Showing papers on "Pumpkin seed published in 2014"

The most important bioactive components of cold pressed oil from different pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo L.) seeds

Abstract: The composition and content of certain bioactive components of the cold pressed oil obtained from six samples of pumpkin seeds (Cucurbita pepo L.) cultivated in Serbia were analyzed by GC and GC/MS. The composition and content of fatty acids, tocopherols and phytosterols, and the total content of squalene were determined. The results indicate oil's excellent quality, with high contents of monounsaturated fatty acids (37.1 ± 0.70–43.6 ± 0.69 g/100 g of total fatty acids), total tocopherols (38.03 ± 0.25–64.11 ± 0.07 mg/100 g of oil), sterols (718.1 ± 6.1–897.8 ± 6.8 mg/100 g of oil) and especially squalene (583.2 ± 23.6–747 ± 16 mg/100 g of oil). High content of squalene, phytosterols and monounsaturated fatty acids recommend the use of this type of the oil in the nutritional and medical purposes.

Supercritical Carbon Dioxide Extraction of Carotenoids from Pumpkin (Cucurbita spp.): A Review

Abstract: Carotenoids are well known for their nutritional properties and health promoting effects representing attractive ingredients to develop innovative functional foods, nutraceutical and pharmaceutical preparations. Pumpkin (Cucurbita spp.) flesh has an intense yellow/orange color owing to the high level of carotenoids, mainly α-carotene, β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, lutein and zeaxanthin. There is considerable interest in extracting carotenoids and other bioactives from pumpkin flesh. Extraction procedures able to preserve nutritional and pharmacological properties of carotenoids are essential. Conventional extraction methods, such as organic solvent extraction (CSE), have been used to extract carotenoids from plant material for a long time. In recent years, supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO2) extraction has received a great deal of attention because it is a green technology suitable for the extraction of lipophylic molecules and is able to give extracts of high quality and totally free from potentially toxic chemical solvents. Here, we review the results obtained so far on SC-CO2 extraction efficiency and quali-quantitative composition of carotenoids from pumpkin flesh. In particular, we consider the effects of (1) dehydration pre-treatments; (2) extraction parameters (temperature and pressure); the use of water, ethanol and olive oil singularly or in combination as entrainers or pumpkin seeds as co-matrix.

Protective effect of Pumpkin seed extract on sperm characteristics, biochemical parameters and epididymal histology in adult male rats treated with Cyclophosphamide

Abstract: Cancer treatment with cyclophosphamide (CP) may result in reproductive toxicity as one of its side effects. The pumpkin seed is a rich natural source of antioxidant. We have assessed the possible protective efficacy of pumpkin seed extract on sperm characteristics, biochemical parameters and epididymal histology of CP-treated rats. Male adult Wistar rats were categorised into four groups. Group 1 served as control and received intraperitoneal (IP) injection of isotonic saline solution. Group 2 rats were treated with CP by IP injection in a single dose of 100 mg/kg body weight, only once. Group 3 and 4 received CP plus 300 and 600 mg/kg pumpkin seed extract respectively. Six weeks after treatment, sperm characteristics, biochemical parameters and histopathological changes were examined. Results showed that, sperm characteristics in CP-treated rats were significantly decreased. Biochemical analysis results showed that the co-administration of 300 mg pumpkin seed extract could increase the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) level significantly. In CP-treated rats, histopathological changes such as vacuolisation, disorganisation and separation of epididymal epithelium were observed as well. Interestingly, pumpkin seed extract could improve the above-mentioned parameters remarkably in CP-treated rats. Our findings indicated that pumpkin seed extract might be used as protective agent against CP-induced reproductive toxicity.

The Hypoglycemic Effect of Pumpkin Seeds, Trigonelline (TRG), Nicotinic Acid (NA), and D-Chiro-inositol (DCI) in Controlling Glycemic Levels in Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract: In the contemporary society, diabetes mellitus is considered as a common, growing, serious, costly, and potentially preventable public health problem. It is forecasted that in 2030, the number of people with diabetes will go up from 117 million in 2000 to 366 million in 2030. The prevalence of diabetes will place a huge burden on health and financial structures of countries, and these will impact on individuals, as well as families and nations. Polysaccharides, para-aminobenzoic acid, fixed oils, sterol, proteins, and peptides are biologically active ingredients, which are found in pumpkins. The chemicals within pumpkins such as the fruit pulp, oil from ungerminated seeds, and protein from germinated seeds have hypoglycemic properties. Preliminary investigation showed that pumpkin seeds, and the macromolecules, therein, such as Trigonelline (TRG), Nicotinic acid (NA), and dchiro-inositol (DCI), possess hypoglycemic properties and could assist in maintaining glycemic control.

Screening for Extracellular Lipase Enzymes with Transesterification Capacity in Mucoromycotina Strains

Abstract: Summary In this study, 169 zygomycetes fungal strains including some cold-tolerant isolates were screened for their extracellular lipolytic activity towards tributyrin. Nineteen of them were outstanding in their enzyme production as they developed the largest lipolytic halo around the colonies in plate tests. Mortierella alpina, M. echinosphaera, Mucor corticolus, Rhizomucor miehei, Rhizopus oryzae, Rh. stolonifer, Umbelopsis autotrophica, U. isabellina, U. ramanniana var. angulispora and U. versiformis were selected for further studies to characterise their lipolytic enzyme production in detail. In these assays, effect of Tween 80 and palm, soybean, sunflower, olive, extra virgin olive, wheat germ, corn germ, sesame seed, pumpkin seed and cottonseed oils on the enzyme activities was investigated, and wheat bran-based submerged and solid-state fermentations were also tested. Tween 80 and olive oil proved to be efficient inductors for lipolytic enzyme production, which was also enhanced when wheat bran was used as support. Addition of mineral salts and olive oil to the solid fermentation medium resulted in at least 1.5-fold increment in the enzyme activities of the crude extracts. Organic synthesis was also assayed by the selected lipases, in which enzymes from the fungi R. miehei, Rh. stolonifer and M. echinosphaera gave the best yields during transesterification reactions between p-nitrophenyl palmitate and ethanol.

Encapsulation in a sol-gel matrix of lipase from Aspergillus niger obtained by bioconversion of a novel agricultural residue.

Abstract: Lipase from Aspergillus niger was obtained from the solid-state fermentation of a novel agroindustrial residue, pumpkin seed flour. The partially purified enzyme was encapsulated in a sol–gel matrix, resulting in an immobilization yield of 71.4 %. The optimum pH levels of the free and encapsulated enzymes were 4.0 and 3.0, respectively. The encapsulated enzyme showed greater thermal stability at temperatures of 45 and 60 °C than the free enzyme. The positive influence of the encapsulation process was observed on the thermal stability of the enzyme, since a longer half-life t 1/2 and lower deactivation constant were obtained with the encapsulated lipase when compared with the free lipase. Kinetic parameters were found to follow the Michaelis–Menten equation. The K m values indicated that the encapsulation process reduced enzyme–substrate affinity and the V max was about 31.3 % lower than that obtained with the free lipase. The operational stability was investigated, showing 50 % relative activity up to six cycles of reuse at pH 3.0 at 37 °C. Nevertheless, the production of lipase from agroindustrial residue associated with an efficient immobilization method, which promotes good catalytic properties of the enzyme, makes the process economically viable for future industrial applications.

Chemometric evaluation of trace metal concentrations in some nuts and seeds.

Abstract: Seventeen trace metals in acid digests of nuts and seeds were determined using inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry and inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. The data were subjected to chemometric evaluation using principal component analysis (PCA), linear discriminant analysis (LDA) and cluster analysis (CA) in an attempt to classify the samples. Hazelnuts (raw and dry roasted), almonds (raw and dry roasted), sunflower seeds (black and white), peanuts (raw and dry roasted), cashew nuts, Brazil nuts, walnuts, chickpeas (raw and dry roasted), pumpkin seeds (raw and dry roasted), and pistachio nuts were used as samples. The samples were classified into seven groups by PCA and CA. All group members determined using PCA and CA were found by LDA to be correctly classified in the predicted groups. Interestingly, the chemometric evaluation indicated that the raw and roasted nuts are very close to each other even though some originated from different countries.

Comparison of the antioxidant capacity of lipid-soluble compounds in selected cold-pressed oils using photochemiluminescence assay (PCL) and DPPH method

Abstract: The paper describes the use of photochemiluminescence assay (PCL) and DPPH method for the measurement of lipid-soluble antioxidants capacity (ACL) of six commercially available cold-pressed, non-refined flaxseed, walnut, rapeseed, pumpkin seed, evening primrose and black cumin oils. The cold-pressed plant oils are rich in various valuable bioactive compounds, e.g., tocopherols, tocotrienols, carotenoids, sterols, phospholipids and may reveal the antioxidant properties. The photochemiluminescence analysis (PCL) and free radical scavenging activity toward DPPH. were fully applicable for the evaluation of the antioxidant capacity of lipophilic fraction of samples and the outcomes correlated (r = 0.91). The highest ACL exhibited black cumin oil in case of both methods. Practical applications: Photochemiluminescence analysis and radical scavenging activity toward DPPH. were fully applicable for the evaluation of the antioxidant capacity of lipophilic fraction of oil samples. However, providing a simple and reliable analytical method to detect the antioxidant capacities at very low concentrations of antioxidants in the sample is of major interest. Photochemiluminescence analysis shows many advantages over the other methodologies as it is fully automatic, sensitive, quick and does not require any time-consuming or complicated sample preparation steps that is needed in case of, e.g., DPPH method.

Effect of selected plant extracts on the inhibition of enzymatic browning in fresh-cut apple

Abstract: This study describes the evaluation of the antibrowning effect of 36 plant extracts, divided into three groups: (1) fruits, vegetables, and oil seeds, (2) herbs and tea plants, and (3) medicinal plants, on minimally processed fresh apples. The extracts were applied to fresh-cut apple slices as dipping solutions. Development of browning was analyzed by measuring L *, a *, and b * values. The greatest inhibition of browning was caused by extracts from pumpkin seed (group 1), hibiscus flower (group 2), and pelargonium root (group 3). However, the latter caused intense passive staining. The inhibitory potential might be attributable to the antioxidative activity of secondary plant metabolites, especially phenolic compounds. Furthermore, these bioactive substances might influence enzyme activity directly by acting as competitive or non-competitive inhibitors.

Processing of fluted pumpkin seeds, Telfairia occidentalis (Hook F) as it affects growth performance and nutrient metabolism in rats

Abstract: This study determined the nutrient and some anti-nutrient components in Telfairia occidentalis seeds. The work also evaluated the effects of processing on some of the anti-nutritional factors in the seeds as well as growth and animal metabolism. Fresh seeds of T. occidentalis were divided into three groups based on heat treatment: group 1, the unprocessed (raw) seeds; group 2, the under-processed seeds (heat-treated at 70 o C for 30 min); and group 3, the processed seeds (cooked at 100 o C for 1 hr). Seeds from each group were de-hulled, sun-dried and pulverized. Portions from each group were subjected to proximate composition analysis; trypsin inhibitor and lectin content were also measured in the seeds. The dried seed samples were incorporated into the diets of experimental animals. Twenty albino rats were randomly divided into four groups and fed with the control or experimental diets for a period of 21 days. During this period, body weights of the animals and feed intake were recorded daily and feces and urine were collected. At the end of experimental period, blood samples were collected from the animals for heamatological analysis, then the animals were sacrificed and some key organs were excised for histopathological analysis. Results showed that the seeds contained essential nutrients and that processing significantly affected the lectin and trypsin inhibitor (anti-nutrients) in the seeds. In comparison with control animals, the parameters measured which included body weight gain, nutrient digestibility, nitrogen balance, nitrogen retention and hematological parameters were markedly different among the three groups of animals fed diets incorporated with the seeds. Histopathological analysis indicated that the spleen and small intestines were adversely affected in the experimental animals. In conclusion, T. occidentalis seeds have high nutritive value, but could have deleterious effects in animals if ingested without adequate processing. It could, however serve as a high quality and low cost plant protein source for animal feed formulations provided adequate seed processing is ensured. Key words : seeds, anti-nutrient, processing, metabolism, growth

Pure nature low temperature baked cooked pumpkin powder and production method thereof

Abstract: The present invention provides pure nature low temperature baked cooked pumpkin powder and a production method thereof. The production process comprises: carrying out screening, washing, peeling, pulp removing, seed taking and slicing to decompose into pumpkin slices, pumpkin peel, pumpkin pulp and pumpkin seeds; immersing and blanching the pumpkin slices so as to reduce nutrition loss of the pumpkin, immersing and blanching the pumpkin slices with boiling salt water with a temperature of more than or equal to 95 DEG C until achieving a semitransparent state, taking out, dewatering, cutting into strips, carrying out 50-60 DEG C constant temperature vacuum baking processing on the cut pumpkin slice strips, the cut pumpkin peel strips, the cut pumpkin pulp strips and the pumpkin seeds with low temperature baking equipment to obtain cooked and dried pumpkin product, carrying out a mixing stirring sterilization treatment on the cooked and dried pumpkin product, and grinding with a crushing machine to obtain the cooked pumpkin powder with the particle fineness of more than or equal to 120 mesh, wherein the cooked pumpkin powder maintains the nutritional components and the good color of the pumpkin, presents the microscopic porous structure, has good rehydration, can be directly taken through infusion with boiling water, and can further be used as other food preparation materials, and the baked and cooked pumpkin powder, the baked and cooked pumpkin peel powder, the baked and cooked pumpkin pulp powder and the baked and cooked pumpkin seed powder after sterilization can be directly eaten.

Análise de imagens no estudo morfológico e fisiológico de sementes de abóbora

Abstract: Image analysis to associate morphological and physiological characteristics in pumpkin seeds Obtain pumpkin seeds with high physiological quality is critical for the domestic seed production in terms of competitiveness with imported seeds. One technique that has recently been used to elucidate the various aspects of seed performance is the analysis of images, including those obtained through X-ray. This technique involves X-ray images of seeds to evaluate the internal morphology and to establish the relationship with the seed performance. Thus, the objective of this study was to determine whether the X-ray technique may help to detect internal abnormalities and to assess the quality of pumpkin seeds. ‘Brasileirinha’ pumpkin fruits were harvested at different maturation stages (30, 40, 50 and 60 days after anthesis). In each stage, seeds were extracted either immediately after harvesting or after 15 days of fruit storage. In the X-ray test, seeds were subjected to an intensity of 25 kV for 40 seconds and then a germination test was carried out at alternate temperatures (20-30°C). The first count was held after four days and the last reading after eight days, computing the percentages of normal and abnormal seedlings and dead seeds. After obtaining the results of the germination test, a comparison of results was done with the images of the internal morphology of each seed, obtained by means of X-ray. The use of X-ray technique is effective in detecting malformed and empty pumpkin seeds and these negatively affect germination.

Grass carp feed containing Chinese herbal medicines

Abstract: The invention relates to the technical field of aquaculture, and specifically relates to grass carp feed containing Chinese herbal medicines The feed is prepared by the following raw materials by weight: 45-50 parts of corn, 20-22 parts of rye bran, 8-10 parts of fried sunflower seeds, 20-25 parts of soybean meal, 15-18 parts of peanut straws, 12-15 parts of wheat middlings, 3-4 parts of calcium hydrophosphate, 6-8 parts of watermelon peels, 5-6 parts of pumpkin seeds, 8-10 parts of potamogeton distinctus, 8-10 parts of corn tender leaves, 1-2 parts of radix scutellariae, 1-2 parts of radix isatidis, 1-2 parts of radix bupleuri, 05-1 part of rheum officinale, a proper amount of salt and 4-5 parts of a phagostimulant In the prepared grass carp feed, plants such as watermelon peels and potamogeton distinctus that the grass carp likes are added to basic raw materials, thereby increasing palatability of the feed The Chinese herbal medicines can enhance disease-resistant and bacterium-resistant capacities of the grass carp, so that use of chemical medicines is prevented The grass carp fed by the feed has enhanced immunocompetence, effectively reduced morbidity, obviously increased in weight and is active in appetite

Green feed for fattening pigs

Abstract: The invention discloses a green feed for fattening pigs The green feed is prepared from the following raw materials: maize, sunflower calathide, maize alcohol grains, wheat, bean pulp, rapeseed dregs, bran, fish meal, animal meal, natural betaine, calcium hydrogen phosphate, red date extracts, broccoli steam leaf meal, hawthorn powder, pine needle meal, plasma protein, whey powder, sweet potato vine meal, saccharified tea leaf powder, safflowers, malt, pumpkin seeds, codonopsis pilosula, cnidium monnieri, honeysuckle, garlic, cortex pseudolaricis, green tangerine peel, quisqualis inidca, radix bupleuri, areca, radix stemonae, pokeberry roots, andrographis paniculata, rhizoma corydalis, cacumen tamaricis, sophora flavescens, fenugreek, glossy privet fruits, poplar barks, saccharicterpenin, perilla seed extracts, ginkgo biloba extracts, scutellaria baicalensis and belamcanda chinensis Various cheap raw materials, various nuisanceless traditional Chinese medicine additives and natural plant extracts are adopted in the formula of the green feed disclosed by the invention, so that the digestive ability of the pigs is enhanced, the appetite and immunity of the pigs are enhanced, the cost of the feed is reduced, and the economic benefit of the pig industry is increased

Hericium erinaceus-grain chicken sausage

Abstract: The invention discloses a hericium erinaceus-grain chicken sausage. The hericium erinaceus-grain chicken sausage consists of the following materials in parts by weight: 300-330 parts of chicken, 70-80 parts of beef, 60-70 parts of hericium erinaceus, 20-30 parts of pumpkin seeds, 20-30 parts of almonds, 25-30 parts of snow pears, 20-30 parts of coix seeds, 25-35 parts of Chinese yams, 30-35 parts of asparagus lettuce, 5-6 parts of eucommia ulmoides, 5-6 parts of uncaria, 4-5 parts of radix angelicae pubescentis, 5-6 parts of scutellaria baicalensis, 5-6 parts of cortex lycii radicis, 5-6 parts of folium mori, 4-5 parts of flos puerariae, 4-5 parts of green bristlegrass and the like. The hericium erinaceus-grain chicken sausage disclosed by the invention is simple in preparation process and good in mouthfeel, and meanwhile, food materials such as the hericium erinaceus, the snow pears and the coix seeds are added, so that nutrition of the sausage is enriched and taste is delicious; meanwhile, extract of traditional Chinese medicines such as eucommia ulmoides, uncaria rhynchophylla, radix angelicae pubescentis and scutellaria baicalensis which have effect of reducing blood pressure are added, and therefore, the hericium erinaceus-grain chicken sausage has a certain blood pressure reducing effect.

Development and chemical and sensory characterization of pumpkin seed flour-based cereal bars

Abstract: Pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima), popularly known as squash, is a widely grown vegetable in Brazil. In this study, pumpkin seed flours (PSF) with different granulometries were used: PSF 1 (medium granulometry) and PSF 2 (coarse granulometry) in the preparation of cereal bars (CB) with different combinations with brown oats. Five formulations were prepared: CB-1 (control - 25% brown oats and 0% PSF); CB-2 (12.5% PSF 1 and 12.5% brown oats); CB-3 (25% PSF 1 and 0% brown oats); CB-4 (12.5% PSF 2 and 12.5% brown oats); and CB-5 (25% PSF 2 and 0% brown oats). The acceptance test results were analyzed in a conventional preference mapping which indicated that the bars CB-2 and CB-5 received mostly the maximum hedonistic score. With the objective of developing a cereal bar replacing oats with PSF, the bars CB-2 and CB-5 were compared to the conventional bar CB-1. The cereal bars CB-2 and CB-5 showed an increase in crude protein (87.5% and 62.5%) and in dietary fiber (77% and 44%), respectively. These results allowed the classification of CB-2 and CB-5 as fiber sources; they can, therefore, be classified as light products according to the Brazilian legislation.

Feed for phasianus colchicas

Abstract: The invention relates to the technical field of feed and in particular to a feed for phasianus colchicas The feed comprises the following raw materials in percentage by weight: 50-60% of corn flour, parched soybean flour 15-20% of parched soybean flour, 8-10% of rye bran, 1-2% of pea flour, 25-30% of bean cake, 1-2% of chicken viscera meal, 1-2% of hydrolyzed feather meal, 05-1% of raspberry, 1-2% of pumpkin seed, 05-1% of sea buckthorn fruit, 1-2% of stone meal, 1-2% of crab shell meal, 1-2% of pine moth powder, 05-1% of peeled shrimp, 1-2% of wasp powder, 1-2% of molasses grass seed, 5-6% of young perilla leaf, 1-2% of honeysuckle, 1-2% of houttuynia cordata, 2-3% of premix, an appropriate amount of table salt and 02-05% of a feed attractant The feed for phasianus colchicas, provided by the invention, is designed according to the feed intake behavior of phasianus colchicas, is based on the conventional feed materials with the addition of plant fruits and branches as well as leaves (such as molasses grass seed, sea buckthorn fruit, raspberry and perilla leaf) which improve the palatability of the feed, and traditional Chinese medicine (such as honeysuckle and houttuynia cordata) which can improve the disease resistance and bacterial infection resistance of phasianus colchicas and reduce the incidence of diseases The incidence of diseases in phasianus colchicas fed on the feed can be effectively controlled, the weight gain is fast, the hair color is bright, the feed intake behavior is active, and the benefit of farmers is high

Functional ingredients and cardiovascular protective effect of pumpkin seed oils

Abstract: The objective of the present study was to evaluate the cardiovascular protective effect of Egyptian and European umpkin seed oil (PSO) in hypercholesterolemic rats. Tocopherols, fatty acids (FAs) and unsaponifiable matter (UNSAP) were assessed in both oils. The results showed that α-tocopherol was 108 and 273, γ-tocopherol was 3.95 and 0 and d-tocopherol was 0 and 1.58 mg·100 g -1 oil of the Egyptian and European, respectively. GLC analysis of FAs revealed the presence of linoleic acid as the major fatty acid in both oils. Feeding a hypercholesterolemic diet produced a significant increase in plasma total cholesterol (T-Ch), triglycerides (TGs), low density lipoprotein cholesterol, T-Ch/HDL-Ch, TGs/HDL-Ch and malondialdehyde and a significant reduction in high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-Ch), vitamin E, and adiponectin. Rats fed on hypercholesterolemic diet with either oil showed a significant improvement in all biochemical parameters

Effect of some variables on oil extraction yield from Mexican pumpkin seeds

Abstract: The effect of particle size (0.59 and 1.19 mm), meal to solvent ratio (1:5, 1:10, 1:15, and 1:20 w/v) and contact time (0, 1, 2, and 5 h) on oil extraction yield and efficiency from pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo) seeds using n-hexane were evaluated. Fatty acids profile was determined for the extracted oil. Results were analyzed by response surface methodology. Particle size, meal to solvent ratio and contact time, affected (p < 0.05) extraction yield. The yield (422 g/kg) and efficiency (860 g/kg) were highest at 0 h contact time, 0.59 mm particle size and a 1:20 (w/v) pumpkin seed meal:solvent ratio. Pumpkin seed oil contained (755 g/kg) unsaturated fatty acids and an elevated content of linoleic (431 g/kg) and oleic acids (324 g/kg). It is therefore classified as a high linoleic-oleic acids oil, making it a promising substitute for cotton, corn, sesame, sunflower, or soybean oils in our Mexican diet.

Possibility of the Production of Functional Low‐Fat Food Spread of Hull‐Less Pumpkin Seed Flour from Rheological and Textural Aspect

Abstract: A new kind of functional low-fat spread with hull-less pumpkin seed flour and fat replacer, in gel form, was defined in this work from a rheological and textural aspect. Observed spreads were systems with thixotropic flow behavior. All determined rheological parameters, except of yield stress, were affected by gel concentration and amount of gel. Increase in gel concentration caused increase in consistency of the spreads, their possibility to recover and contribution of elastic components in the structure of the spread. Increase in the amount of gel influenced the balancing factor and reduced influence in gel concentration. Statistically, this was confirmed as interaction of observed factors (P < 0.05). Textural parameters confirmed that more gel provided softer consistency and increased the spreadability that could be optimized by concentration of applied gel. Optimal observed properties exhibited the spreads with low concentrated gel ranging from 0.5 to 1% and with a 70% gel amount. Practical Applications A press cake is the by-product of the mechanical process of oil extraction from pumpkin seeds. Hull-less pumpkin seed cakes are chemically and nutritionally valuable because of its high quantity of crude protein, fatty acids, minerals and energy. It is a very low-cost by-product. The exploitation of hull-less pumpkin seed cakes is poor, usually as animal feed. Possibilities of its application as a new low-cost biosorbent, for enzymatic protein isolation or as flour-like supplements are published. A number of low-fat spreads based on nuts, seeds and fat replacers are covered by published articles or patents. Oil seed cakes are an alternative to manufacturing low-fat spreads in terms of cost-effectiveness as well as for increased protein content. The presented results demonstrate the possibility of producing low-fat functional spread based on hull-less pumpkin seed flour, and a new form of utilization of this raw material.

Cool and refreshing tea beverage for reducing internal heat and preparation method thereof

Abstract: A cool and refreshing tea beverage for reducing internal heat is prepared from the following raw materials, by weight, 40-50 parts of green tea leaf, 4-6 parts of mint leaf, 5-7 parts of isatis root, 1-2 parts of tomato seed oil, 12-15 parts of balsam pear, 10-14 parts of pumpkin seed, 8-10 parts of oat, 8-10 parts of camomile, 5-6 parts of honeysuckle flower, 4-5 parts of salt, 2-4 parts of ephedra stem, 13-15 parts of mung bean, 2-3 parts of beer, 18-22 parts of rock sugar, 2-4 parts of an auxiliary agent and 800-1000 parts of water. The tea beverage provided by the invention is cool and refreshing and has a characteristic of reducing internal heat. The tea beverage contains cool traditional Chinese medicines and food such as chamomile, mint leaf, ephedra stem, isatis root, honeysuckle flower and the like, wherein camomile and isatis root even can be independently used as main materials of herbal tea. According to the invention, pumpkin seed, mung bean and oat are fried to burnt, starch-based food materials give out special burnt fragrance at high temperature, and the effect is better by soaking; honeysuckle flower, isatis root, mint leaf, ephedra stem, camomile and the like are firstly boiled with big fire and then concentrated with soft fire; through fine filtration, residues do not enter a finished production so as to guarantee quality and shelf-life of the finished product; and especially, the addition of balsam pear is the icing on the cake, making the taste much better.

Optimization of Preparation of Antioxidative Peptides from Pumpkin Seeds Using Response Surface Method

Abstract: Protein isolates of pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo L) seeds were hydrolyzed by acid protease to prepare antioxidative peptides. The hydrolysis conditions were optimized through Box-Behnken experimental design combined with response surface method (RSM). The second-order model, developed for the DPPH radical scavenging activity of pumpkin seed hydrolysates, showed good fit with the experiment data with a high value of coefficient of determination (0.9918). The optimal hydrolysis conditions were determined as follows: hydrolyzing temperature 50°C, pH 2.5, enzyme amount 6000 U/g, substrate concentration 0.05 g/ml and hydrolyzing time 5 h. Under the above conditions, the scavenging activity of DPPH radical was as high as 92.82%.

Evaluation of the nutritional quality of wheat bread prepared with quinoa, buckwheat and pumpkin seed blends

Abstract: The purpose of this research was to blend quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.), buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench) and pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo L.) seed kernels at 40% level with wheat flour and to examine the effect of this blend on nutritional and sensory quality and also energy values of the pan bread. Hydrothermal preparation of these supplements is included. Chemical composition of the investigated materials, wheat bread and supplemented bread, was determined using relevant AOAC methods. Chemical composition of supplemented bread with an increase in protein, oil and crude fiber was superior in comparison with control wheat bread. Sensory properties of supplemented bread such as specific volume, appearance, crust and crumb texture, aroma-odor and color were evaluated and found excellent. [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. TR 31006, TR 31034 and EU FP7 project 316004, project acronym: AREA]

Combined Effect of Ginger and Pumpkin Seed Extracts on Rat Testis and Serum Biochemical Parameters after Cyclophosphamide Treatment

Abstract: Received: 14 Aug 2013 Accepted: 24 Dec 2013

Method for extracting pumpkin seed oil with supercritical CO2

Abstract: The invention belongs to the technical field of edible oil preparation and in particular relates to a method for extracting pumpkin seed oil with supercritical CO2. The method comprises the processes of preheating, extraction, primary separation, secondary separation and molecular distillation. The prepared pumpkin seed oil has rosy color and has the special smell of pumpkin seeds. The total unsaturated fatty acids in the pumpkin seed oil are not less than 85%, and the content of linoleic acid in the pumpkin seed oil is not less than 31%. The method provided by the invention has the beneficial effects that in the extraction process, the technology is mature and is easy to operate; the pollutant discharge process does not exist in the whole production process, so that the method is environment-friendly; meanwhile, the method has the advantages of high yield, high purity, good quality of prepared pumpkin seed oil and the like; through further physiochemical index detection of the prepared pumpkin seed oil, the unsaturated fatty acid ingredients in the pumpkin seed oil are better retained, so that the pumpkin seed oil has better economic values.