are concentrated are available to cure diabetes (17). Marketed drugs in fruit, this fruit extract was reported to have pro- such as sulfonylurea and biguanides used for the treat- nounced hypoglycemic/ anti-hyperglycemic activity. ment of diabetes are extremely expensive or have ad- A compound -D-chiro-inositol was isolated verse side effects or contradictions (18, 19). Biguanides and identified in Cucurbita ficifolia and functions as (metformin) displays gastrointestinal effects, anorexia, an insulin mediator (31). When alloxan-induced dia- vomiting, B12 malabsorption (20). Therefore, there is a betic rats were administered with pumpkin powder necessity to identify natural resources and explore their there was a significant reduction in serum glucose, potential on several identified targets so that it could cholesterol as well as triglyceride level, C-reactive help in developing new therapeutics. Several tradition- protein (32). Moreover, the histological examination al plant therapy for diabetes are used across the world. revealed a prominent
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Cucurbita Ficifolia) Seedlings Exposed to Low Root Temperatures Seong Hee Leea, Janusz J
    Physiologia Plantarum 133: 354–362. 2008 Copyright ª Physiologia Plantarum 2008, ISSN 0031-9317 Light-induced transpiration alters cell water relations in figleaf gourd (Cucurbita ficifolia) seedlings exposed to low root temperatures Seong Hee Leea, Janusz J. Zwiazeka and Gap Chae Chungb,* aDepartment of Renewable Resources, 4-42 Earth Sciences Building, University of Alberta, Alberta, Canada T6G 2E3 bDivision of Plant Biotechnology, Agricultural Plant Stress Research Center, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 500-757, Korea Correspondence Water relation parameters including elastic modulus (e), half-times of water *Corresponding author, w exchange (T 1/2), hydraulic conductivity and turgor pressure (P) were e-mail: [email protected] measured in individual root cortical and cotyledon midrib cells in intact figleaf gourd (Cucurbita ficifolia) seedlings, using a cell pressure probe. Received 4 December 2007; revised 7 January 2008 Transpiration rates (E) of cotyledons were also measured using a steady-state porometer. The seedlings were exposed to low ambient (approximately 22 21 doi: 10.1111/j.1399-3054.2008.01082.x 10 mmol m s ) or high supplemental irradiance (approximately 300 mmol m22 s21 PPF density) at low (8°C) or warm (22°C) root temperatures. When exposed to low irradiance, all the water relation parameters of cortical cells remained similar at both root temperatures. The exposure of cotyledons to supplemental light at warm root temperatures, however, resulted in a two- to w three-fold increase in T 1/2 values accompanied with the reduced hydraulic conductivity in both root cortical (Lp) and cotyledon midrib cells (Lpc). Low root temperature (LRT) further reduced Lpc and E, whether it was measured under low or high irradiance levels.
    [Show full text]
  • University of Florida Thesis Or Dissertation Formatting
    GENETICS AND EVOLUTION OF MULTIPLE DOMESTICATED SQUASHES AND PUMPKINS (Cucurbita, Cucurbitaceae) By HEATHER ROSE KATES A DISSERTATION PRESENTED TO THE GRADUATE SCHOOL OF THE UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA 2017 © 2017 Heather Rose Kates To Patrick and Tomás ACKNOWLEDGMENTS I am grateful to my advisors Douglas E. Soltis and Pamela S. Soltis for their encouragement, enthusiasm for discovery, and generosity. I thank the members of my committee, Nico Cellinese, Matias Kirst, and Brad Barbazuk, for their valuable feedback and support of my dissertation work. I thank my first mentor Michael J. Moore for his continued support and for introducing me to botany and to hard work. I am thankful to Matt Johnson, Norman Wickett, Elliot Gardner, Fernando Lopez, Guillermo Sanchez, Annette Fahrenkrog, Colin Khoury, and Daniel Barrerra for their collaborative efforts on the dissertation work presented here. I am also thankful to my lab mates and colleagues at the University of Florida, especially Mathew A. Gitzendanner for his patient helpfulness. Finally, I thank Rebecca L. Stubbs, Andrew A. Crowl, Gregory W. Stull, Richard Hodel, and Kelly Speer for everything. 4 TABLE OF CONTENTS page ACKNOWLEDGMENTS .................................................................................................. 4 LIST OF TABLES ............................................................................................................ 9 LIST OF FIGURES .......................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • (Cucurbita Moschata Duch.) Rootstock Lines Used for Grafted Cucumber (Cucumis Sativus L.) Seedling Cultivation
    Turkish Journal of Agriculture and Forestry Turk J Agric For (2018) 42: 124-135 http://journals.tubitak.gov.tr/agriculture/ © TÜBİTAK Research Article doi:10.3906/tar-1709-52 Use of phenotypic selection and hypocotyl properties as predictive selection criteria in pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata Duch.) rootstock lines used for grafted cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) seedling cultivation 1, 2 3 3 4 Onur KARAAĞAÇ *, Ahmet BALKAYA , Münevver GÖÇMEN , İsmail ŞİMSEK , Dilek KANDEMİR 1 Black Sea Agricultural Research Institute, Samsun, Turkey 2 Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture, Ondokuz Mayıs University, Samsun, Turkey 3 Antalya Tarım Hybrid Seeds Inc., Antalya, Turkey 4 Samsun Vocational School, Ondokuz Mayıs University, Samsun, Turkey Received: 15.09.2017 Accepted/Published Online: 14.01.2018 Final Version: 26.04.2018 Abstract: In recent years, grafted cucumber seedling use has been rapidly increasing worldwide, especially for providing tolerance to stress conditions and positively affecting yield potential. However, graft incompatibility is still an important issue in grafted seedling production. Hypocotyl properties of rootstocks and scions are of great importance for ensuring graft compatibility. This study aimed to select superior rootstock genotypes based on certain selection criteria, such as hypocotyl morphology, grafted seedling visual evaluation, and graft compatibility properties, of 42 pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata) genotypes that are included in the cucumber rootstock breeding program and are resistant to Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cucumerinum. Three C. moschata and three C. maxima × C. moschata rootstocks were used as control cultivars. All genotypes were grafted with the Gordion 1F cucumber cultivar using the splice grafting method. In the pumpkin rootstock genotypes, the cross-sectional area of the hypocotyls varied between 3.47 mm2 and 10.42 mm2, pith cavity area varied between 0.59 mm2 and 4.14 mm2, and pith cavity rate varied between 10.3% and 65.2%.
    [Show full text]
  • Cucurbit Seed Production
    CUCURBIT SEED PRODUCTION An organic seed production manual for seed growers in the Mid-Atlantic and Southern U.S. Copyright © 2005 by Jeffrey H. McCormack, Ph.D. Some rights reserved. See page 36 for distribution and licensing information. For updates and additional resources, visit www.savingourseeds.org For comments or suggestions contact: [email protected] For distribution information please contact: Cricket Rakita Jeff McCormack Carolina Farm Stewardship Association or Garden Medicinals and Culinaries www.carolinafarmstewards.org www.gardenmedicinals.com www.savingourseed.org www.savingourseeds.org P.O. Box 448, Pittsboro, NC 27312 P.O. Box 320, Earlysville, VA 22936 (919) 542-2402 (434) 964-9113 Funding for this project was provided by USDA-CREES (Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service) through Southern SARE (Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education). Copyright © 2005 by Jeff McCormack 1 Version 1.4 November 2, 2005 Cucurbit Seed Production TABLE OF CONTENTS Scope of this manual .............................................................................................. 2 Botanical classification of cucurbits .................................................................... 3 Squash ......................................................................................................................... 4 Cucumber ................................................................................................................... 15 Melon (Muskmelon) .................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Physical-Chemical Properties, Storage Stability and Sensory Evaluation of Pumpkin Seed Oil
    Physical-Chemical Properties, Storage Stability and Sensory Evaluation of Pumpkin Seed Oil M.E. Lyimo, N.B. Shayo and A. Kasanga Sokoine University of Agriculture Department of Food Science and Technology , Morogoro, Tanzania *Corresponding author E-mail: [email protected] Abstract: Physico-chemical properties, storage stability and sensory evaluation of pumpkin seed oil was carried out and compared with other vegetable oils commonly used in Tanzania in order to evaluate its potential as an edible oil with the aim of promoting its utilization in rural areas. Pumpkin seeds were collected from different farmers in three villages in Morogoro Region, Tanzania. The proximate composition of the seeds was determined using standard methods. Storage stability of the oil was evaluated by monitoring the physical- chemical properties of the oil for 15 weeks following the standard procedures. Acceptability of the oil was determined using a 5 point hedonic scale. Pumpkin seeds contained 34.7%, 15.9%, 3.85% and 44% protein, fat, fibre and carbohydrates, respectively. The specific gravity of the pumpkin seed oil was 0.92; peroxide value 4.6 meq/kg; iodine value 108.4; saponification value 173.0 and acid value of 0.5 mg KOH/g. The pumpkin seed oil was organoleptically acceptable in terms of flavour, taste and odour. The pumpkin seed oil conforms very well with other common edible vegetable oils in Tanzania in terms of physical-chemical properties and sensory evaluation. Farmers should be encouraged to utilize pumpkin seed oil for household consumption. Key words: pumpkin seed oil, sensory acceptability INTRODUCTION Pumpkin is a large melon fruit, which grows in the tropics and temperate regions which belong to the family Cucurbitaceae.
    [Show full text]
  • Cucurbita Ficifolia
    Volume 243, number 2, 363-365 FEB 06752 January 1989 Isolation and partial characterization of a protease from Cucurbita ficifolia Emilia Curotto, Gustavo Gonzfilez*, Sybil O'Reilly and Guillermina Tapia lnstituto de Quimica, Facultad de Ciencias Bdsicas y Matemdtticas, Universidad Catblica de Valparaiso, Casilla 4059, Valparaiso, Chile Received 11 November 1988 A protease from the pulp of Cucurbitaficifolia was purified. Its molecular mass was estimated to be about 60 kDa. Its maximum activity is in the alkaline region against azocollagen as substrate. The enzyme is inhibited by phenylmethylsul- phonyl fluoride but not by EDTA and iodoacetic acid. Protease; Alkaline protease; Enzyme purification; (Cucurbitaceae, Cucurbitaficifolia) 1. INTRODUCTION every 5 min, the reaction was stopped by the addition of 3 ml of 4°C water and further filtration through Whatman 1 filter Some cucurbits are known to contain large paper. No difference in the filtrate absorbance was found when the reaction was stopped by centrifugation. The absorbance of amounts of proteases in their ripe fruits. A pro- the coloured solution was measured at 520 nm. Considering the teinase has been isolated from the sarcocarp of nature of the substrate azocollagen, the product of its melon fruit (Cucumis melo) and shown to be a hydrolysis [4] and the assay conditions, a relative unit of activi- serine proteinase [1]. Fruit of the white gourd ty has been defined as follows: 1 U' = 0.35 x A. The specific (Benincasa cerifera) is also a rich source of pro- activity is expressed as the number of enzyme units per mg pro- tein. Protein was determined as in [5] with bovine serum tease; this enzyme accounts for 15°70 of the total albumin as a standard.
    [Show full text]
  • Shark Fin Melons Cucurbita Ficifolia
    Growing Shark Fin Melons Cucurbita ficifolia The plant Cucurbita ficifolia is a tender perennial in the cucurbit family, grown in a similar fashion to most other squashes. Despite its common name, the Shark Fin Melon, the fruit is used a vegetable. It gets its name because the strands are scraped out and made into a broth resembling the texture of shark fin soup. The plant is widely used both in Asia and in Southern and Central America where it goes under many different names including Chilcayote (Mexico and Central America), Chila (Peru) or Sambo (Ecuador.) Varieties and plant material At present, there seem to be few seed catalogues in the UK stocking this plant. We currently have a limited supply that we obtained from a Vietnamese couple as part of the Sowing New Seeds project and hope to bulk up supplies Planting and site if it is successful (and first indications are that it is very Shark fin melons can be grown outside, but like all other successful!) If you ask us nicely, we may be able to let you cucurbits, they are not frost hardy. Sow into small pots at the try some, but as we have limited amounts, we would like to end of April, and transplant to the final position at the end of know how it grows, and get some seeds back at the end of May, or when you think there is little risk of frost in your area. it. Don’t grow more than 3 or 4 plants unless you have a lot From our experience, shark fin melons are best grown on a of space and know you really like shark fin melons.
    [Show full text]
  • Exogenous Hydrogen Sulphide Protection of Cucurbita Ficifolia Seedlings Against Nahco3 Stress
    Nature Environment and Pollution Technology ISSN: 0972-6268 Vol. 13 No. 2 pp. 381-384 2014 An International Quarterly Scientific Journal Original Research Paper Exogenous Hydrogen Sulphide Protection of Cucurbita ficifolia Seedlings against NaHCO3 Stress Yongdong Sun*, Weirong Luo and Shiyong Sun School of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, China *Corresponding author: Yongdong Sun ABSTRACT Nat. Env. & Poll. Tech. Website: www.neptjournal.com Salinity is one of the main environmental stresses that affect plant growth and development. H2S plays an important role in a variety of responses against abiotic stresses. This study was conducted to Received: 4-3-2014 determine the effects of exogenous NaHS, a hydrogen sulphide (H S) donor on physiological Accepted: 1-5-2014 2 characteristics of Cucurbita ficifolia seedlings under NaHCO3 stress. The accumulation of chlorophyll Key Words: content, malondialdehyde (MDA), soluble protein and soluble sugar along with the activities of superoxide Cucurbita ficifolia dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase (POD) in leaves were estimated. NaHCO3 stress decreased the chlorophyll content, increased the accumulation of MDA, soluble protein and soluble sugar, and NaHCO3 stress NaHS improved SOD and POD activities in leaves, compared to the control. However, exogenous NaHS Physiological characteristics treatment (1.0 mmol/L) significantly increased the chlorophyll content, soluble protein and soluble sugar contents, and decreased the MDA content,
    [Show full text]
  • Oil and Tocopherol Content and Composition of Pumpkin Seed Oil in 12 Cultivars David G
    Food Science and Human Nutrition Publications Food Science and Human Nutrition 2007 Oil and Tocopherol Content and Composition of Pumpkin Seed Oil in 12 Cultivars David G. Stevenson United States Department of Agriculture Fred J. Eller United States Department of Agriculture Liping Wang Iowa State University Jay-Lin Jane Iowa State University Tong Wang Iowa State University, [email protected] See next page for additional authors Follow this and additional works at: http://lib.dr.iastate.edu/fshn_ag_pubs Part of the Food Chemistry Commons, and the Human and Clinical Nutrition Commons The ompc lete bibliographic information for this item can be found at http://lib.dr.iastate.edu/ fshn_ag_pubs/6. For information on how to cite this item, please visit http://lib.dr.iastate.edu/ howtocite.html. This Article is brought to you for free and open access by the Food Science and Human Nutrition at Iowa State University Digital Repository. It has been accepted for inclusion in Food Science and Human Nutrition Publications by an authorized administrator of Iowa State University Digital Repository. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Oil and Tocopherol Content and Composition of Pumpkin Seed Oil in 12 Cultivars Keywords Pumpkin seed oil, pumpkin seed, oilseed, winter squash, Cucurbitaceae, fatty acid, tocopherol Disciplines Food Chemistry | Food Science | Human and Clinical Nutrition Comments Posted with permission from Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 55, no. 10 (2007): 4005–4013, doi: 10.1021/jf0706979. Copyright 2007 American Chemical Society. Authors David G. Stevenson, Fred J. Eller, Liping Wang, Jay-Lin Jane, Tong Wang, and George E.
    [Show full text]
  • Ancient and Recent Medicinal Uses of Cucurbitaceae Family
    International Journal of Therapeutic Applications, Volume 9, 2013, 11-19 ANCIENT AND RECENT MEDICINAL USES OF CUCURBITACEAE FAMILY Shweta S. Saboo 1*, Priyanka K. Thorat 1, Ganesh G. Tapadiya 2, S S. Khadabadi 1 1 Department of Pharmacognosy, Govt. College of Pharmacy, Aurangabad, India 2 R. C. Patel Institute of Pharmaceutical Education & Research, Shirpur, India known as 9β-methyl-19-nor lanosta-5-ene) (Fig. ABSTRACT 1) (Pryzek, 1979). The family Cucurbitaceae includes a The cucurbitacins are arbitrarily divided into large group of plants which are medicinally twelve categories, incorporating cucurbitacins A- valuable. It is a family of about 130 genera T. The various cucurbitacins differ with respect and about 800 species. Seeds or fruit parts to oxygen functionalities at various positions. of some cucurbits are reported to possess The structures of a few cucurbitacins (A, C, B purgatives, emetics and antihelmintics and D) are given in Fig. 2. These cucurbitacins properties due to the secondary metabolite are also present in their glycosidic forms such cucurbitacin content. A number of as cucurbitacin B glucoside containing glucose compounds of this group have been as the glycone moiety. 1 investigated for their cytotoxic, hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory and cardiovascular effects. Cucurbitacins constitute a group of diverse triterpenoid substances which are well known for their bitterness and toxicity. They are highly oxygenated, tetracyclic triterpenes containing a cucurbitane skeleton characterized. The cucurbitacins are arbitrarily divided into twelve categories, incorporating cucurbitacins A-T. A lot of work has been done by the researchers throughout the world on various plants of Fig. 1 : Basic structure of cucurbitacins (19- the family Cucurbitaceae.
    [Show full text]
  • Cultivar-Groups in Cucurbita Maxima Duchesne: Diversity and Possible Domestication Pathways
    diversity Review Cultivar-Groups in Cucurbita maxima Duchesne: Diversity and Possible Domestication Pathways Fernando Sebastián López-Anido Cátedra de Genética, Facultad Ciencias Agrarias, Universidad Nacional de Rosario-IICAR Conicet, Zavalla S2125ZAA, Argentina; [email protected] Abstract: Domesticated Cucurbita has been remarked as one of the plant genera with the highest diversity in color, shape and fruit dimensions. Their economic and cultural values are related to the consumption of the mature or immature fruits, seeds, flowers, and to the use as decoration. The wild ancestor of C. maxima, the ssp. andreana has an actual scattered and disjointed distribution, associated with megafauna seed disperser syndrome. It was domesticated in South America around 9000–7000 years BP. The cultivar-group is a subspecific category for assembling cultivars on the basis of defined similarity. The work describes and pictures nine cultivar-groups for the species, Banana, Turban, Hubbard, Show, Buttercup, Zapallito, Plomo, Zipinka and Nugget. The molecular and a morphological join data analysis scatter biplot showed Turban and Buttercup in a central position, suggesting a first step in the domestication pathway associated with seed and immature fruit consumption; afterward, bigger bearing fruits groups were selected for their mature fruit flesh quality on one hand, and bush type, short day induction and temperate climate adaptation on the other hand. The striking domesticated Brazilian accession MAX24 intermediate between cultigens and ssp. andreana strengthens, in concordance with archeological remains, the possible domestication place of the species more easternward than previously believed. Citation: López-Anido, F.S. Keywords: pumpkin; domestication; cultivar-groups Cultivar-Groups in Cucurbita maxima Duchesne: Diversity and Possible Domestication Pathways.
    [Show full text]
  • Cucurbits Plants: a Key Emphasis to Its Pharmacological Potential
    molecules Review Cucurbits Plants: A Key Emphasis to Its Pharmacological Potential Bahare Salehi 1 , Esra Capanoglu 2 , Nabil Adrar 3 , Gizem Catalkaya 2 , Shabnum Shaheen 4 , Mehwish Jaffer 4, Lalit Giri 5 , Renu Suyal 5, Arun K Jugran 6, Daniela Calina 7 , Anca Oana Docea 8, Senem Kamiloglu 9 , Dorota Kregiel 10 , Hubert Antolak 10 , Ewelina Pawlikowska 10 , Surjit Sen 11,12, Krishnendu Acharya 11, Zeliha Selamoglu 13, Javad Sharifi-Rad 14,* , Miquel Martorell 15,* ,Célia F. Rodrigues 16 , Farukh Sharopov 17 , Natália Martins 18,19,* and Raffaele Capasso 20,* 1 Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Bam University of Medical Sciences, Bam 44340847, Iran; [email protected] 2 Faculty of Chemical & Metallurgical Engineering, Food Engineering Department, Istanbul Technical University, 34469 Maslak, Turkey; [email protected] (E.C.); [email protected] (G.C.) 3 Laboratoire de Biotechnologie Végétale et d’Ethnobotanique, Faculté des Sciences de la Nature et de la Vie, Université de Bejaia, Bejaia 06000, Algérie; [email protected] 4 Department of Plant Sciences, LCWU, Lahore 54000, Pakistan; [email protected] (S.S.); meh.jaff[email protected] (M.J.) 5 G.B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment & Sustainable Development Kosi-Katarmal, Almora 263 643, India; [email protected] (L.G.); [email protected] (R.S.) 6 G.B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment & Sustainable Development Garhwal Regional Centre, Srinagar 246174, India; [email protected] 7 Department of Clinical Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania; [email protected] 8 Department of Toxicology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania; [email protected] 9 Mevsim Gida Sanayi ve Soguk Depo Ticaret A.S.
    [Show full text]