Showing papers on "Pumpkin seed published in 2020"

The potential of pumpkin seeds as a functional food ingredient: A review

Abstract: Pumpkin seeds may be tiny, but they are densely packed with useful nutrients and nutraceuticals such as amino acids, phytosterols, unsaturated fatty acids, phenolic compounds, tocopherols, cucurbitacins and valuable minerals. All these bioactive compounds are important to a healthy life and well-being. The purpose of this review is to merge the evidence-based information on the potential use pumpkin seeds as a functional food ingredient and associated biological mechanisms, collected from electronic databases (ScienceDirect, ResearchGate, PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar) up to January 2020. Bioactive compounds in pumpkin seeds exhibit promising activities such as anthelmintic, antidiabetic, antidepressant, antioxidant, antitumor and cytoprotective. Furthermore, these bioactives carry potential in ameliorating microbiological infections, hepatic and prostate disorders. As evidenced from literature, pumpkin seeds show potential to be used as both a traditional and functional food ingredient provided further animal and clinical investigations are carried out to establish the respective molecular mechanisms and safety profile.

Extraction of protein and pectin from pumpkin industry by-products and their utilization for developing edible film

Abstract: The study was planned to optimise the extraction process of protein and pectin from pumpkin seeds and peels respectively. The extraction of protein and pectin was performed with three independent variables such as extraction temperature, extraction time and pH. The optimized process variables for protein extraction were 32.7 °C, 16.06 min, pH of 9.51 and yield at these optimized conditions was 70.31 ± 2.32%. However, for pectin extraction optimized conditions were 89.98 °C, 13 min, pH of 2.85 and yield was reported as 69.89 ± 2.90%. Further, protein and pectin were isolated at optimized condition. Isolated protein and pectin were utilized for developing the edible film. The protein and pectin were mixed in varying proportions i.e. 1:0, 1:1, 0:1 and film were casted by standard methods. Further, films mechanical and barrier properties were assessed and it was found in acceptable range (Tensile strength: 2.04–5.28 MPa; elongation: 13.13–14.37%; water vapour permeability: 3.24 × 10−6–6.24 × 10−6 g/Pa m h).

Optimization of Extraction Conditions for the Antioxidant Potential of Different Pumpkin Varieties (Cucurbita maxima)

Abstract: Antioxidants are a wide group of chemical compounds characterized by high bioactivity. They affect human health by inhibiting the activity of reactive oxygen species. Thus, they limit their harmful effect and reduce the risk of many diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, cancers, and neurodegenerative diseases. Antioxidants are also widely used in the food industry. They prevent the occurrence of unfavourable changes in food products during storage. They inhibit fat oxidation and limit the loss of colour. For this reason, they are often added to meat products. Many diet components exhibit an antioxidative activity. A high antioxidative capacity is attributed to fruit, vegetables, spices, herbs, tea, and red wine. So far, the antioxidative properties of various plant materials have been tested. However, the antioxidative activity of some products has not been thoroughly investigated yet. To date, there have been only a few studies on the antioxidative activity of the pumpkin, including pumpkin seeds, flowers, and leaves, but not the pulp. The main focus of our experiment was to optimize the extraction so as to increase the antioxidative activity of the pumpkin pulp. Variable extraction conditions were used for this purpose, i.e., the type and concentration of the solvent, as well as the time and temperature of the process. In addition, the experiment involved a comparative analysis of the antioxidative potential of 14 pumpkin cultivars of the Cucurbita maxima species. The study showed considerable diversification of the antioxidative activity of different pumpkin cultivars.

LC-MS/MS-Based Profiling of Tryptophan-Related Metabolites in Healthy Plant Foods.

Abstract: Food plants contain hundreds of bioactive phytochemicals arising from different secondary metabolic pathways. Among these, the metabolic route of the amino acid Tryptophan yields a large number of plant natural products with chemically and pharmacologically diverse properties. We propose the identifier “indolome” to collect all metabolites in the Tryptophan pathway. In addition, Tryptophan-rich plant sources can be used as substrates for the fermentation by yeast strains to produce pharmacologically active metabolites, such as Melatonin. To pursue this technological development, we have developed a UHPLC-MS/MS method to monitor 14 Tryptophan, Tryptamine, amino-benzoic, and pyridine metabolites. In addition, different extraction procedures to improve the recovery of Tryptophan and its derivatives from the vegetal matrix were tested. We investigated soybeans, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, and spirulina because of their botanical diversity and documented healthy effects. Four different extractions with different solvents and temperatures were tested, and water extraction at room temperature was chosen as the most suitable procedure to extract the whole Tryptophan metabolites pattern (called by us “indolome”) in terms of ease, high efficiency, short time, low cost, and sustainability. In all plant matrices, Tryptophan was the most abundant indole compound, while the pattern of its metabolites was different in the diverse plants extracts. Overall, 5-OH Tryptamine and Kynurenine were the most abundant compounds, despite being 100–1000-fold lower than Tryptophan. Melatonin was undetected in all extracts, but sesame showed the presence of a Melatonin isomer. The results of this study highlight the variability in the occurrence of indole compounds among diverse food plants. The knowledge of Tryptophan metabolism in plants represents a relevant issue for human health and nutrition.

Phytotherapy Adds to the Therapeutic Armamentarium for the Treatment of Mild-To-Moderate Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms in Men.

Abstract: Background Practice guidelines hardly recommend herbal extracts for male lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). However, many patients are unsatisfied with first-line synthetic drugs and often prefer herbal medicines because of good tolerability. To improve the decision-making process, which should consider the patients' expectations, it is crucial to reflect on the role of phytotherapy in the treatment of LUTS. We (panel experts) reflected on current guideline recommendations and real practice across various European countries and debated the potential role of plant extracts with a focus on pumpkin seed soft extract investigated over 12 months in two randomised placebo-controlled trials. Summary Most guidelines give no clear recommendations on phytotherapy due to the heterogeneity of clinically investigated extracts. Nevertheless, plant extracts are prescribed to patients with mild-to-moderate LUTS. Also, self-medicating patients often handle their complaints with herbal products. Many patients aim to avoid synthetic drugs for fear of sexual functional side effects and a negative impact on their quality of life. For the elderly, vasoactive comedications might become an issue. When taking plant extracts, patients experience an acceptable symptomatic relief similar to that achieved with synthetics but without side effects. Key Messages: In shared decision-making for purely symptomatic treatment, a low risk of side effects takes priority. We propose to consider patient preferences in the treatment of mild-to-moderate LUTS in men with a low risk of disease progression. We found a consensus that pumpkin seed soft extract adds to the therapeutic armamentarium for patients who cannot or do not want to apply synthetic drugs.

A comparative assessment of anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and anti-bacterial activities of hybrid and indigenous varieties of pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima Linn.) seed oil

Abstract: Pumpkin seed is being used traditionally for curing and protecting various ailments. The present study was designed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and anti-bacterial activities of ethanol extract of pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima Linn.) seed oil from hybrid and indigenous varieties. An anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and anti-bacterial activities were assessed by BSA (bovine serum albumin) denaturation, in vitro DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) scavenging and disc diffusion methods, respectively. In this study, both varieties of pumpkin seed oil showed remarkable anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant activities that were in a dose-dependent manner. At a concentration of 45 μg/mL, indigenous pumpkin seed oil (IPSO) showed highly significant (p

Valorization Potential of Oilseed Cakes by Subcritical Water Extraction

Abstract: The oil industry generates great quantities of oilseed cakes that remain after oil extraction. New technologies are required for their valorization, owing to their high nutritional value. Pumpkin, flax and hemp seed cakes were extracted by subcritical water under different conditions that included different gas atmospheres and homogenous catalysis, and for the first time their properties were directly compared. Extracts obtained in a nitrogen atmosphere, nitrogen atmosphere with the addition of a catalyst, and carbon dioxide atmosphere were chemically and nutritionally characterised. In the aqueous extracts obtained under different extraction conditions, the content of lipids, proteins and selected minerals (calcium, potassium, sodium and phosphorus) were determined. A detailed amino acid profile was determined by chromatographic analysis. The highest relative content of essential amino acids was observed in pumpkin seed extracts (51.49 ± 0.47 to 58.58 ± 0.45 mg/100 g dry extract), whereas hemp seed extracts were the richest in flavour amino acids aspartic acid, glutamic acid and alanine. Extraction in a carbon dioxide atmosphere or in nitrogen atmosphere with a HCl modifier released generally more minerals into the aqueous phase. Aqueous oilseed cake extracts demonstrated a favorable chemical composition and great nutritional value, opening new possibilities for exploitation of this biowaste. Based on the obtained results, oilseed cake extracts obtained by subcritical water have great potential to be used for the fortification of different food products, as well as in cosmetics.

The influence of the species on the quality, chemical composition and antioxidant activity of pumpkin seed oil

Abstract: Oilseed pumpkin seeds are known to be rich in oil and nutrients. Their content in bioactive components gives them some assets that make them beneficial for human health. Although commonly consumed as a snack, pumpkin seeds are ready to claim more uses. The identification of pumpkin species is a major resource in this study. Thus, we worked with three pumpkin species: Cucurbita maxima (CMa), Cucurbita moschata (CMo) and Cucurbita pepo (CP). The species effect on the chemical composition, the content of bioactive compounds and the antioxidant activity was studied. As a result, the analysis of pumpkin seed oil revealed a polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) content ranging from 52.23% to 57.65%. Our study also revealed that this oil was a good source of phenolic compounds, in particular CMa with a value of 27.52 mg gallic acid equivalents per gram of methanolic extract and 633.51 mg/kg of total tocopherols, which gives it a very strong antioxidant character. In addition, it showed a high antioxidant potency (126.20 ± 20.44) μg/ml for CMa. In this respect, it can be said that the species effect can be a very important factor influencing the nutritional quality of pumpkin seed oil.

Evaluation of biochars derived from food waste for synthesis gas production via pyrolysis and CO2 gasification

Abstract: In this paper, a potential carbon negative energy generation process is outlined, whereby bio-waste undergoes pyrolysis and reverse Boudouard gasification to produce synthesis gas for electricity production with a solid oxide fuel cell. Constituent pieces of this process are examined through lab scale, thermogravimetric analysis of its component reactions. Five feedstocks were tested: walnut shell, pumpkin seed shell, coconut shell, pistachio shell, and corncob. It is determined that variability in gasification reactivity across biochar feedstocks correlates with differences in inorganic content that catalyzes the reverse Boudouard reaction, as well as with pyrolysis heating rate that affects biochar morphology. Kinetic studies were performed to adapt a solid-gas kinetic model for the prediction of gasification behavior of different biochar feedstocks and representation of the gasification reaction at larger scale. A modified random pore model was best suited for this application and further demonstrated the importance of inorganic content in determining the progression of reverse Boudouard gasification.

Valorization of by-products from the production of pressed edible oils to produce biopolymer films

Abstract: After oil production from oilseeds, valuable by-products (cake/meal) remain, which could be valorized as a raw material for animal feed, biofuel production, and extraction of valuable components (proteins, polysaccharides, phenols, etc.). Considering the composition of oil industry by-products, regarding the high content of proteins and polysaccharides, these materials present a promising substrate for eco-friendly biopolymer packaging materials production. Biopolymer films production from almost all oil industry by-products, cakes, meals, protein isolates, and concentrates has been investigated. In addition to globally present oilseeds (soybean, sunflower, and rapeseed), there are locally used oilseeds, like pumpkin seed, peanut, sesame, and others, whose by-products have been evaluated as raw materials for green packaging material production. In this chapter, different oil industry by-products utilized (as well as products derived from them) for packaging materials production will be reviewed. Recent trends in production, characterization, and potential applications of biopolymer materials obtained from oil industry by-products will be displayed.

Characterization of ornamental pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo L. var. ovifera (L.) Alef.) genotypes: molecular, morphological and nutritional properties

Abstract: In this study, 36 different ornamental pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo L. var. ovifera (L.) Alef.) genotypes were analyzed in terms of detailed morphological parameters, molecular properties, and some nutritional features. In this regard, high morphological diversity among the genotypes was observed in terms of plant, leaf and fruit characteristics. Molecular results showed that the genotype which is farthest from the other genotypes of 55% of the difference was determined and fourteen ISSR primers produced, on average, 121 bands in the accessions examined, of which 88 (73%) were polymorphic and Jaccard’s similarity coefficient ranged from 0.45 to 0.96. Nutritional analysis showed that C. pepo var. ovifera seeds are rich in potassium (K) and phosphorus (P) with the concentrations of 8490–21,798 mg/kg and 13,902–28,686 mg/kg, respectively. It was also determined that the pumpkin seed oils had alpha and gamma tocopherols and no β-tocopherols. All samples had β-carotene with the range of 19.63–150.88 mg/kg oil.

Control of taeniasis and cysticercosis in China

Abstract: National surveys suggest that the prevalence of taeniasis has considerably decreased in China, while reported cases indicated T. solium cysticercosis was historically highly endemic in northeastern, central and southwestern China. The high prevalence of taeniasis and cysticercosis there was driven by socio-ecological determinants. Cysticercosis may occur in the central nervous system, spinal cord, subcutaneous muscle, eyes, heart and oral cavity. Neurocysticercosis, the clinically most important type, causes epilepsy, increased intracranial pressure and neuropsychiatric symptoms. New molecular diagnostic techniques have been introduced for high sensitivity and discrimination of Taenia species. Immunological methods remain useful in the diagnosis of cysticercosis, especially neurocysticercosis. The introduction of imaging techniques including computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging has significantly improved the diagnosis of neurocysticercosis. Recently, a combination of pumpkin seeds and areca nut has been explored against taeniasis, while praziquantel and albendazole are administrated simultaneously against cysticercosis, with promising efficacy and low side-effects. The widespread adoption of deworming protocols and techniques for inspection, management and treatment of pigs as well as improved sewage management has contributed to the significant decrease of taeniasis and cysticercosis in northern China. The positive results of these techniques should now be extended to highly endemic areas in western China to achieve the national elimination target for taeniasis and cysticercosis. Elimination of taeniasis and cysticercosis in China will not only benefit public health within China but also set an important example for less developed countries.

The protective effect of fluted pumpkin seeds against atrazine-induced testicular injury.

Abstract: The present study evaluated the protective effect of fluted pumpkin seeds (FPS) on atrazine (ATZ)-induced testicular damage. Twenty adult male Wistar rats were divided into four groups of five anim...

Kinetic models of the extraction of vanillic acid from pumpkin seeds

Abstract: Abstract Vanillic acid is used in the food industry and perfumery, and the optimization of its extraction process from the natural source is important for saving time and money. The presence of vanillic acid in pumpkin seeds was proven using HPLC analysis. Computational optimization of the extraction shows that for the concentration of ethanol 40% and solmodul: V/m=20, the optimum condition for the extraction of vanillic acid from pumpkin seeds was 100 min and 450C. The estimation of fitting for each kinetic model to the experimental kinetic data was performed using the root mean square, standard deviation, and the correlation coefficient. Ponomarev model was shown as the most suitable with the highest accuracy among the six considered kinetic models. The enthalpy and entropy changes were positive, while the Gibbs free energy was negative and decreased when temperature increased during the thermodynamic analysis. Therefore, the extraction of vanillic acid from pumpkin seeds was endothermic, spontaneous, and irreversible.

How Can We Do Better? Learning From 617 Pediatric Patients With Airway Foreign Bodies Over a 2-Year Period in an Asian Population.

Abstract: Background: Foreign body (FB) in the pediatric airway is a prevailing and crucial emergency with presenting symptoms often overlapping with other common pediatric conditions. There are limited number of large cohort studies in an Asian population which demonstrate the diversity of symptoms, investigations which will aid in obtaining the diagnosis, and management. Using this large cohort, we aim to evaluate the type and location, clinical presentations and outcomes of medical management related to pediatric airway FB in an Asian society. Methods: This is a retrospective study of all airway FB treated in Kunming Children's Hospital, China from February 2016 to June 2019. Six hundred and thirty-two clinical and operative records of all airway FB were retrieved and reviewed from the hospital's central electronic medical records. A total of 617 patients were included in our study. Results: The age ranged from 4 months to 12 years (mean = 1.74 years). The duration of symptoms ranged from 1 h to 605 days, with the diagnosis established at an average 9.16 days. Almost all had multiple symptoms, most commonly cough (98.5%) followed by noisy breathing (98.2%). Majority of the FBs (95.5%) were organic and the rest inorganic. Of the organic FBs, peanut was the most common (31.6%), followed by walnut (13.3%) and sunflower seeds (9.2%). Comparatively, 80.8% of the organic FBs were retrieved incomplete while 85.7% of the inorganic FBs were completely intact. Multiple FBs were noted in 43.3% of the patients, with 2.4% of them in different locations. Conclusions: Airway FB can be easily missed with resultant delay in diagnosis. In an Asian population, walnut and sunflower/pumpkin seeds feature more prominently compared to Western populations. Sunflower seed FBs tend to present earlier and are found intact in the trachea. Rigid bronchoscopy is the most common technique used to remove such FBs and pulmonary-related complications post-operatively, though rare, are the most common adverse outcomes. Preventive strategies targeting the appropriate age group and this type of FB may be useful in an Asian population.

Pumpkin Seeds: Phenolic Acids in Pumpkin Seed (Cucurbita pepo L.)

Abstract: Pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo L.) is a widely cultivated vegetable used for human consumption and in traditional medicine. Extracts (from different parts of the plant) contain biologically active components which show antidiabetic, antibacterial, hypocholesterolemic, antioxidant, anticancer, antimutagenic, immunomodulatory, anthelmintic, anti–bladder stone activity, and other miscellaneous effects. In last few decades, interest for polyphenols in oilseeds is growing because they represent health-promoting substances because of their antioxidant properties. However, until recently, the literature about the presence of phenolic compounds in pumpkin Cucurbita pepo L. was scarce. The most abundant phenolic acid present in pumpkin is p-hydroxybenzoic acid, but the presence of other phenolics such as caffeic, p-coumaric, ferulic, sinapic, protocatechuic, vanillic, syringic acid, and p-hydroxybenzaldehyde is also confirmed. The content of bound phenolic acids (esterified and insoluble) is generally higher than the free phenolic acids content. Usage of extracts rich in ester-bound phenolic acids (omitting the hydrolysis step) could enable new food and cosmetic formulations with their easier integration into oily matrixes.

Isotherm Adsorption of Carbon Microparticles Prepared from Pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima) Seeds Using Two-Parameter Monolayer Adsorption Models and Equations

Abstract: The isotherm adsorption of carbon microparticles prepared from pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima) seeds were studied and modelled. Experiments were done by evaluating carbon microparticles with various sizes (from 100 to 1000 um) for adsorbing curcumin (as a model of adsorbate) in an aqueous solution, and the results were derived and compared using the kinetics approach based on several standard isotherm adsorption models. Seven isotherm models were used to predict and determine the characteristic parameters: Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin, Dubinin-Radushkevich, Flory-Huggins, Fowler–Guggenheim, and Hill-de Boer isotherm models. The results were then analyzed and accompanied by an adequate explanation related with the adsorption mechanisms and the determination techniques of its adsorption constants. The models showed that the interaction of adsorbates with carbon surface is done in multilayers with physical processes. Inorganic contents in the pumpkin seeds allow the formation of carbon with porosities, making more sites for the adsorption. The adsorbed molecules attract and associate with other free molecules. The adsorption is carried out on energetically different sites under an endothermic process. The Gibbs free energy confirmed that the adsorption is spontaneous. The results also confirmed that smaller adsorbent have direct impacts on the improving adsorption capacity (due to the existence of large surface area). Small-sized adsorbent (sizes < 500 um) has better additional adsorption (due to adsorbate-adsorbate interaction and possible existence of chemical interaction), resulting in the boosting adsorption capacity. This study is useful for further developments of carbon microparticles from organic waste material.

Effect of potato peel, pumpkin seed, and quinoa flours on sensory and chemical characteristics of gluten-free breads

Abstract: Celiac disease is characterized by the body’s inability to digest gluten in the small intestine, and the dietary treatment consists of avoiding foods that contain this protein. Potato peel, pumpkin seeds, and quinoa are ingredients that can be used to produce gluten-free bread. The aim of this work was to evaluate chemical and sensory characteristics of gluten-free breads consisting of the idea to compare both made with traditional ingredients and with the addition of Potato Peel Flour (PPF), Pumpkin Seed Flour (PSF), and Quinoa Flour (QF). Sensory analysis of the prepared gluten-free breads and chemical analysis of the alternative flours were performed, as well as the formulations developed. The bread formulation with traditional flours and starches that obtained the highest acceptance in the sensory evaluation was used as a base to prepare three bread formulations, with 2.5%, 5.0%, and 7.5% of each alternative flours. Regarding the chemical analysis of the flours, carbohydrate concentrations of PPF and QF did not differ statistically. Lipid, protein, and ash levels in PSF were significantly higher than those in the other flours. Carbohydrate, ash, and lipid contents of the three formulations made with alternative flours showed no significant differences. The formulation with 5.0% of the alternative flours had higher sensory acceptance. The results showed that the alternative flours used are viable alternatives for the production of gluten-free breads, making it possible to improve the diet of part of the population with celiac disease by increasing the nutritional contents of minerals, lipids, and proteins.

Cultivars Effect on the Physical Characteristics of Pumpkin ( Cucurbita moschata Duch.) Seeds and Kernels

Abstract: This study aimed to evaluate the physical properties of pumpkin seeds and kernels of five different cultivars, namely Pusa Vishwas (PV), Narendra Upkar (NU), Narendra Agrim (NA), Kashi Harit (KH) and Azad pumpkin 1 (AP1), commonly grown in subtropical regions of India. The dimensions of seeds and kernels were determined by image processing setup, and their frequency distribution curve showed normal distribution pattern for all cultivars. Seeds of KH cultivar scored maximum values for width, thickness, geometric mean diameter, sphericity, volume and surface area, whereas maximum length and arithmetic mean diameter were found in the seeds of NA cultivar. NU cultivar showed the highest bulk density for both seeds and kernels, and therefore less space is required for its storage. Seeds of all the cultivars scored higher values for 1000 seed mass (M1000) and hardness than their kernels. Seeds and kernels of KH cultivar showed the least value of porosity and angle of repose, which indicates shallow bins are suitable for their storage. Coefficient of static friction of kernels was lesser than its seeds in all the tested surfaces with aluminum showing the maximum and fiberglass showing the least resistance. It indicates that kernel can be easily passed in hoppers and other loading and unloading devices. Principal component analysis revealed that length, width and M1000 were the major parameters that affect the physical properties of pumpkin seeds. Results of this study provide rudimental knowledge essential for designing storage and processing machines for conversion of seeds and kernels into their value-added products.

The Critical Nutraceutical Role of Pumpkin Seeds in Human and Animal Health: An Updated Review

Abstract: Publicity of pumpkins in traditional medicine for relieving diverse disturbances such as hypertension, arthritis, hyperglycemia, inflammation, dyslipidemia, fungal or bacterial infections, tumors, and intestinal parasites made a highlight for more research on pumpkin fruits as well as seeds. Multiple studies have been fulfilled on animal models, clinical trials or cell cultures to assess these medicinal activities. Pumpkin is admitted for its ingested seeds, fruits, and greens. Pumpkin seeds are enhanced by micro- and macro-constituent compositions include proteins, antioxidative phenolic compounds, tocopherols, triterpenes, saponins, phytosterols, lignans, and carotenoids; among these compounds: D-chiro-inositol, trigonelline, and nicotinic acid, those are reflected as insulin action mediators. Pumpkin seeds are also fortified with polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), fibers, vitamins, and minerals including zinc, iron, magnesium, calcium, manganese, and copper, thus pumpkin seeds have become commonly used as health booster or herbal therapy for human as well as animals, and the food technologists have conquered the commercial food and alternative medicine sectors with pumpkin products. Furthermore, Food companies intend to exploit pumpkin seeds in the starters and snacks industry. This review article provides an update on the therapeutic impacts of pumpkin seeds and mechanisms by which they may limit the risk of diseases.

In Vitro Effects of Pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata) Seed Extracts on Echinococcus granulosus Protoscoleces.

Abstract: Background Echinococcus granulosus parasite causes a zoonotic disease which is important for public and veterinary health. Since pumpkin seeds (Cucurbita sp.) are used as traditional vermifuge in Iran, they may be a potential herbal anthelmintic. Methods This study was designed in 2016 to evaluate the in vitro scolicidal effect of Cucurbita moschata seeds form northern part of Iran. Hydroalcoholic and petroleum ether extracts were prepared by maceration and soxhlet respectively. Both extracts with four different concentrations (100, 10, 1, 0.1 mg/ml) were incubated against protoscoleces in 5, 15, 30 and 60 min. Results Maximum mortality was 16% with 1% hydroalcoholic extract in 60 min. The highest mortality with organic extract was 4% with 10% concentration in 60 min (P=0.015). Conclusion Since highest mortality was 16%, the extract did not reach to LD50 (50% mortality). Therefore, the potency of the total extract is not sufficient as potential scolicidal drug.

Triacylglycerols and Fatty Acid Compositions of Cucumber, Tomato, Pumpkin, and Carrot Seed Oils by Ultra-Performance Convergence Chromatography Combined with Quadrupole Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry.

Abstract: The triacylglycerol (TAG) compositions of cucumber, tomato, pumpkin, and carrot seed oils were analyzed using ultra-performance convergence chromatography (UPC2) combined with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (Q-TOF MS). A total of 36, 42, 39, and 27 different TAGs were characterized based on their Q-TOF MS accurate molecular weight and MS2 fragment ion profiles in the cucumber, tomato, pumpkin, and carrot seed oils, respectively. Generally, different vegetable seed oils had different TAGs compositions. Among the identified fatty acids, linoleic acid was the most abundant fatty acid in cucumber, tomato, and pumpkin seed oils and the second most abundant in carrot seed oil with relative concentrations of 54.48, 48.69, 45.10, and 15.92 g/100 g total fatty acids, respectively. Oleic acid has the highest concentration in carrot seed oil and the second highest in cucumber, tomato, and pumpkin seed oils, with relative concentrations of 78.97, 18.57, 27.16, and 33.39 g/100 g total fatty acids, respectively. The chemical compositions of TAGs and fatty acids could promote understanding about the chemical profiles of certain vegetable seed oils, thus improving the potential ability to select appropriate oils with specific functions and a high nutritional value and then develop functional foods in the future.

Seed Yield and Characteristics in a Half-Diallel Pumpkin Population

Abstract: In addition to fresh and roasted pumpkin seeds used in human nutrition, they are used as an additive to bread, salami, sausage, mayonnaise and many food products because of their high protein content The most common problem encountered in the cultivation of confectionary pumpkin is the lack of varieties with good seed yield and quality in the market In this study, it was aimed to reveal the promising hybrids with superior characteristics by determining the yield and seed characteristics of the 13 confectionary pumpkin pure lines and 74 hybrid lines which are obtained by crossing between pure lines and two local varieties (3-Hatun Tirnagi and 4-Cercevelik) as control As a result of the study, the highest positive correlation was found between seed thickness and 1000 seed weight and between seed length and seed width The crosses of 31x34, 23x28, 13x23, 38x40, 29x37, 30x31 and 23x29, especially 40x29, in the positive region of both components showed superior performance compared to their parents in all parameters These hybrids have emerged as promising crosses to develop the F1 hybrid confectionary pumpkin varieties

Influence of Cathodic Water Invigoration on the Emergence and Subsequent Growth of Controlled Deteriorated Pea and Pumpkin Seeds

Abstract: The quality of seeds in gene banks gradually deteriorates during long-term storage, which is probably, at least in part, a result of the progressive development of oxidative stress. Here, we report a greenhouse study that was carried out to test whether a novel approach of seed invigoration using priming with cathodic water (cathodic portion of an electrolysed calcium magnesium solution) could improve seedling emergence and growth in two deteriorated crop seeds. Fresh seeds of Pisum sativum and Cucurbita pepo were subjected to controlled deterioration to 50% viability at 14% seed moisture content (fresh weight basis), 40 °C and 100% relative humidity. The deteriorated seeds were thereafter primed with cathodic water, calcium magnesium solution and deionized water. In addition, to study the mechanism of the impacts of invigoration, the effects of such priming on the lipid peroxidation products malondialdehyde (MDA) and 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) and on the reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging enzymes superoxide dismutase and catalase were also determined in the fresh and deteriorated seeds. All priming treatments improved seed emergence parameters, subsequent seedling photosynthesis and growth relative to the unprimed seeds. In general, cathodic water was most effective at invigorating deteriorated seeds. Analysis of the lipid peroxidation products and antioxidant enzyme activities in invigorated seeds provided support for the hypothesis that the effectiveness of cathodic water in invigoration of debilitated orthodox seeds in general and of pea and pumpkin seeds in particular derive from its ability to act as an antioxidant.

Seasonal Variation in Aflatoxin Levels in Edible Seeds, Estimation of Its Dietary Intake and Vitamin E Levels in Southern Areas of Punjab, Pakistan.

Abstract: A total of 779 samples of edible nuts (melon seeds, watermelon seeds, pumpkin seeds, and cantaloupe seeds) from Southern Punjab (Pakistan), were collected during the summer and the winter seasons. The natural occurrence of aflatoxins (AFs) and vitamin E (tocopherols) levels were investigated using HPLC. The results have shown that 180 (43.4%) of samples from the winter season and 122 (33.4%) samples from the summer season were found positive for AFs. Elevated average levels of total AFs (20.9 ± 3.10 μg/kg, dry weight) were observed in watermelon seeds without shell, and the lowest average amount (15.9 ± 3.60 μg/kg) were documented in melon seeds without shell samples from the winter season. An elevated average amount of total AFs 17.3 ± 1.50 μg/kg was found in pumpkin seeds available without a shell. The results have documented a significant difference in total AFs levels in edible seeds available with shells versus without shells (α = 0.05 & 0.01). The highest dietary intake of 6.30 μg/kg/day was found in female individuals from consuming pumpkin seeds (without shell) in the winter season. A value of 3.00 μg/kg/day was found in pumpkin seed without shell in the summer season in female individuals. The highest total tocopherol levels were 22.2 ± 7.70 ng/100 g in pumpkin seeds samples from the winter season and 14.5 ± 5.50 mg/100 g in melon seed samples from the summer season. The variation of total tocopherol levels in edible seeds among the winter and summer seasons showed a significant difference (p ≤ 0.0054), except watermelon seeds samples with non-significant differences (p ≥ 0.183).