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The hypoglycaemic effect of pumpkins as anti-diabetic and functional medicines
... For vegetables, the SV method is used mostly due to improvement in the bioavailability and bioaccessibility of minerals, vitamins, phytochemicals, etc. (Kathuria, Dhiman, and Attri, 2022). Butternut squash represents one of the most important and traditional pumpkin species in the world (Adams et al., 2011). It is an early variety with pear-shaped fruits. ...
... The typical orange colour is preferred by consumers as it is related to the higher carotenoid content (Conti et al., 2015). Besides that, it has been proven that this vegetable has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-carcinogenic, and anti-diabetic properties (Adams et al., 2011). The aim of our study was to monitor the changes in organoleptic and textural properties of SV prepared butternut squash due to a combination of different temperatures and times of cooking. ...
In this study the influence of various temperature and time combinations during sous-vide cooking on the textural and organoleptic attributes of Butternut squash was investigated for the first time. The raw control sample and 16 different combinations of vacuum cooking temperature/time were evaluated using texturometry and sensory analysis with 10 trained assessors. Based on the shear/toughness and firmness, optimal conditions were established as 70 °C/20 min and 70 °C/25 min. According to the sensory analysis these samples were different in parameters: orange colour, tenderness, fibrousness, and chewiness. The sous-vide sample cooked at 70 °C/25 min was evaluated as darker in orange colour, softer, more fibrous, and less chewable. Therefore, we suggest using this combination for sous-vide Butternut squash preparation.
... Various parts like fresh leaves, seeds, flowers, and fruits (immature and mature) of the pumpkin plant are consumed as vegetables throughout the world [6]. The pumpkin contains nutrients like carbohydrates, minerals, and dietary fibers as well as an inexpensive source of vitamins, particularly carotenes [7]. Hypoglycemic, in-vitro antioxidant, cholinesterase and tyrosinase inhibition, and hypolipidemic effects of pumpkin flesh have been reported [7][8][9]. ...
... The pumpkin contains nutrients like carbohydrates, minerals, and dietary fibers as well as an inexpensive source of vitamins, particularly carotenes [7]. Hypoglycemic, in-vitro antioxidant, cholinesterase and tyrosinase inhibition, and hypolipidemic effects of pumpkin flesh have been reported [7][8][9]. The peel is an agro-byproduct of pumpkin that is produced at the time of flesh processing. ...
Pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima) is a widely grown vegetable in Bangladesh and is known as the sole supplier of various nutrients. Many studies evidence the nutritional value of flesh and seed while peel, flower, and leaves were reported scarcely with limited information. Therefore, the study aimed to investigate the nutritional composition and antioxidant properties of flesh, peel, seed, leaves, and flowers of Cucurbita maxima. The seed had a remarkable composition of nutrients and amino acids. Flowers and leaves possessed higher content of minerals, phenols, flavonoids, carotenes, and total antioxidant activity. The order of IC50 value (peel > seed > leaves > flesh > flower) indicates higher DPPH radicals scavenging activity of the flower. Moreover, a significant positive relationship was observed among these phytochemical constituents (TPC, TFC, TCC, TAA) and DPPH radicals scavenging activity. It could be concluded that these five parts of the pumpkin plant have an intense potency to be an exigent component of functional food or medicinal herbs.
... Various parts like fresh leaves, seeds, flowers, and fruits (immature and mature) of the pumpkin plant are consumed as vegetables throughout the world [6]. The pumpkin contains nutrients like carbohydrates, minerals, and dietary fibers as well as an inexpensive source of vitamins, particularly carotenes [7]. Hypoglycemic, in-vitro antioxidant, cholinesterase and tyrosinase inhibition, and hypolipidemic effects of pumpkin flesh have been reported [7][8][9]. ...
... The pumpkin contains nutrients like carbohydrates, minerals, and dietary fibers as well as an inexpensive source of vitamins, particularly carotenes [7]. Hypoglycemic, in-vitro antioxidant, cholinesterase and tyrosinase inhibition, and hypolipidemic effects of pumpkin flesh have been reported [7][8][9]. The peel is an agro-byproduct of pumpkin that is produced at the time of flesh processing. ...
... Bí đỏ (Curcubita moschata D.) là loại cây trồng phổ biến ở nhiều nước châu Á, là nơi cung cấp sản lượng lớn và chiếm 50,3% sản lượng. Bí đỏ là một trong những nguồn nguyên liệu giúp điều trị giảm nồng độ glucose trong máu, các bệnh tăng huyết áp, tăng nồng độ cholesterol [1][2][3][4][5]. Ngoài ra, theo Yadav et al. [6], bí đỏ còn giúp tăng hệ thống miễn dịch trong sinh sản, hoạt động của tim, da và cung cấp vitamin A, ascorbic acid. ...
EXTRACTION OF TOTAL CARBOHYDRATES, VITAMIN C, Β-CAROTENE, AND LYCOPENE IN PUMPKIN (Cucurbita moschata D.) USING ULTRASOUND WAVES Tóm tắt: Bí đỏ (Cucurbita moschata D.) là loại cây trồng thuộc họ bầu bí (Curbitaceae), được trồng nhiều nước trên thế giới và là một trong những loại rau ăn quả chứa nhiều dưỡng chất có lợi cho sức khoẻ con người. Hàm lượng carbohydrate tổng số, vitamin C, β-carotene và lycopene được xác định dựa vào đường chuẩn được thực hiện trên máy quang phổ UV-Vis. Kết quả li trích trong 100 g thịt quả tươi ở bí đỏ bằng sóng siêu âm với công suất 3000 W ở các tần số 20, 30, 40 và 50 kHz thu được carbohydrate tổng là 18,82 g/100 g ở tần số 50 kHz, bước sóng λ = 490 nm; hàm lượng vitamin C thu được 32,63 mg/100 g ở tần số 20 kHz, λ = 491 nm, trong khi đó hàm lượng β-carotene và lycopene đều cho hiệu suất trích li cao ở cùng tần số 40 kHz là 561,22 µg/100 g, 32,19 µg/100 g và λ = 450 nm, λ = 472 nm. Kết quả nghiên cứu cho thấy sử dụng sóng siêu âm phá vỡ vách tế bào trong quá trình trích li các hợp chất carbohydrate tổng số, vitamin C, β-carotene và lycopene trong quả bí đỏ cho hiệu suất thu hồi cao. Abstract: Pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata D.) is a cultivated plant species belonging to the gourd family (Curbitaceae), grown in many countries around the world, and is one of the beneficial vegetable fruits containing many nutrients for human health. The total carbohydrate content, vitamin C, β-carotene, and lycopene levels were determined based on standard curves performed on a UV-Vis spectrophotometer. The results of extraction from 100 g of fresh fruit pulp in pumpkin using ultrasound waves with a power of 3000W at frequencies of 20, 30, 40, and 50 kHz yielded total carbohydrates of 18.82 g/100 g at a frequency of 50 kHz, wavelength λ=490 nm; the vitamin C content obtained was 32.63 mg/100 g at a frequency of 20 kHz, λ=491 nm, while the β-carotene and lycopene levels both showed high extraction efficiency at the same frequency of 40 kHz, with 561.22 µg/100 g, 32.19 µg/100 g respectively, and wavelengths λ=450 nm, λ=472 nm. The research results demonstrate that the use of ultrasound waves disrupts cell walls during the extraction process of total carbohydrates, vitamin C, β-carotene, and lycopene compounds in pumpkin fruits, achieving high recovery efficiency.
... Diabetes is the most common disease spread worldwide and pumpkin seeds have shown good response against diabetic rats in several studies. In a study, Adams et al. (2011) showed improvement in diabetes and hyperglycemia condition due to use of pumpkin seeds. Bharti et al. (2013) studied dose dependent effect of tocopherols extracted from pumpkin seeds on diabetes mellitus in in-vivo study in rats. ...
A well-known edible plant in the Cucurbitaceae family, the pumpkin has long been utilized as a functional meal or a herbal remedy. Pumpkin seeds are rich in phytoestrogens, vitamin E, and unsaturated fatty acids, which may have medicinal and nutraceutical uses. The use of pumpkins in traditional medicine to treat a wide range of conditions, including inflammation, dyslipidemia, bacterial or fungal infections, malignancies, intestinal parasites, hypertension, arthritis, and hyperglycemia, has drawn attention to the need for additional study on both the fruits and seeds of the pumpkin plant. Proteins, antioxidative phenolic compounds, tocopherols, triterpenes, saponins, phytosterols, lignans, and carotenoids are some of the micro- and macro-constituent compositions that improve pumpkin seeds. Pumpkin seeds have antidepressant properties and are mostly used in the management of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BHP). Regular pumpkin seed eating lowers the risk of Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease. Since pumpkin seeds are high in tocopherols, they can be extracted for edible oil and then used to formulate other foods at a later time. The pharmacological effects of pumpkin seeds have made them quite popular. Additionally, pumpkin seed oil has numerous health advantages. Pumpkin seeds are mostly composed of unsaturated fatty acids, which have been shown to provide potential health benefits and to prevent disease. Although pumpkin seeds are clearly very useful, their full potential has not yet been discovered.
... This can be beneficial in managing diet-related conditions such as diabetes [116]. Adams et al. [117] identified several bioactive components in pumpkin that contribute to the reduction in blood glucose levels. Specifically, pectin and non-pectin polysaccharides derived from the epidermis and pulp, as well as hypoglycemic proteins and seed oils from pumpkin seeds, were found to be effective in lowering blood glucose. ...
A versatile and popular Cucurbitaceous vegetable, pumpkin has recently gained much attention because of its variety of phytochemicals and health advantages. Pumpkins are a type of winter squash, traditionally with large, spherical, orange fruits and a highly nutrient food. Pumpkin by-products comprise various parts, such as seeds, peels, and pulp residues, with their bioactive composition and many potential benefits poorly explored by the food industry. Pumpkin and their by-products contain a wide range of phytochemicals, including carotenoids, polyphenols, tocopherols, vitamins, minerals, and dietary fibers. These compounds in pumpkin by-products exhibit antioxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, and antimicrobial properties and could reduce the risk of chronic diseases. This comprehensive review aims to provide a detailed overview of the phytochemicals found in pumpkin and its by-products, along with their extraction methods, health benefits, and diverse food and industrial applications. This information can offer valuable insights for food scientists seeking to reevaluate pumpkin’s potential as a functional ingredient. Reusing these by-products would support integrating a circular economy approach by boosting the market presence of valuable and sustainable products that improve health while lowering food waste.
... Nowadays, pumpkin is acknowledged as a highly consumed fruit vegetable all over the world [6]. The incorporation of pumpkin fruit into many recipes and dishes, as well as the increasing interest of consumers who seek a healthy lifestyle have highlighted the rich nutritional value and phytochemical characteristics of the species [7,8]. For instance, C. maxima fruit are a rich source of phenolic compounds, carotenoids and terpenoids, which are highly associated with the high antioxidant activity of the plant [9]. ...
The goal of the current work was to assess the nutritional profile and phytochemical properties of cucurbit (Cucurbita maxima L.) seeds, seed oils and oil extraction by-products (e.g., seed-cakes). Our results suggest a high nutritional value for both cucurbit seeds and cucurbit cake, while γ-tocopherol was the richest compound, with traces of α, β and δ-tocopherol compounds also detected. Regarding the free sugars composition, there were recorded significant statistical differences between seeds and cucurbit seed-cake, although sucrose content was the highest for both matrices (1.97 and 2.9 g/100 g dw, respectively) followed by trehalose (0.26 and 0.25 g/100 g dw, respectively), fructose (0.20 and 0.34 g/100 g dw, respectively) and glucose (0.21 and 0.19 g/100 g dw, respectively). In terms of organic acids, oxalic was the only compound detected in seed cake (0.006 g/100 g dw), while in seeds only traces of oxalic and malic acid were detected. In relation to fatty acid composition, linolenic acid was the most abundant compound in both seeds and seed-cake (43.9% and 41.5%, respectively), while oleic acid (37.0% and 36.3%, respectively), palmitic acid (12.2% and 14.0%, respectively) and stearic acid (4.83% and 5.46%, respectively) were detected in lesser amounts. Moreover, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) were the major fatty acids class (44.5% and 42.3% in seeds and seed cake, respectively) compared to monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA; 37.4% and 36.7% in seeds and seed cake, respectively) and saturated fatty acids (SFA; 18.1% and 21.0% in seeds and seed cake, respectively) which were detected in lower amounts. Furthermore, the tested extracts did not present any cytotoxic or hepatoxic activity at the maximum tested concentration (GI50 > 400 μg/mL), while seed oils presented satisfactory antimicrobial properties with inhibitory activity against the studied bacterial strains and fungi. Our findings provide valuable knowledge regarding the exploitation of pumpkin seeds and seed by-products as valuable natural sources of nutrients and phytochemicals in the food industry sector within the context of a circular economy.
... Hence, the capacity of pumpkin to ameliorate oxidative stress and dyslipidemia leads to reductions of heart conditions in obese patients [49]. Adams et al. [50] demonstrated that trigonelline, nicotinic acid, and d-chiro-inositol from pumpkin seeds possess hypoglycemic properties and could assist in maintaining glycemic control and satiety. ...
Mesoamerica is the center of origin of a great number of food crops that nowadays are part of a healthy diet. Pre-Columbian civilizations utilized more than 90% of these foods as ingredient or in main dishes, as well as for remedies and religious ceremonies. Since several years ago, Mesoamerican foods have been recognized by their outstanding concentration of bioactive compounds, including, phenolic compounds, pigments, essential fatty acids, amino acids, peptides, carbohydrates and vitamins, which provide a great number of health benefits. As a result of their unique composition, these ancient crops have several positive effects, such as hypoglycemic, antioxidant, anti-obesity, anti-inflammatory, anti-ageing, neuroprotective, anti-diarrheal, and anti-hypercholesterolemic capacity. Hence, this review is focused mainly in the anti-obesity and antioxidant potential of some of the most cultivated, harvested, as well as commercialized and consumed, food crops native of Mesoamerica, like, nopal and its fruit (Opuntia ficus indica spp.), chia (Salvia hispanica L.), pumpkin (Cucurbita spp.) and cacao (Theobroma cacao).
... Terdapat penelitian dengan tikus yang dibuat diabetes sebagai subjek ujinya. penelitian ini menunjukkan ekstrak labu madu memberikan efek hipoglikemik dan bertindak sebagai antidiabetes (Adams et al. 2011;Chang et al. 2014), hal tersebut berkaitan dengan ekstrak labu madu dan bijinya dapat memperbaiki sel pankreas dan produksi insulin (Makni et al. 2010;Jin et al. 2013). ...
span lang="EN-US">Badran Village is known for its signature honey pumpkin cultivation, which is managed by the village's Women Farmers Group (KWT). These honey gourds have a high selling value in the fruit market, ranging from Rp35,000 to Rp80,000 per kilogram. However, the crop watering system in Badran Village is still conventional, causing challenges in maintaining sufficient and regular irrigation for the honey pumpkin crop which is highly dependent on water supply. In an effort to increase productivity and water-use efficiency in honey pumpkin cultivation, the KKN Team of Sebelas Maret University Group 33 proposed a work program in the form of an Automatic Drip Irrigation System. This system utilizes Internet of Things (IoT) technology with NodeMcu ESP8266 as the control board and Blynk platform to allow remote supervision and control of the device via smartphone. The use of this technology is expected to help KWT and other urban farmers in maximizing their agricultural yields and reducing water wastage. The results of the KKN Group 33 activities in Badran Village show that the construction of the drip irrigation system went smoothly according to schedule. The construction of this automatic drip irrigation system is expected to help KWT in increasing the potential of honey pumpkin farming as well as agricultural tourism attraction in their village. This research also provides room for improvement by incorporating soil moisture sensors or automatic scheduling based on time, which can further increase the efficiency of this system</span
... Pectin has also reportedly shown some health benefits and bioactivity [22][23][24][25]. Free radicals are produced in the human body through the oxidation of the different compounds found in the body. ...
Green peppers are massively produced all over the world; however, substantial quantities of peppers are wasted. Functional polysaccharides can be produced from pepper waste. A conventional acid extraction method was used to obtain pectin-like materials from green bell pepper (GBP). A 23 experimental design (two-level factorials with three factors: temperature, pH, and time) was used to study the relationship between the extraction conditions and the measured physicochemical properties. The extracted polysaccharides were further analysed regarding their physicochemical and functional properties. The yields were in the range of (11.6–20.7%) and the highest yield value was extracted at pH 1. The polysaccharides were classified as “pectin-like”, as the galacturonic acid content was lower than 65%. Glucose and galactose were the major neutral sugars, and their relative amounts were dependent on the extraction conditions. The degree of esterification (DE) of the pectin-like extracts was greater than 50% and they were therefore classified as high methoxyl regardless of the extraction conditions. Also, important levels of phenolic materials (32.3–52.9 mg GAE/g) and proteins (1.5–5.4%) were present in the extract and their amounts varied depending on the extraction conditions. The green bell pepper polysaccharides demonstrated antioxidant and emulsifying activities and could also be used adequately to stabilise oil/water emulsion systems. This finding shows that green bell pepper could be used as an alternative source of antioxidants and an emulsifier/stabilising agent, and furthermore, the extraction conditions could be fine-tunned to produce polysaccharides with the desired quality depending on their application.
... Apart from anti-inflammatory properties of stigmasterol, it also has antiviral, antiparasitic, anti-osteoarthritis, antibacterial, neuroprotective, and immunomodulatory properties. 39,40 Followed by stigmasterol in the ligand binding affinity of the identified phytochemicals is Bacchotricuneatin C (an alkaloid) that showed a higher binding affinity and stronger bonds at the active site than that of the proficient therapeutic drug Enzalutamide. The high binding energy of two identified compounds, stigmasterol and Bacchotricuneatin C as compared to the binding energy of the prescribed drug enzalutamide highlights the importance of Cucurbita maxima seed in the treatment of prostate cancer. ...
Cucurbita maxima seeds are used in traditional medicine for the treatment of urinary disorders, blood pressure regulation and prevention of constipation, also for wound healing with dermal application, and recently for prostate cancer treatment. The objective of present study was to identify the medicinal compounds present in chloroform extract of the seeds of Cucurbita maxima using Gas chromatography mass Spectroscopy (GCMS). The phytochemicals identified were further assayed to determine the compounds associated with anti-prostate activity using in silico molecular docking. The GCMS analysis revealed the presence of twenty-three (23) compounds. The molecular docking of the compounds against Human Androgen Receptor Ligand binding showed that the compounds had good binding affinity against the target protein. However, two compounds, Stigmasterol (-8.5 kcal/mol), and Bacchotricuneatin C (-7.7 kcal/mol) had better binding affinity than the control anti-prostate cancer drug, Enzalutamide (-7.6kcal/mol). Consequently, the results validate the use of the seed of cucurbita maxima as an anti-prostate cancer agent. URN:NBN:sciencein.jmc.2024.685
... Популярним є вживання не лише м'якоті гарбуза, а й насіння, з якого виготовляють олію, борошно, клітковину, "протеїновий порошок". Саме ці компоненти цікаві для досліджень у ролі функціональних інгредієнтів для харчових продуктів для дорослих і дітей (Adams et al., 2011;Sharma & Lakhawat, 2017). ...
The article examines the issue of expanding the assortment of sausage products with a combined composition of raw materials, using dietary fibers with functional and technological properties that stabilize the quality of meat raw materials to create products with a functional purpose. Enriching meat products with dietary fibers is advisable to achieve specific technological goals in physiologically significant quantities. Pumpkin seed processing products are characterized as gluten-free; their use is relevant for enriching finished products with a vitamin-mineral complex. Fiber from industrial hemp seeds is a by-product of oil production and a unique source of protein, natural carotene, phytosterols, and phospholipids. The recipe and production technology of cooked-smoked sausage products with a combined composition of raw materials has been experimentally confirmed. It was established that using hydrated fiber from hemp seeds and pumpkin seeds in the recipe of sausage products improves structural and mechanical characteristics, has high organoleptic indicators, and ensures the production of a product of increased biological and nutritional value. Food additives of vegetable origin give sausage products an appetizing appearance, proper texture and consistency, and appropriate taste while significantly reducing their production cost. With the optimal selection of the recipe, food supplements of plant origin allow you to balance products from the point of view of nutrition. The best results are a complex of characteristics for using a hydrated hemp and pumpkin seed fiber mixture. The technology aims to solve the problem of expanding the range of meat products for mass consumption with increased nutritional value. Enrichment of sausage products with fiber from pumpkin seeds and industrial hemp helps improve the products' functional properties. It ensures the formation of the necessary structural and mechanical properties. Using processed products of pumpkin seeds and industrial hemp as raw materials for sausage production solves the food industry's resource conservation problem.
... In an early study, Adams et al. Stated the importance of probiotics application in dairy-based foods and beverages [75]. In a recent study, Shori suggested that dairy products are the most suitable carrier for delivering probiotics in the GI tract, and dairy food matrices are used to deliver probiotics in cheese, yogurt, ice cream, and other dairy products [76,77]. ...
Probiotic organisms are commonly present in water, soil, food, human and animal intestine. Probiotics are live microorganisms or friendly microbes, and they provide numerous health-beneficial effects to the host such as inhibition of adherence and colonization of pathogens, enhanced immune system, reduction of toxins, reduction of inflammatory bowel diseases, reduce cholesterol levels, prevention of cancer, synthesis of vitamins, and production of antimicrobial compounds. Consumer awareness is the main reason for the development of probiotic functional food products. In this regard, probiotics incorporated in food products significantly enhanced the quality, taste, and flavour compared to non-probiotic functional foods. Furthermore, probiotic food products protect against unfavourable conditions and increased shelf-life periods. The present review aims to focus on dairy and non-dairy products improving the quality of the functional product as well as probiotic functional foods supportive to improve consumers› health and prevention of diseases.
... The material for this study, C. moschata, has been found to have cytotoxic effects and antimicrobial-antioxidant properties against some cancer cells [12,13]. Some studies on the characterization, bioreduction content, and biomedical uses of AuNPs synthesized The highest concentrations of nine phenolic compounds (acacetin, kaempferol, apigenin, fumaric acid, protocatechuic aldehyde, p-coumaric acids, protocatechuic acid, naringenin and vanillin) have been found in phytochemicals ( Table 1). ...
In this study, AuNPs were biosynthesized from Cucurbita moschata fruit peel extracts. Biosynthesized AuNPs exhibited maximum absorbance at a 555 nm wavelength, and XRD analysis indicated that the CM-AuNPs had a particle size of less than 100 nm and a cubic crystal structure. TEM scans revealed that the gold particles exhibited a spherical morphology, with an average size of 18.10 nm. FTIR analysis revealed strong peaks indicating the presence of functional groups involved in the reduction reactions. The surface charge of the biosynthesized AuNPs was determined to be −19.7 mV. The antibacterial and antifungal activities of AuNPs against pathogen strains were assessed by the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) method. The cytotoxic effects of CM-AuNPs on cancer cell lines (Sk-Ov-3, CaCo2, and A549) and healthy cell lines (HUVEC) were investigated using the MTT method. The findings indicated that AuNPs biosynthesized by the green synthesis method using C. moschata peel aqueous extract had high inhibition on the growth of pathogenic microorganisms and effective cytotoxic activity against cancerous cell lines at low doses. As a result, it can be concluded that CM-AuNPs will be eminently effective in the production of antibacterial and/or anticancer drugs in the pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetic industries.
... Consequently, much research has been done to pinpoint the chemicals and the mechanism behind the anti-diabetic effects of bitter gourd [4]. For example, Adam et al. [22] highlighted the anti-diabetic components of several cucurbit sections. It in a column with similar alphabetic letters are statistically non-significant, whereas with different alphabetic letters are significant (P<0.05). ...
Momordica charantia L. has been remained a well-known medicinal vegetable used traditionally. However, which part is most effective against which disorder, has been remained undiscovered yet. The objective of this study was to examine the antimicrobial, antihyperlipidemic and antihyperglycemic activities of peel, flesh, and seeds of bitter gourd, through in vitro and in vivo assays. Ethanolic extracts from powders of three fractions of bitter gourd were assessed for antimicrobial potential against bacterial and fungal strains, whereas, powders of these fractions were used to determine antihyperlipidemic and antihyperglycemic activity, in alloxan induced diabetic rats. Our results showed that BSE exhibited better antimicrobial activity against Bacillus cereus, whereas BFE exhibited better against Escherichia coli. Blood glucose was significantly lowered by all three powders in a dose dependent manner, when fed to diabetic rats, with the highest decrease by BSP, which reduced the glucose level from 296.20 ± 2.00 mg/dl to 123.10 ± 0.80 mg/dl, at 15 mg dose, after 28 days trial. Elevated levels of TC (101.18 ± 0.65 mg/dl), TG (83.69 ± 0.61 mg/dl) and LDL–C (25.90 ± 0.09 mg/dl) in positive control rats were lowered down in well manners by BSP at 15 mg dose, to 86.30 ± 0.53, 67.70 ± 0.53 and 19.32 ± 0.06 mg/dl, respectively. As compared to BFP and BPP, BSP showed significant involvement in antibacterial, antihyperglycemic, and antihyperlipidemic actions. Along with the edible flesh, peels and seeds, which are usually discarded as waste, could also be utilized for development of pharma foods capable of promoting health.
... The bioactive compounds present in these seeds exert simultaneous effects on target sites, thereby reducing the risk of various diseases, including tumors (Chari et al., 2018;Jayaprakasam et al., 2003), microbial infections (Brogan & Mossialos, 2016;Kabbashi et al., 2014), hyperglycemia and diabetes (Adams et al., 2011;Bharti et al., 2013), and complications associated with oxidative stress (Dotto & Chacha, 2020). Moreover, their high content of Δ 7 sterols contributes to urological benefits by countering benign prostatic hypertrophy (Perez Gutierrez, 2016) and exhibits anti-inflammatory properties to combat prostatitis and urinary tract infections (Makni et al., 2008). ...
This study aimed to assess the impact of the roasting process, conducted in an electric oven, on the oil quality and residue derived from two pumpkin seed species, namely Cucurbita maxima (C. maxima) and Cucurbita pepo (C. pepo), cultivated in Morocco. The seeds underwent roasting at temperatures of 60, 90, 120, and 150 ◦C for 45 min. The cold press extracted oils were characterize in terms of fatty acids, phytosterols, tocopherols and pigment content meanwhile phenolic content and antioxidant activity were evaluated in the residues. The heat treatment did not significantly affect fatty acid content; however, it affected sterols, particularly β-sitosterol, which experienced an 8 % decrease in C. maxima. Instead, total sterols significantly increased in C. pepo from 153.84 to 181.71 mg/100g. Moreover, the heat treatment influenced the tocopherol contents, revealing a substantial in- crease in both species. Phenolic content was significantly affected in C. pepo whereas the variation in C. maxima was statistically nonsignificant. Antioxidant activity exhibited fluctuations during the heat treatment, resulting in an overall increase in the oils. The roasting process influences the composition of bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity in pumpkin seed oil. These findings contribute to a deeper exploration of the functional properties of pumpkin seed products.
... The use of dietary plants and herbal extracts instead of Western medicine in the prevention and treatment of diabetes mellitus has attracted widespread interest (Hussain et al., 2022b). According to Adams et al. (2011), pumpkin is widely thought to have active hypoglycemic abilities and is known to have anti-diabetic benefits based on earlier evidence of its fruit pulp. Khan et al. (2019) further demonstrated via in-vivo studies that polysaccharides extracted from pumpkin conferred significant protection on streptozotocin damaged islet β cells and consequently ameliorated hyperglycemia in the study animals. ...
The study looked at the optimization of blends of pumpkin pulp flour, pumpkin seed, and pumpkin starch residue for the development and nutritional evaluation of cookies. 3 optimum blends, runs 12, 15, and 16 were selected out of 16 runs using Optimal Model Design of Response Surface Methodology with responses based on proximate analysis. The amino acid profile, anti-diabetic potential, physical properties, and sensory characteristics of the developed cookies were evaluated. The proximate parameters of the cookies were found to significantly (P≤ 0.05) (P ≤ 0.05) increased with the levels of pumpkin seed. The carbohydrate content of the pumpkin-based Cookies (47.20-49.12%) was significantly lower than that of the control, 100% Wheat Flour (60.29%). The ash content ranged from 6.20-8.19%, and dietary fibre, 24.39-26.9%. The amino acid profile compared well with FAO/WHO recommendations for healthy adults. The most abundant amino acids in the samples were glutamic acid, alanine, leucine, aspartate, and valine. The In-vitro Protein Digestibilities of the pumpkin-based cookies were significantly higher than that of the control sample (WFC). The pumpkin-based cookies effectively inhibited α-amylase and α-glucosidase at 59% and 69% inhibition rates respectively. The Glycemic Indices of the pumpkin-based cookies were in the range of 50-52% compared to the control (WFC) which was 61.43%, thus registering the pumpkin-based cookies as low-glycemic foods. Sensory evaluation revealed that cookies made from 60% pumpkin pulp, 24.5% pumpkin seed, and 14.4% pumpkin starch residues were generally acceptable as best among the pumpkin-based cookies.
... The use of dietary plants and herbal extracts instead of Western medicine in the prevention and treatment of diabetes mellitus has attracted widespread interest (Hussain et al., 2022b). According to Adams et al. (2011), pumpkin is widely thought to have active hypoglycemic abilities and is known to have anti-diabetic benefits based on earlier evidence of its fruit pulp. Khan et al. (2019) further demonstrated via in-vivo studies that polysaccharides extracted from pumpkin conferred significant protection on streptozotocin damaged islet β cells and consequently ameliorated hyperglycemia in the study animals. ...
The study looked at the optimization of blends of pumpkin pulp flour, pumpkin seed, and pumpkin starch residue for the development and nutritional evaluation of cookies. 3 optimum blends, runs 12, 15, and 16 were selected out of 16 runs using Optimal Model Design of Response Surface Methodology with responses based on proximate analysis. The amino acid profile, anti-diabetic potential, physical properties, and sensory characteristics of the developed cookies were evaluated. The proximate parameters of the cookies were found to significantly (P≤ 0.05) (P ≤ 0.05) increased with the levels of pumpkin seed. The carbohydrate content of the pumpkin-based Cookies (47.20–49.12%) was significantly lower than that of the control, 100% Wheat Flour (60.29%). The ash content ranged from 6.20–8.19%, and dietary fibre, 24.39–26.9%. The amino acid profile compared well with FAO/WHO recommendations for healthy adults. The most abundant amino acids in the samples were glutamic acid, alanine, leucine, aspartate, and valine. The In-vitro Protein Digestibilities of the pumpkin-based cookies were significantly higher than that of the control sample (WFC). The pumpkin-based cookies effectively inhibited α-amylase and α-glucosidase at 59% and 69% inhibition rates respectively. The Glycemic Indices of the pumpkin-based cookies were in the range of 50–52% compared to the control (WFC) which was 61.43%, thus registering the pumpkin-based cookies as low-glycemic foods. Sensory evaluation revealed that cookies made from 60% pumpkin pulp, 24.5% pumpkin seed, and 14.4% pumpkin starch residues were generally acceptable as best among the pumpkin-based cookies.
... It has been further projected that nearly 300 million population will be suffering from diabetes by the year 2025 [1]. This rise in the prevalence of diabetes is causing substantial financial problems in healthcare settings of underdeveloped countries [2,3]. There are two main categories of diabetes: type-I accounts for nearly 5 to 10% of cases, while type-II diabetes accounts for approximately 90% of cases [4]. ...
Background
The present study aimed to investigate the in-vitro anti-diabetic, anti-cholinesterase, and anti-inflammatory potential of extracts from different parts of Ficus benghalensis, including leaves, stem, and roots, as well as isolated column fractions (F-B-1 C, F-B-2 C, F-B-3 C, and F-B-4 C).
Methods
The extracts and subsequent fractions were evaluated for their inhibitory activity against key enzymes involved in diabetes [α-glucosidase and α-amylase], neurodegenerative diseases [acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase], and inflammation (cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX)).
Results
The results showed thatF. benghalensis leaf extract exhibited the highest α-glucosidase inhibitory activity (73.84%) and α-amylase inhibitory activity (76.29%) at 1000 µg/mL. The stem extract (65.50%) and F-B-2 C fraction (69.67%) also demonstrated significant α-glucosidase inhibitory activity. In terms of anti-cholinesterase activity, the extracts of roots, leaves, and stem showed promising inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), with half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values ranging from 50.50 to 474.83 µg/mL. The derived fractions (F-B-1 C, F-B-2 C, F-B-3 C, and F-B-4 C) also exhibited notable inhibition of AChE and BChE, with IC50 values from 91.85 to 337.94 µg/mL. Moreover, the F-B-3 C fraction demonstrated the highest COX-2 inhibitory potential (85.72%), followed by F-B-1 C (83.13%), the stem extract (80.85%), and the leaves extract (79.00%). The F-B-1 C fraction showed the highest 5-LOX inhibitory activity (87.63%), while the root extract exhibited the lowest inhibition (73.39%).
Conclusions
The results demonstrated promising bioactivity, suggesting the potential of F. benghalensis as a source of natural compounds with therapeutic applications. Further studies are required to identify and isolate the active components responsible for these effects and to evaluate their in-vivo efficacy and safety.
... Pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata), widely cultivated in different climatic zones, famous for its nutritional value and health-promoting effects, is consumed in abundance as a functional food and as a medicine for the treatment of various health conditions [1][2][3]. Pumpkin seeds, peel, pulp, flowers and leaves contain compounds characterized by high bioactivity, such as polysaccharides, proteins, polyphenols, carotenoids, phytosterols, vitamins and minerals, which positively affect human health [4][5][6]. ...
The problem of food with functional ingredients, characterized by low energy intake and a variety of phytonutrients with biological activity, is one of the concerns of the population. The objectives of this study were to investigate the effect of pumpkin powder and its bioactive components on the quality, color and textural properties of shortbread cookies. In the drying process of pumpkin powder (Cucurbita moschata) at 60 ± 2 °C, the physicochemical parameters did not change significantly in relation to fresh pulp. The chromatic parameters L*, a* and b* showed that the pumpkin powder was brighter than the pulp, with a greater presence of yellow pigments. Pumpkin powder presented a rich source of bioactive compounds (polyphenols flavonoids, carotenoids) with an antioxidant potential of 161.52 mmol TE/100 g DW and 558.71 mg GAE/100 g DW. Antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus), Gram-negative (Escherichia coli, Salmonella Abony and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) bacteria and high antifungal activity against Candida albicans were attested. The sensory, physicochemical, texture parameters and color indicators of shortbread cookies with yellow pumpkin powder (YPP) added in a proportion of 5–20% were analyzed. The optimal score was given to the sample of 15% YPP. The use of 15–20% YPP contributed to improved consistency due to the formation of complexes between starch and protein.
... The use of dietary plants and herbal extracts instead of Western medicine in the prevention and treatment of diabetes mellitus has attracted widespread interest (Hussain et al., 2022b). According to Adams et al. (2011), pumpkin is widely thought to have active hypoglycemic abilities and is known to have anti-diabetic benefits based on earlier evidence of its fruit pulp. Khan et al. (2019) further demonstrated via in-vivo studies that polysaccharides extracted from pumpkin conferred significant protection on streptozotocin damaged islet β cells and consequently ameliorated hyperglycemia in the study animals. ...
... It has been reported that pumpkin is rich in dietary fiber, particularly pectin, functional compounds, bioactive substances, vitamins (A, B 6 , K, C, and E) and minerals (K, Mg, P, Se, and Fe) [3]. Some of the bioactive compounds contained in pumpkin are polysaccharides, proteins and peptides, para-aminobenzoic acid, and sterols [4]. Carotenoids are also greatly abundant in pumpkin. ...
The local abundance of yellow pumpkin (Cucurbica moschata) makes it a readily available plant. However, its use as a food item is currently limited to simple processing , resulting in a limited presence of pumpkin-based products in the market. Nevertheless, pumpkin is an agricultural product rich in beneficial components such as high pectin, bioactive substances, beta-carotene, vitamin A, tocopherol, and other vitamins. Its high dietary fiber content, specifically pectin, can help regulate insulin serum levels, lower blood sugar, improve glucose tolerance, and offer protection against various diseases like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, constipation, and colon cancer. In light of the increasing prevalence of conditions like obesity, diabetes, and coronary heart disease, there has been a growing public interest in consuming healthy bakery products. This has led to the development of the bakery industry, with a specific focus on producing healthy and purpose-specific breads. Numerous studies have been conducted to explore incorporating pumpkin into bakery products, as this significantly influences the quality of the resulting bakery products. This chapter will delve into the potential of yellow pumpkin as a nutritious ingredient in the development of bakery products, and its impact on the overall quality of these products.
... Annually, approximately 3.2 million deaths arise from the complications of diabetes. The ten countries with the highest numbers of patients with diabetes are India, China, USA, Indonesia, Japan, Pakistan, Russia, Brazil, Italy, and Bangladesh (Adams et al. 2011). Overall, the number of patients with DM is increasing every day (Thring and Weitz, 2006); thus, effective development of antidiabetic drugs is in great demand. ...
In remote areas of Pakistan, traditional health care system has rooted deeply to treat diabetes. The basic aim of this study was to document the indigenous knowledge of antidiabetic plants from traditional health practitioners in Dir and its adjoining areas, Pakistan and crosscheck the knowledge with published ethnobotanical literature on antidiabetic plants. To collect the ethnobotanical data, semi-structured questionnaires were used. The data were reported as use reports (URs) and relative frequency of citation (RFC). The documented data was analyzed through Linear Regression by correlating the number of URs per family with number of plant species per family. A total, 63 medicinal plants were recorded during the survey. Most plants belonged to the Asteraceae (seven species) and Moraceae (five species) families. The most frequently used plant parts were leaves (27%) and fruit (23%). Generally, decoctions (26%) and powders (24%) of plant parts were used. New antidiabetic uses were recorded for Aconitum chasmanthum, Cedrus deodara, Eryngium biehersteinianum, Pinus roxburghii, Quercus baloot, and Salix babylonica. Current study showed that traditional health practitioners have sufficient knowledge on antidiabetic plants in the region. In conclusion, the documented flora that is particularly important to be researched scientifically in future to discover new pharmaceutical and nutraceutical in order to cope with diabetes in true spirit. Furthermore future research on the phytopharmacology of certain medicinal plants is recommended to elucidate the cultural significance of traditional knowledge.
... In this context, several studies evaluated the effects of different factors on mycotoxin production in contaminated spices. They noticed that the temperatures ranging from 25 to 30°C and moisture contents of about 16% at a water activity of 0.70 can lead to OTA production in these products [68,69]. Among various parameters, storage temperature and the moisture content of the spice are the most important abiotic factors [70]. ...
Ochratoxin A (OTA) is one of the most important toxic metabolites
of fungi found in agricultural products. This study aimed to estimate
the prevalence and concentration of OTA in spices through meta analysis. Therefore, online databases including PubMed, Embase,
Web of Science, and Scopus were screened systematically from
1995 to 2022 to collect the related data. After assessing eligibility,
36 articles with 1686 samples were included in the current study.
According to the findings, the global pooled prevalence of OTA was
counted as 50% (95% CI: 47–52%). Also, a positive correlation
between the prevalence of OTA with the year of study, region,
and sample size was observed. Moreover, the highest and lowest
concentrations of OTA in spices were noted in paprika (50.66 ng/g)
and cinnamon (3.4 ng/g), respectively. The outcome of this meta analysis can be used for risk assessment model development, aiming to help the government and industries to find a specific way to
reduce the prevalence of OTA spice products
... Pumpkin has number of phytoconstituents that have been classified in to different groups. Moreover, basic medicinal characteristics of pumpkin constituents are their role as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-carcinogenic agents in animals (Adams et al. 2011). Diabetes is very closely related risk factor for COVID 19 patients. ...
Progression of today’s world has been given setback due to the adversity of a novel, viral, deadly outbreak COVID 19, which raised the concerns of the scientists, researchers and health related officials about the inherent and adaptive immune system of the living body and its relation with healthy diet balanced with pharma foods. Now world is coming out of the destructive pandemic era, the choice of right food can help to build and boost adaptive immunity and pumpkin due to excellent profile of functional and nutraceutical constituents could be the part of both infected and non-infected person’s daily diet. Vitamins like A, C and E, minerals like zinc, iron and selenium, essential oils, peptides, carotenoids and polysaccharides present in pumpkin could accommodate the prevailing deficiencies in the body to fought against the viral pathogens. In current post COVID 19 scenario adequate supply of healthy diet, balanced with pharma foods could play a basic role in boosting immune system of the populations. This review covers the pharmacological activities of pumpkin functional constituents in relation with COVID 19 pandemic. Pumpkins are well equipped with nutraceuticals and functional bioactives like tocopherols, polyphenols, terpenoids and lutein therefore, consumption and processing of this remarkable vegetable could be encouraged as pharma food due to its antihyperlipidemic, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antihyperglycemic, immunomodulatory, antihypertensive, antimicrobial and antioxidant potential. Need of healthy eating in current post COVID 19 period is very crucial for healthy population, and medicinal foods like pumpkin could play a vital role in developing a healthy community around the globe.
Graphical Abstract
... [5,6] These traits are highly beneficial to the human body, and provide anti-diabetic, anti-hypertension, anti-tumoral, antiinflammatory, antalgic, anti-hypercholesterolemic, immunomodulatory and anti-bacterial functions. [7,8] Thanks to the technology developments concerned structure analysis, biological activity and metabolomics in the plant polysaccharide field, [9] many experimental and clinical studies on the biological activity of pumpkin polysaccharides were published in Web of Science in recent fifteen years. Various bioactive polysaccharide classes could be extracted and isolated from different pumpkin sections, especially pulp and seed. ...
The pumpkin has been used frequently as functional foods. Phytochemical and pharmacological investigations have shown that polysaccharides derived from pumpkins, have antioxidant, anti-tumor, immunoregulatory, hypoglycemic and hepatoprotective activities. This article reviewed the structural analysis, extraction/purification, pharmacological activities, and structure-activity relationships of pumpkin polysaccharides. Those pumpkin polysaccharides rich in uronic acid, with lower molecular weights tended to have increased biological effects, whereas (1→3) and (1→4)-Glcp glycosidic linkages in main chains were indispensable for hypoglycemic effects. This paper reviewed the production, investigation, and application of pumpkin polysaccharides in functional foods and therapeutic agents.
... Squash consumption is becoming popular due to its innate nutritional value such as rich in vitamins and minerals with adequate fibres and carbohydrates (Elinge et al., 2012;Saavedra et al., 2013;Adelerin et al., 2022). It has also great medicinal value incurring valuable compounds of flavonoids and antioxidative substances (Itle and Kabelka, 2009;Kostecka-Gugała et al., 2020) and physiological functions like antidiabetic, anti-hypercholesterolemic, anti-inflammatory and antihypertensive activity etc. (Adams et al., 2011). Since the independence of Bangladesh in 1971, the acreage and production of Cucurbita species (squash, pumpkin and gourd) were increased almost 5 times, yielded 0.67 million tons in 2020 using 0.061 million hectares of land (FAOSTAT, 2022). ...
Squash (Cucurbita pepo L.) is highly polymorphic in nature which could contribute its different regeneration potentiality for different genotypes. The present investigation was carried to know the effects of plant growth regulators, explant types, explants age and AgNO3 on in vitro regeneration potentiality of hybrid squash genotype and to optimize regeneration protocol. In this protocol, cotyledon and hypocotyl segments were grown on MS medium supplemented with 1.5 mg/l 6-Benzylaminopurine (BA) and 0.2 mg/l α-Naphthalene acetic acid (NAA), successfully induced callus and subsequently shoots for C. pepo L. cv. First Runner. The height percentage of shoot production frequency was 66.7% from 6 days old cotyledon explants in MS + 1.5 mg/l BA + 0.2 mg/l NAA combination. The shoot regeneration frequency was increased up to 86.67% when 2.0 mg/l AgNO3 was added with MS + 1.5 mg/l BA + 0.2 mg/l NAA media combination by using 5 days old cotyledon explants. Shoot regeneration potentiality of four other C. pepo genotypes were also investigated with this system and showed a substantial amount of regeneration potentiality for different genotypes. Regenerated shoots induced the height 93.33% rooting frequency which promoted long, thick roots on 10 to 12 days in MS medium supplemented with 0.1 mg/l NAA. The regenerated plantlets with long and thick roots were acclimatized in pot soil and eventually grown in natural environment with culture facility. The present study describes a simple and efficient protocol for in vitro plant regeneration of hybrid C. pepo genotypes and may be utilized for further transgenic development.
... Likewise, other countries, such as Yugoslavia, Argentina, India, Brazil, and America, have also traditionally used pumpkins to Since 2002 https://oamjms.eu/index.php/mjms/index treat diabetes mellitus [6]. This article aims to identify pumpkin seed interventions in controlling diabetes mellitus. ...
Background: In overcoming the problem of diabetes, developed countries have used herbal plants as an alternative treatment, considering that various types of synthetic drugs and available insulin therapy have physiological consequences in their use, such as insulin resistance, anorexia nervosa, brain atrophy, and fatty liver. Objective: This article aims to identify pumpkin seed interventions in controlling diabetes mellitus Methods: The article review was conducted using three bibliographic databases. Articles were selected based on 2011-2021 publications using the PRISMA flowchart of 2015 Results: A total of 1405 were obtained from three databases. About 17 articles according to the inclusion criteria and 7 articles were selected in this literature review. Based on the literature review results, it was found that previous researchers combined pumpkin seed with other plants to assess its efficacy in controlling blood glucose. Pumpkin seed had been tested on many experimental animals such as mice, rats, and rabbits. It showed hypoglycemic activity. Conclusion: Pumpkin seed is an herbal plant that has advantages in preventing and maintaining health as well as being used as a complementary therapy for people with diabetes mellitus
... Antidiabetic components of different parts of pumpkin were listed by Adams et al. [41], and active components in lowering blood glucose level were pectin and nonpectin polysaccharides from peel and pulp of pumpkin and hypoglycemic proteins and seed oils from seeds of pumpkin. Protein bound polysaccharides have been reported to lower blood glucose level, increase plasma insulin level, and increasing glucose tolerance in alloxan-induced diabetic rats, and it is thought that this blood glucose-lowering effect of pumpkin polysaccharides might be due to antioxidant nature of polysaccharides which protects β cells of pancreas [42]. ...
Pumpkin is a well-known vegetable, among the members of Cucurbitaceae family, due to its importance as pharma food. Keeping in view the antidiabetic and plasma lipids lowering potential of pumpkin, the present study was conducted to investigate that, which part of pumpkin (peel, flesh, and seeds), possess more bioactive compounds, exhibiting antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemic potential. Albino rats with 190-210 g body weight were divided into 11 groups. Five rats were included in each group; group A was negative control, group B was positive control, and groups C to K were diabetic rats fed with pumpkin peel, flesh, and seed powders. Diabetes was induced in rats with the help of alloxan monohydrate. During 28 days of experimental period, blood glucose level of different rat’s groups was checked with the help of glucometer, at every 7 days interval and at the end of 28 days study, plasma lipids were checked with the help of commercial kits. A significant decrease in blood glucose level ( 128.33 ± 1.67 mg / dl ), TC ( 88.43 ± 0.66 mg / dl ), TG ( 69.79 ± 0.49 mg / dl ), and LDL-C ( 21.45 ± 0.08 mg / dl ) was recorded in rat groups fed with 15 g pumpkin seed powder, at the end of study. After pumpkin seeds, second significant antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemic effect was recorded in rat’s groups fed with 15 g pumpkin peel powder. Pumpkin flesh powder effect in lowering blood glucose level and plasma lipids was less significant as compared to seeds and peel powder. As the dose of the pumpkin powders was increased from 5 to 10 and then 15 g, the blood glucose-lowering and plasma lipid-lowering effect became more significant. Similarly, as the experimental duration was expanded from first week to 28 days, this antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemic effect became more significant. These results were sufficient to conclude that pumpkin has high potential to be used in human diet to cope with noncommunicable diseases like diabetes and hypercholesterolemia.
... (2017) menunjukkan bahwa ekstrak ethanolic dari labu madu dapat menurunkan gula darah. Beberapa penelitian pada tikus yang dibuat diabetes menunjukkan ekstrak labu madu memberikan efek hipoglikemik dan bertindak sebagai antidiabetes (Adams et.,al., 2011;Chang et.,al., 2014), ekstrak labu madu dan bubuk bijinya dapat memperbaiki sel pankreas dan produksi insulin (Makni et.,al., 2010;Jin et al. 2013). Menurut Glew et.,al., (2006) (Girsang, 2020). ...
PkM aims to increase the added value of the honey pumpkin commodity (butternut squash) from community agriculture into processed food products in the form of honey pumpkin chips. The stages of implementing this activity are stages (1) socialization of activities to honey pumpkin farming communities and business partners, (2) selection of raw materials, preparation of tools and other infrastructure, (3) processing practices and manufacturing procedures for processing honey pumpkin chips, (4) assistance in the process of licensing home industry products (P-IRT) and halal certification, (5) training on selling price calculations, (6) marketing training and entrepreneurship assistance, and (7) monitoring and evaluation of activities. The results of this service activity provide an alternative solution for the honey pumpkin farming community in marketing their agricultural commodity products in the form of honey pumpkin chips that have been standardized by the presence of procedures and have the legality of P-IRT licensing so that it will be easy to market the processed food products. The conclusion of this service is that the honey pumpkin chips product is an alternative option to increase added value for honey pumpkin farmers to achieve family welfare. With the results of this community service activity, it is hoped that it can increase public consumption of honey pumpkin products in the form of honey pumpkin chips which will have an impact on improving the welfare of honey pumpkin farmers.
... If linked with genetic and local agro-morphological features, the nutritionally different groups of rice landraces hold a great potential for rice breeding. Similarly, butternut squash (Cucurbita moschata) is a vegetable crop that is widely recognized as a functional food (Adams et al. 2011). The fruit is high in vitamin A and was found in abundance and varied widely in terms of size, skin colour, and flesh colour in the study area ( Fig. 3b-d) and is put to multiple uses (Kaur et al. 2019). ...
The values and roles of biodiversity at the grassroots level get little attention and are usually ignored, despite mounting evidence that effective relationships between biodiversity and indigenous people are critical to both ecological integrity and rural survival. ‘Jhumscape’ (the landscape of shifting cultivation) can contribute a great deal to enriching agrobiodiversity and ensuring food security, but this system of cultivation has been mostly neglected. The objective of the present study was twofold: (1) to quantify the agrobiodiversity of a jhumscape in the Eastern Himalayas, especially its contribution to food and nutritional security, and (2) to examine the jhum practices in view of the agroecological principles recently proposed by the Food and Agricultural Organization. Applying mixed-method research and using primary data from 97 households representing eleven villages, transect walks, and interviews of key informants, the plant diversity maintained in a traditional jhum system by the indigenous people was seen to comprise of 37 crops including many landraces and four non-descript breeds of livestock. The food basket was supplemented with wild edible plants collected from fringes of forests and fallow lands that are a part of the jhumscape. Diversity in food groups and the share of expenditure on food in the total budget indicates that the indigenous people are secure in terms of food and nutrition. Jhum agroecological practices such as zero tillage and organic mixed-crops farming based on traditional ecological knowledge helps to maintain a high level of agrobiodiversity. Using biodiversity more effectively for agroecological transition does not mean merely returning to traditional practices but requires a deeper understanding of how agrobiodiversity contributes to better nutrition, greater food security, and sustainability. Although some principles and local practices related to jhum are applicable globally, others may be specific to the region and the culture.
... The hypoglycemic properties of pumpkin have been reported mostly in experimental animals, but also some reports indicated the possible hypoglycemic effect of pumpkin in humans, in patients with T1DM and T2DM [104]. In addition to this, the consumption of pumpkin as a dietary component and as a source of fiber has been analyzed not only in the treatment of DM, but also to prevent the risk of other diseases such as obesity, atherosclerosis, heart diseases, colon cancer, and colorectal cancer. ...
In Mexico, Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a serious health problem, and although the current pharmacological treatments for DM such as insulin and oral hypoglycemics are available, the Mexican population continues to use medicinal plants in the treatment of DM. The antidiabetic properties of the plant species that belong to the Cucurbitaceae family has already been recognized worldwide. Since Mexico is one of the most important centers of diversity of Cucurbitaceae, the present work contributes to the review of the most used species of Cucurbitaceae in the treatment of DM in Mexico. The reviewed species (Cucurbita ficifolia, C. maxima, C. moschata, C. pepo, Ibervillea sonorae, Sechium edule, Citrullus lanatus, Cucumis melo, and C. sativus) revealed that the antidiabetic effects exerted are effective in a number of mechanisms involved in the complex pathogenesis of DM: hypoglycemic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-obesity, protective effects on diverse organs and cells, as well as in the control of dyslipidemias; furthermore, the select species of the Cucurbitaceae family could also be essential components of diets for the control of DM in patients with the disease. Thus, the Cucurbitaceae species selected in the present work represent a source of antidiabetic agents that perhaps establish the bases for novel clinical treatments.
Permasalahan obesitas masih belum menjadi salah satu perhatian dalam program gizi di Puskesmas Perwira, Kota Bekasi. Kader Posyandu di wilayah Puskesmas Perwira juga belum pernah mendapatkan pelatihan terkait peran gizi dan tanaman obat keluarga dalam pencegahan obesitas. Oleh karena itu kami mengusulkan program Sekolah Gizi dan Tanaman Obat Keluarga Cegah Obesitas pada Kader Posyandu di Wilayah Puskesmas Perwira, Bekasi Utara, Jawa Barat. Metode pengabdian ini berbasis edukasi melalui penyuluhan dan pembagian materi pada 18 Kader Posyandu. Pengukuran efektivitas penyuluhan menggunakan kuesioner pre-test dan post-test sebanyak 10 pertanyaan. Tujuan dari kegiatan ini meningkatkan pemahaman kader posyandu di bidang gizi dengan pendekatan psikologi dan farmasi dengan pemanfaatan tanaman obat keluarga dalam pencegahan obesitas. Hasil dari pengabdian ini menunjukkan bahwa terjadi proses diskusi interaktif selama proses edukasi. Peserta juga mengalami peningkatan skor pengetahuan terkait materi yang disampaikan yaitu dari 7.36 menjadi 7.94. Kesimpulannya, sekolah gizi dan tanaman obat keluarga cegah obesitas bisa menjadi wadah dalam peningkatan pengetahuan kesehatan kader Posyandu di wilayah Puskesmas Perwira. Diharapkan kegiatan ini bisa terus berlanjut dengan materi yang lebih luas
The functional properties of pumpkin seed proteins remain unutilized in numerous food and industrial applications. Several current approaches aim to improve the functional properties of pumpkin seed proteins, allowing their innovative potential to develop and modify significantly. Several strategies can be implemented to alter the functional properties of proteins isolated from pumpkin seeds. The first is enzymatic hydrolysis, regardless of whether, proteases may free peptide binding and profoundly impact the protein structure and functionality. Thermal treatment can include heating and cooling to replace protein conformation and increase solubility, emulsification, and gelation properties. Chemical modification techniques, including acylation and glycation, can also be used to improve stability, viscosity, and foaming ability. Functional properties and, where possible, ingredients with many applications may include exceptional possibilities for proteins modified in food preparations, such as dairy replacements, plant-based meat analogues, and free gluten that have an outstanding aspect, satisfactory quality, and nutritional profiles. As multiple different proteins act as precursors of active peptides, they can also be used to generate bio-specific foods. This review briefly provides information about various types of protein extraction techniques and functional properties that are modified by different types of processing technologies.
Three uncommon isospongian diterpenoids including a new one, 3‐epi‐kravanhin A (2), were isolated from the leaves of Amomum tsao‐ko. Compounds 2 and 3 dose‐dependently promoted GLP‐1 secretion on STC‐1 cells with promotion ratios of 109.7% and 186.1% (60 μM). Mechanism study demonstrated that the GLP‐1 stimulative effects of 2 and 3 were closely related with Ca2+/CaMKII and PKA pathways, but irrelevant to GPBAR1 and GPR119 receptors. Moreover, compound 1 showed moderate DPP‐4 inhibitory activity with an IC50 value of 311.0 μM. Molecular docking verified the binding affinity of 1 with DPP‐4 by hydrogen bonds between the γ‐lactone carbonyl (C‐15) and Arg61 residue. Bioinformatics study indicated that compound 1 exerted antidiabetic effects by improving inflammation, oxidative stress and insulin resistance. This study first disclosed the presence of isospongian diterpenoids in A. tsao‐ko, which showed antidiabetic potency by promoting GLP‐1 secretion and inhibiting DPP‐4 activity.
Pumpkins (Cucurbita moschata) are a great source of essential nutrients counting vitamins, minerals, carotenoids, and dietary fiber. Due to their healthy composition, it draws consumer attention. Pumpkin puree is used for preparation of baby foods, soups, flour, jam, jellies, and desserts. To assess the main quality parameters of the foods such as color and hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) formation, CIE-L*a*b* color changes and HMF formation which is also an indicator of Maillard browning reactions were evaluated storing the pumpkin puree at 27°, 37° and 47°C for 17 weeks. Kinetic parameters for HMF formation and color changes were calculated. The findings showed that HMF quantity linearly increased with the temperature and storage duration following the reaction model of zero order. The values of b* coordinate, Lightness, Chroma, and hue lessened linearly as a* coordinate values increased linearly fitting zero order reaction kinetic. By means of Arrhenius equation, the temperature dependency of the rate constant of color variation was demonstrated and the values of the activation energy (kj mol-1) were calculated as 76.15, 30.60, 46.08, 28.44, 27.61 and 38.32 for HMF formation, Lightness, a* coordinate, b* coordinate, Chroma, and hue, respectively.
Background
The pumpkin, a very well-edible plant that is a member of the Cucurbitaceae family, has long been utilised as a functional food and an herbal remedy. Pumpkins include a wealth of phytoestrogens, unsaturated fatty acids, and vitamin E in their seeds that may have medicinal, nutritional, and cosmetic benefits. In recent years, knowledge of the nutritional benefits and medicinal uses of pumpkin seeds has grown significantly. An abundant source of nutrients and a well-known multipurpose food, pumpkin has recently given scientists fresh insights. Primary and secondary metabolites, such as carbohydrates, proteins, monounsaturated fatty acids, poly saturated fatty acids, carotenoids, tocopherols, tryptophan, delta-7-sterols, & numerous other phytochemicals, are abundant in the pumpkin fruit, including the meat, seed, and peel.
Objective
In this review, the nutraceutical importance of pumpkin's seed anti-diabetic, hypoglycemic, cardiovascular preventive and anti-cancer effects are explored along with the nutraceutical effects of anti-depressants, anti-helminthic and anti-oxidants effects are involved.
Methods
A comprehensive analysis of the literature search was conducted. A number of databases have been searched using the common terms "pumpkin,", "pumpkin seeds", "cucurbita,", "functional food", "phenolic compounds", "minerals,", and "phytochemicals" using PubMed and Google Scholar as search engines. The content was based on information from publications like Bentham Science, Elsevier, Taylor & Francis, Nature, Plos One, etc. We have focused on the review and research papers published between 2000 and 2023.
Result
Meanwhile, some research gaps on the biological activities of pumpkin seeds and their potential as a functional food element have been discovered in the current literature. The pharmacokinetics of Pumpkin seeds bioactives and the characterization and identification of functional molecules have received very little attention in the literature. It is necessary to conduct more studies to connect the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of Pumpkin seeds.
Conclusion
The therapeutic benefits of pumpkin seeds & the potential disease-preventing mechanisms are updated in this review article, also on the chemical make-up, nutritional value, phytochemical research, pharmacological characteristics, bioavailability, food use, & industrial applications of pumpkin.
Pectin was extracted from pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima) pulp at 82°C and pH 4.6, in the presence of ammonium oxalate at 0.25%. Soluble pectin was recovered as pectinates aluminium by precipitation, in the presence of aluminium sulphate. Extracted pectin contains uronic acids and neutral sugar with a percentage of 58.43±0.10% and 21.11% respectively. The studied pectin was highly methylated (DE 77.61±0.04%). Three equations were used: Huggins, Kraemer and Solomon, Cituâ and Morris to measure the intrinsic viscosity. The latter ranged from 9.00±0.40 to 10.86±0.60 dl/g. Its molecular weight depends on the intrinsic viscosity of pectin solution, as expressed by Mark-Houwink-Sakurada equation. The obtained values varied between 224.40±9.50 KDa and 266.64±20.34 KDa. The effect of pH on rheological behavior of pectin solution was investigated. At pH 4, pectin showed a non-Newtonian rheological behavior at low viscosities. The increase of pectin concentration led to the increases in viscosity and the rheological behavior becomes rheo-thickening. At pH 7, the viscosity of pectin solution was rather low to develop a non-Newtonian behavior or modify the Newtonian behaviour.The viscoelastic behavior of pectin studied at different concentrations. Solid behavior can be observed for relatively low values of G '(of a few Pa), indicating the existence of a three-dimensional structure.
Kelurahan Sidorejo Lor merupakan daerah penghasil labu kuning terbanyak di Salatiga. Meskipun daerah tersebut memiliki sumber daya alam yang melimpah, namun warga masyarakat tidak memiliki pengetahuan dalam mengolah dan memanfaatkan keunggulan itu secara maksimal dengan cara optimalisasi dan inovasi olahan produk. Terkait hal demikian itu, maka perlu adanya sebuah pelatihan dan bimbingan untuk meningkatkan nilai jual tinggi pada produk tersebut sehingga mampu bersaing di pasar. Pengabdian kepada Masyarakat ini bertujuan untuk memberikan pelatihan optimalisasi olahan produk berbahan dasar labu kuning kepada mitra warga kelompok ibu-ibu PKK RW X Kelurahan. Sidorejo Lor, Salatiga agar mitra lebih produktif dan mampu memanfaatkan bahan-bahan yang ada di sekitar mereka. Kegiatan ini menggunakan metode penelitian tindakan partisipatif atau Participatory Action Research (PAR) dengan melibatkan kelompok masyarakat. PAR dilaksanakan secara parsipatif dalam kelompok masyarakat bertujuan mendapatkan pengetahuan praktis untuk perubahan hidup yang lebih baik. Hasil dari kegiatan pengabdian ini adalah produksi makanan olahan berbahan dasar labu kuning. Dari evaluasi kemampuan yang dilakukan menunjukkan adanya peningkatan pengetahuan dan kemampuan mitra dalam mengoptimalkan sumber daya alam yang melimpah menjadi sebuah inovasi produk. Respon masyarakat terhadap pelatihan keterampilan pengolahan aneka kue dari labu kuning adalah baik dan menyatakan bahwa produk tersebut layak untuk dikembangkan, bukan saja karena bahannya mudah diperoleh, akan tetapi juga mudah proses pembuatannya. Kegiatan ini diharapkan dapat memberikan manfaat bagi masyarakat karena memiliki kemampuan untuk mengolah labu kuning menjadi olahan aneka kue yang cantik, sekaligus mendorong jiwa wirausaha mitra agar lebih produktif sehingga mampu meningkatkan perekonomian masyarakat.
Pumpkin is a well-known multifunctional ingredient in the diet, full of nutrients. The fruit of pumpkin is a rich source of primary and secondary metabolites (proteins, carbohydrates, monounsaturated fatty acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids, carotenoids, tocopherols, tryptophan, and phytochemicals. This fruit is traditionally used in many countries as a functional food and provides health-promising properties. The pumpkin is posses some activities such as wound healing, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, and anti-ulcerative properties that have also been confirmed by researchers. This minireview mainly focuses on compiling and summarizing the most relevant literature to highlight the nutritional value, phytochemical potential, and therapeutic benefits of pumpkin.
Background: The pumpkin, a very well-edible plant that is a member of the Cucurbitaceae family, has long been utilised as a functional food and an herbal remedy. Pumpkins include a wealth of phytoestrogens, unsaturated fatty acids, and vitamin E in their seeds that may have medicinal, nutritional, and cosmetic benefits. In recent years, knowledge of the nutritional benefits and medicinal uses of pumpkin seeds has grown significantly. An abundant source of nutrients and a well-known multipurpose food, pumpkin has recently given scientists fresh insights. Primary and secondary metabolites, such as carbohydrates , proteins, monounsaturated fatty acids, poly saturated fatty acids, carotenoids, tocopherols, tryp-tophan, delta-7-sterols, & numerous other phytochemicals, are abundant in the pumpkin fruit, including the meat, seed, and peel. Objective: In this review, the nutraceutical importance of pumpkin's seed anti-diabetic, hypoglycemic, cardiovascular preventive and anti-cancer effects are explored along with the nutraceutical effects of anti-depressants, anti-helminthic and anti-oxidants effects are involved. Methods: A comprehensive analysis of the literature search was conducted. A number of databases have been searched using the common terms "pumpkin,", "pumpkin seeds", "cucurbita,", "functional food", "phenolic compounds", "minerals,", and "phytochemicals" using PubMed and Google Scholar as search engines. The content was based on information from publications like Bentham Science, Elsevier, Taylor & Francis, Nature, Plos One, etc. We have focused on the review and research papers published between 2000 and 2023. Result: Meanwhile, some research gaps on the biological activities of pumpkin seeds and their potential as a functional food element have been discovered in the current literature. The pharmacokinetics of Pumpkin seeds bioactives and the characterization and identification of functional molecules have received very little attention in the literature. It is necessary to conduct more studies to connect the pharma-codynamics and pharmacokinetics of Pumpkin seeds.
Ochratoxin A is one of the most important toxic metabolites of fungi that can be found in agricultural products. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence and concentration of OTA in spices through meta-analysis. Therefore, online databases including PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus were screened systematically from 1995 to 2022 to collect the related data. After assessing for eligibility, 36 articles with 1686 samples were included in the study. According to findings, the global pooled prevalence of OTA was counted as 50% (95% CI: 47–52%). Moreover, the highest and lowest concentrations of OTA in spices were noted in paprika (50.66 ng/g) and cinnamon (3.4 ng/g), respectively. The outcome of this meta-analysis can be used for risk assessment model development, aiming to help the government and industries for finding a specific way to reduce the prevalence of OTA spice products.
Introduction
Sweet potato grows as a strong plant all over the world and is a product compatible with
drought, temperature, and low fertile soils. Potatoes are high in starch, vitamins, minerals,
and non-mineral salts such as calcium, phosphorus, iron and low in calories. This product is widely consumed fresh, boiled, etc. due to its functions for various reasons, such as
improving immunity and preventing cancer, and its consumption is due to the abundance of nutrients such as carbohydrates, dietary fiber, minerals and other health-promoting
compounds such as beta-carotene, vitamin C, phenolic acids, etc. are on the rise. Conventional evaluation methods for the internal quality of potatoes are mostly destructive and inefficient.
In the practical production of potatoes, the quality evaluation system must have good
accuracy, high speed, and low cost. Such goals can be achieved using modern techniques
such as spectroscopy and electronic nose, as they do not require sample preparation, are non-destructive, efficient, fast, accurate, pollution-free, and inexpensive. Organic acids (OAs) are organic acidic compounds containing carboxyl groups that are widely present in organisms. Organic acids in fruits mainly include citric acid, malic acid, tartaric acid, and succinic acid. The traditional method for detecting OA concentrations is ion chromatography in the laboratory. Ion chromatographic testing requires standard solutions as a reference, also requires the use of chemical reagents, and organic acids must be measured separately. This is a tedious operation that wastes a lot of time. Therefore, a rapid detection technology is needed and preferred as an alternative.Near-infrared spectroscopy is a type of rapid detection technology that extracts spectral information from a sample through the difference between radiated light and reflected light. NIR technology has the advantages of fast performance, no use of chemical reagents and is also able to detect multiple components simultaneously.
Spectral signals can be further amplified by the combined use of the Fourier transform
technique. Fourier transform near-infrared spectroscopy has been widely used in the fields of food science, agricultural informatics, environmental monitoring, biomedicine, and pharmacy.Based on the simplicity of PLS regression, nonlinear methods are investigated to improve the PLS algorithm by embedding nonlinear core functions. This method plots the data before PLS scoring in a high-dimensional feature space, and the data converted in the new space characterize the samples. In this study, a neural network as a core function is designed to optimize PLS in the quantitative NIR analysis of OA concentrations in potato samples. A three-layer lattice with an adjustable number of neural nodes is designed to extract spectral feature variables to optimize the PLS core model.
Methodology
Potato samples were harvested and 248 of healthy size and almost the same size were
selected. The samples were transferred to the laboratory 24 hours after picking and stored at room temperature for 2 days. In the next 5 days, about 50 glands per day were selected and their OA concentration and FT-NIR spectrum were identified. Each potato sample was divided into two parts, half of which were used to detect the OA concentration and the other half to measure the NIR spectrum. The FT-NIR spectrum was measured using a PS-100 spectroradiometer (Apogee Instruments, INC., Logan, UT, USA) made in the USA.
Temperature and humidity were kept constant at 25 ° C and 47% during the spectrum
study.PLS kernel is an improved PLS method to deal with the nonlinear problem of spectral data. Raw data is mapped by a special nonlinear core function in high-resolution image space, so the original PLS linear algorithm can be used to discover the relationship between feature data and sample analysis. In short, this method can be done in two consecutive steps of mapping and regression. In modern studies, a neural network is a good tool for operating dynamic data, as it is flexibly taught by automatically fitting its link weights to the data-based model. A three-layer neural network was constructed in this study as a new nucleus for PLS output in the quantitative NIR analysis of potato OA concentrations.All 248 potato samples were divided into three parts for calibration, validation, and testing. The calibration section is used to create models and teach the model structure as well as the main algorithmic parameters. The validation section is used to check the model and optimize the parameter values. And the test section to evaluate the model. All 248 potato samples were divided into three parts for calibration, validation, and testing. The calibration section is used to create models and teach the model structure as well as the main algorithmic parameters. The validation section is used to check the model and optimize the parameter values. And the test section to evaluate the model.
Conclusion
Core PLS regression was applied to create FT-NIR calibration models to quantify OA
concentrations in potato samples. The proposed network architecture was used as a new
kernel conversion function to select attribute variables. The network was created connected with an input layer, a hidden layer, and an output layer. All 3114 wave number variables were transferred to the input layer. The same number of input nodes were generated to accept the data, and then perceptron units were applied, converting the data into a hidden layer. In the case of using a data-driven learning mechanism, the number of hidden nodes varies from 10 to 200 with step 10. Each Nh value was tested to screen for the best latent structure.
Perceptron calculations converted the hidden data into an output layer, and a total of 20
output neurons were generated in the output layer to reduce the dimensions. These output variables were mostly used for PLS regression.In general, neural perceptron units were adjusted with their link weights, which automatically matched the data. 20 output variables were delivered to the softmax MLR predictor. Predictive errors were used for 50 rounds of error-feedback repetition optimization on link weights. Figure 3 shows that the RMSEV gradually shrinks with more repetitions and gradually decreases for each Nh number. This phenomenon means that the initial feedback and error replication mechanism can optimize machine learning for the network kernel. Duplicate optimized network link weights were used to serve the network architecture as a core evaluation function to optimize PLS regression. The most optimal network structure was constructed with 130 hidden nodes and 20 output nodes.Then, the optimal network structure constructed with 130 hidden nodes and 20 output nodes is used as the core function for PLS regression. Hidden PLS variables were selected by network search mode. We tested PLS regression models with f = 1, 2… 20 based on the optimal network core. The results of model training for validation samples are shown in Figure 4. The optimal number of latent variables was determined as f = 8. The results of the network core model prediction and common cores are listed in Table 2. According to the principle of sample division introduced, PLS core models were quantified for FT-NIR analysis of potato OA concentration based on calibration samples and optimized by validation samples. The PLS model of the selected optimal network core should then be evaluated by 64 experimental samples that were unique to the model training process.
Spectral data of the experimental samples were entered into the core of the optimal network with 130 hidden nodes and 20 output nodes. Table 2 shows that for PLS kernel regression, the proposed network kernel performs better than conventional kernels, regardless of the model training process or the model evaluation process. Therefore, using neural network architecture to optimize the PLS regression kernel is a practical idea. FT-NIR calibration models have clearly improved compatibility by the adjustable network core.
Fresh pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata) is a fruit rich in phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and vitamins, low in carbohydrates, but not preferred by consumers in terms of taste. The nutritional and sensory properties of the products obtained from this fruit with high antioxidant activity can be improved by the addition of apple, peach, grape and cherry. Functional drinks appeal to all age groups thanks to their delicious taste and positive effects on health. In this study, the aim was to produce pumpkin-based mixed fruit nectar. In nectar production, 10% apple concentrate, 10% peach pulp, 5% sour cherry concentrate and 5% grape concentrate were added to 30% pumpkin juice. Nectar production was carried out in two ways: heat treated (87.5 °C for 10 min) and untreated. All samples of nectar were analyzed objectively to determine, pH, titration acidity, water soluble dry matter, color, pulp ratio, protein, fat, carbohydrate analyzes, total phenolic and antioxidant capacity, total carotenoid and sensory analyzes. The pH of pumpkin juice, which was 6.88, decreased to 4.06 with nectar production. There was an approximately 4-fold increase in the total phenolic content with the production of nectar. Pumpkin juice, which has a low taste level due to its low carbohydrate content, has become the product preferred by consumers for nectar production. This study shows that pumpkin, rich in dietary fiber and functional components, can be used as an alternative product in products with high added value.
One unusual stilbene trimer-flavonoid hybrid, paeonilactiflobenoid (1), together with six known stilbenes (2-7) were isolated from the seeds of Paeonia lactiflora. The structure of 1 was elucidated with the aid of HRESIMS, 1D and 2D NMR, [α]D spectroscopic data and ECD calculation. Compounds 2-7 showed stimulative effects on GLP-1 secretion with promoting rates of 79.8%-880.4% (25 μM) and 217.6%-1089.4% (50 μM), more potent than the positive control, oleoylethanolamide (250.2% at 50 μM). Moreover, compounds 4 and 6 exhibited agonistic activity on the G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) TGR5 with stimulative ratios of 40.2% and 40.5% at 50 μM, and 54.2% and 49.1% at 100 μM, respectively. Docking study manifested that 6 well located in the catalytic pocket of TGR5 by hydrogen-bond and hydrophobic interactions. The GLP-1 promotion of 6 could be attenuated by IP3, Ca2+/CaMKII and MEK/ERK pathway inhibitors, suggesting that these pathways played important roles in GLP-1 secretion. Thus, stilbenes in peony seeds maybe regarded as potential GLP-1 secretagogues through TGR5-IP3-Ca2+/CaMKII-MEK/ERK pathways.
To prepare pumpkin juice (PJ) rich in coenzyme Q10, this study analyzed the chemical composition, antioxidant activity, and gut microbiota of pumpkin juice fermented by Rhodobacter sphaeroides (RPJ). The number of viable bacteria in the juice reached 2.8 × 10⁸ CFU/mL; the fermentation process mainly consumed glucose and sucrose; the total sugar content was reduced, β-carotene was reduced, and a new antioxidant substance, coenzyme Q10, appeared at a content of 12.345 mg/L; levels of volatile alcohols, esters, and ketones significantly increased; and antioxidation ability improved, particularly the ferric ion reducing antioxidant power activity. The gut microbiota of mice shifted by increasing Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium and protected the gut barrier by reducing Proteobacteria after 48 h of fermentation. Pumpkin juice fermented by Rhodobacter sphaeroides not only produces bioactive substances with antioxidant capacity but can also regulate the gut microbiota of mice.
Pumpkin ( Cucurbita pepo L. ) seeds are enriched in bioactive compounds having functional properties. The aim of this study was to analyze the pumpkin seed proteins (PSP) effects on insulin resistance, oxidative stress damage and inflammation in rats with high fructose-induced metabolic syndrome.
Twenty four male Wistar rats, fed isoenergetic diets supplemented with: (1) 20% casein (C); (2) 20% casein and 1 g/kg/day PSP (P); (3) 20% casein and 64% D-fructose (C-HF); (4) 20% casein, 1 g/kg/day PSP and 64% D-fructose (P-HF). After 8 weeks of treatment, fructose supply impaired white adipose tissue (WAT) weight, deteriorated glucose tolerance and tAUC, plasma glucose, insulin, insulinogenic index, HOMA-IR and HOMA-β, antioxidant status, lipid and protein oxidation, plasma TNF-α and IL-6 as compared to control diets. Interestingly, rats assigned to the PSPs diet with or without fructose displayed lower plasma glucose, insulin and fructose, improved tolerance of glucose, tAUC, HOMA-IR and HOMA-β and increased insulinogenic index as compared to C diets. PSPs consumption lowered thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, hydroperoxides and carbonyls in WAT and carbonyls in muscle. Superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase in WAT were significantly diminished in P-HF but increased in P as compared to C-HF and C. Rats fed P-HF diet had low catalase in WAT and high in muscle than those fed C-HF. Moreover, catalase activity increased in muscle but decreased in WAT in P group than in C group. In conclusion, pumpkin seed proteins exhibit favorable effects on metabolic disorders of fructose-induced metabolic syndrome, suggesting a key role in disease therapy.
Cell wall-enriched pumpkin (Cucumis moschata Duch.) powder was submitted to enzymatic hydrolysis by cellulase or hemicellulase in order to evaluate the performance of these cell wall-degrading enzymes on that substrate. Different enzyme-substrate ratios were evaluated and the effect exerted by the buffer on cell wall polysaccharides. Cellulase produced the release of pectin macromolecules which include homogalacturonans side chains, the rhamnogalacturonan I core and rhamnogalacturonan II, in conjunction with xylogalacturonans. The content of galacturonic acid in product obtained ranged from 545 to 781 g/kg of fiber. Hemicellulases produced intense pectin hydrolysis leading to fiber-fractions with galacturonic acid contents ranging from 390 to 444 g/kg of fiber and enriched in glucose polymers as the enzyme proportion increased. Few rhamnogalacturonan-I was present.The acidic citrate buffer (pH 5.2) used for allowing enzyme activity could per se remove noncovalent cross-links like ionic bonds. As a consequence, pectin-in-extensin entanglements, pectins joined by Ca2+-bridges through the homogalacturonan side chains, and some pectins that are originally soluble in cold water due to little or no binding to the cell wall, could be removed by this citrate buffer. Enzymatic hydrolysis as well as buffer extraction produced fiber-products with an important thickening effect of aqueous systems. This effect was smaller as the ratio enzyme-substrate was increased and, in general, the fiber fractions isolated produced an in vitro glucose diffusion retardation.
Basal insulin analogs are used to minimize unpredictable processes of NPH insulin. Modification of the human insulin molecule results in a slower distribution to peripheral target tissues, a longer duration of action with stable concentrations and thus a lower rate of hypoglycemia. Insulin detemir is a basal insulin analog that provides effective therapeutic options for patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. For glycemic control, no significant differences were found in HbA1c levels compared with NPH and insulin glargine. It is comparable with insulin glargine in significantly reducing rates of all types of hypoglycemia. Clinical studies have demonstrated that detemir is responsible for significantly lower within-subject variability and no or less weight gain than NPH insulin and glargine. Recent pharmacodynamic studies have shown that detemir can be used once daily in many patients with diabetes. Together with patient-friendly injection devices and dose adjustments, it provides a treatment option with the potential to lower the key barriers of adherence to insulin therapy in type 2 diabetes. Recent guidelines for treatment of type 2 diabetes suggest starting intensive therapy of hyperglycemia at an early stage of diabetes and recommend therapeutic options that provide the possibility of reaching HbA1c goals individually, with a low risk of hypoglycemia or other adverse effects of treatment. The properties of insulin detemir match these requirements.
The effects of a pumpkin paste concentrate and its components on oral glucose tolerance and serum lipid levels were determined in non-obese type 2 diabetic Goto-Kakizaki (GK) rats. In the oral glucose tolerance test, the pumpkin paste concentrate-fed group maintained a lower glucose level than the control group between 15 and 60 min. The compounds considered to be effective in improving glucose tolerance and contained in the methanol extract of the pumpkin in relatively abundant amounts were isolated and identified as trigonelline (TRG) and nicotinic acid (NA).Feeding a diet containing TRG and NA respectively improved and tended to improve glucose tolerance. The insulin level increased after 15 min in the TRG-fed GK rats and then gradually decreased over the next 120 min. In contrast, a gradual increase was seen in the insulin level over 120 min in the control GK rats not fed with TRG, suggesting that TRG could improve the insulin resistance. The serum and liver triglyceride (TG) levels in the TRG- and NA-fed GK rats were lower than those in the control GK rats. Lower activity of liver fatty acid synthase (FAS), and higher activity of liver carnitine palmitoyl transferase (CPT) and glucokinase (GLK) in the TRG- and NA-fed GK rats than in the control GK rats were observed. This suggests that the regulation of these enzyme activities by TRG and NA was closely related to the suppression of both TG accumulation and the progression of diabetes.
Objective:
Diabetes is the fifth leading cause of death by disease in the U.S. Diabetes also contributes to higher rates of morbidity-people with diabetes are at higher risk for heart disease, blindness, kidney failure, extremity amputations, and other chronic conditions. The objectives of this study were 1). to estimate the direct medical and indirect productivity-related costs attributable to diabetes and 2). to calculate and compare the total and per capita medical expenditures for people with and without diabetes.
Research design and methods:
Medical expenditures were estimated for the U.S. population with and without diabetes in 2002 by sex, age, race/ethnicity, type of medical condition, and health care setting. Health care use and total health care expenditures attributable to diabetes were estimated using etiological fractions, calculated based on national health care survey data. The value of lost productivity attributable to diabetes was also estimated based on estimates of lost workdays, restricted activity days, prevalence of permanent disability, and mortality attributable to diabetes. RESULTS-Direct medical and indirect expenditures attributable to diabetes in 2002 were estimated at 132 billion US dollars. Direct medical expenditures alone totaled 91.8 billion US dollars and comprised 23.2 billion US dollars for diabetes care, 24.6 billion US dollars for chronic complications attributable to diabetes, and 44.1 billion US dollars for excess prevalence of general medical conditions. Inpatient days (43.9%), nursing home care (15.1%), and office visits (10.9%) constituted the major expenditure groups by service settings. In addition, 51.8% of direct medical expenditures were incurred by people >65 years old. Attributable indirect expenditures resulting from lost workdays, restricted activity days, mortality, and permanent disability due to diabetes totaled 39.8 billion US dollars. U.S. health expenditures for the health care components included in the study totaled 865 billion US dollars, of which 160 billion US dollars was incurred by people with diabetes. Per capita medical expenditures totaled 13243 US dollars for people with diabetes and 2560 US dollars for people without diabetes. When adjusting for differences in age, sex, and race/ethnicity between the population with and without diabetes, people with diabetes had medical expenditures that were approximately 2.4 times higher than expenditures that would be incurred by the same group in the absence of diabetes.
Conclusions:
The estimated 132 billion US dollars cost likely underestimates the true burden of diabetes because it omits intangibles, such as pain and suffering, care provided by nonpaid caregivers, and several areas of health care spending where people with diabetes probably use services at higher rates than people without diabetes (e.g., dental care, optometry care, and the use of licensed dietitians). In addition, the cost estimate excludes undiagnosed cases of diabetes. Health care spending in 2002 for people with diabetes is more than double what spending would be without diabetes. Diabetes imposes a substantial cost burden to society and, in particular, to those individuals with diabetes and their families. Eliminating or reducing the health problems caused by diabetes through factors such as better access to preventive care, more widespread diagnosis, more intensive disease management, and the advent of new medical technologies could significantly improve the quality of life for people with diabetes and their families while at the same time potentially reducing national expenditures for health care services and increasing productivity in the U.S. economy.
The Asia-Pacific region is at the forefront of the current epidemic of diabetes. There are currently more than 30 million people with diabetes in the Western Pacific region alone. The World Health Organization predicts that this number will rise dramatically by the year 2025, by which time India and China may each face the problem of dealing with 50 million affected individuals. The problem in the region results from a combination of large population size with rapidly rising prevalence rates, particularly of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Although much heterogeneity exists, rising prevalence rates are being seen throughout the region and appear to be closely associated with westernisation, urbanisation, and mechanisation. The risk for diabetes appears to result from a combination of genetic predisposition and lifestyle change. The most important lifestyle changes relate to changes in dietary habits and physical activity and diabetes risk, particularly in younger individuals, is associated with the development of obesity and particularly central obesity. In some populations, for example Chinese, the relationship between diabetes and weight gain begins to appear at levels of body weight that would not be conventionally regarded as representing obesity. The increasing trend for type 2 diabetes to develop in young people is of particular concern. In children and adolescents in some parts of the region, type 2 diabetes now outnumbers type 1 diabetes by a ratio of 4:1. In view of the severity of the long-term complications of diabetes, the health consequences of this epidemic will become increasingly devastating and threaten to overwhelm the health care systems in the most vulnerable countries. There is an urgent need for prioritisation of diabetes as a key issue by governments throughout the region. Diabetes prevention programmes can be justified on economic, as well as humanitarian grounds. At the level of primary prevention, such programmes can be linked to other non-communicable disease prevention programmes which also target lifestyle-related issues.
To estimate the prevalence of physical disability associated with diabetes among U.S. adults > or =60 years of age.
We analyzed data from a nationally representative sample of 6,588 community-dwelling men and women > or =60 years of age who participated in the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Diabetes and comorbidities (coronary heart disease, intermittent claudication, stroke, arthritis, and visual impairment) were assessed by questionnaire. Physical disability was assessed by self-reported ability to walk one-fourth of a mile, climb 10 steps, and do housework. Walking speed, lower-extremity function, and balance were assessed using physical performance tests.
Among subjects > or =60 years of age with diabetes, 32% of women and 15% of men reported an inability to walk one-fourth of a mile, climb stairs, or do housework compared with 14% of women and 8% of men without diabetes. Diabetes was associated with a 2- to 3-fold increased odds of not being able to do each task among both men and women and up to a 3.6-fold increased risk of not being able to do all 3 tasks. Among women, diabetes was also associated with slower walking speed, inferior lower-extremity function, decreased balance, and an increased risk of falling. Of the >5 million U.S. adults > or =60 years of age with diabetes, 1.2 million are unable to do major physical tasks.
Diabetes is associated with a major burden of physical disability in older U.S. adults, and these disabilities are likely to substantially impair their quality of life.
A new unsaturated hydroxy fatty acid was isolated from the leaves of Cucurbita moschata through repeated silica gel column chromatography and chemical methods. The structure of the new fatty acid was determined as 13-hydroxy-9,11,15-octadecatrienoic acid on the basis of several spectral data including 2D-NMR. The stererostructures of double bonds were determined to be 9Z, 11E and 15E by coupling patterns of related proton signals in the 1H-NMR and NOESY experiments.
Iatrogenic hypoglycemia causes recurrent morbidity in most people with type 1 diabetes and many with type 2 diabetes, and it is sometimes fatal. The barrier of hypoglycemia generally precludes maintenance of euglycemia over a lifetime of diabetes and thus precludes full realization of euglycemia's long-term benefits. While the clinical presentation is often characteristic, particularly for the experienced individual with diabetes, the neurogenic and neuroglycopenic symptoms of hypoglycemia are nonspecific and relatively insensitive; therefore, many episodes are not recognized. Hypoglycemia can result from exogenous or endogenous insulin excess alone. However, iatrogenic hypoglycemia is typically the result of the interplay of absolute or relative insulin excess and compromised glucose counterregulation in type 1 and advanced type 2 diabetes. Decrements in insulin, increments in glucagon, and, absent the latter, increments in epinephrine stand high in the hierarchy of redundant glucose counterregulatory factors that normally prevent or rapidly correct hypoglycemia. In insulin-deficient diabetes (exogenous) insulin levels do not decrease as glucose levels fall, and the combination of deficient glucagon and epinephrine responses causes defective glucose counterregulation. Reduced sympathoadrenal responses cause hypoglycemia unawareness. The concept of hypoglycemia-associated autonomic failure in diabetes posits that recent antecedent hypoglycemia causes both defective glucose counterregulation and hypoglycemia unawareness. By shifting glycemic thresholds for the sympathoadrenal (including epinephrine) and the resulting neurogenic responses to lower plasma glucose concentrations, antecedent hypoglycemia leads to a vicious cycle of recurrent hypoglycemia and further impairment of glucose counterregulation. Thus, short-term avoidance of hypoglycemia reverses hypoglycemia unawareness in most affected patients. The clinical approach to minimizing hypoglycemia while improving glycemic control includes 1) addressing the issue, 2) applying the principles of aggressive glycemic therapy, including flexible and individualized drug regimens, and 3) considering the risk factors for iatrogenic hypoglycemia. The latter include factors that result in absolute or relative insulin excess: drug dose, timing, and type; patterns of food ingestion and exercise; interactions with alcohol and other drugs; and altered sensitivity to or clearance of insulin. They also include factors that are clinical surrogates of compromised glucose counterregulation: endogenous insulin deficiency; history of severe hypoglycemia, hypoglycemia unawareness, or both; and aggressive glycemic therapy per se, as evidenced by lower HbA(1c) levels, lower glycemic goals, or both. In a patient with hypoglycemia unawareness (which implies recurrent hypoglycemia) a 2- to 3-week period of scrupulous avoidance of hypoglycemia is advisable. Pending the prevention and cure of diabetes or the development of methods that provide glucose-regulated insulin replacement or secretion, we need to learn to replace insulin in a much more physiological fashion, to prevent, correct, or compensate for compromised glucose counterregulation, or both if we are to achieve near-euglycemia safely in most people with diabetes.
The goal of this study was to estimate the prevalence of diabetes and the number of people of all ages with diabetes for years 2000 and 2030.
Data on diabetes prevalence by age and sex from a limited number of countries were extrapolated to all 191 World Health Organization member states and applied to United Nations' population estimates for 2000 and 2030. Urban and rural populations were considered separately for developing countries.
The prevalence of diabetes for all age-groups worldwide was estimated to be 2.8% in 2000 and 4.4% in 2030. The total number of people with diabetes is projected to rise from 171 million in 2000 to 366 million in 2030. The prevalence of diabetes is higher in men than women, but there are more women with diabetes than men. The urban population in developing countries is projected to double between 2000 and 2030. The most important demographic change to diabetes prevalence across the world appears to be the increase in the proportion of people >65 years of age.
These findings indicate that the "diabetes epidemic" will continue even if levels of obesity remain constant. Given the increasing prevalence of obesity, it is likely that these figures provide an underestimate of future diabetes prevalence.
The plastic deformation of welding interface material is the essence of friction welding. This paper studied the continuous driving friction welding of LY12 alloy that is often used as aerospace structure material. The plastic deformation on a rod sample of coupled thermal-mechanical analysis model under the electric field based on finite element method was established. Some physical parameter fields about the welding interface material, such as temperature field, strain field and electric field, were calculated. A Yada grain size model was used to predict dynamic recrystallization and grain size growth of the friction welding process. The welding process and the welding quality affected by these physical parameter fields were also analyzed.
During internship and residency, young physicians encounter a myriad of diseases and symptoms in the course of training. As discussed in the previous installment of this series ( Clinical Diabetes 27:160–163, 2009), diabetes is a major issue in U.S. health care and is growing rapidly. Medical professionals can expect to spend a large portion of their time caring for diabetic patients in inpatient and outpatient settings as the prevalence of this disease increases steadily.
Central to the treatment of patients with diabetes is the understanding of the disease itself. Previously, physicians classified diabetes based on the treatment required to control the disorder (insulin-dependent versus non–insulin-dependent diabetes) or age at which the disorder develops (juvenile diabetes or late-onset autoimmune diabetes of adulthood). As our understanding of diabetes has deepened, the diagnostic criteria and classification scheme of diabetes has changed as well.
Different therapies now target the underlying mechanisms of diabetes, such as insulin deficiency, insulin resistance, and other aspects of the disease process. To improve the health care of people with diabetes, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) no longer recommends classification of diabetes based on treatment of hyperglycemia, but rather on the underlying mechanism involved.1,2 The underlying mechanisms of diabetes were discussed in detail in our previous installment. This issue will focus on the classification scheme for diabetes, which is important for several reasons.
In addition to offering expedient and up-to-date health care for patients, there are other important reasons to have a thorough understanding of the classification of diabetes. A diagnosis of diabetes can have a major effect on the cost of an individual's health insurance premiums. In many situations, patients with diabetes may even be considered uninsurable, which limits their ability to become self-employed or to obtain insurance for their family. There are also important ramifications in …
Traditional medicine and medicinal plants are widely used for the maintenance of health in most developing countries, including Nigeria. Oral records about therapies and the plant material are kept by herbalists and commonly used in treatment of diseases and other afflictions of the populace owing to the high cost and limited availability of conventional pharmaceuticals. In Nigeria, asthma, diabetes, and hypertension are noninfectious diseases that affect the active, industrious class, reducing productivity and leading to poverty. To determine whether traditional medicines were available to treat asthma, diabetes, and hypertension, a literature review of the medicinal plants and traditional therapies of Nigeria was completed, leading to the identification of more than 100 plants used in the treatment of these diseases.
A water-soluble polysaccharide isolated with hot water from the fruit of Physalis alkekengi L. which is a traditional Chinese medicine herb was fractionated with different concentration of ethanol and purified by Sepharose CL-6B gel filtration chromatography. The structural characterization and hypoglycemic activity of the purified polysaccharide fraction (designated PPSB) were evaluated in this paper. PPSB (Mw=27kDa) is an acid heteropolysaccharide consisting of Ara, Gal, Glc and GalA in ratio of 2.6:3.6:2:1 and α-configuration. It has a backbone composed of (1→5)-linked Ara, (1→6)-linked Gal with three branches attached to O-3 of (1→6)-linked Gal and terminated with either Gal or Gal and Glc, and all of Glc and the majority of GalA are distributed in branches. Pharmaceutical experiments showed PPSB administered orally in alloxan-induced diabetic mice can significantly reduce blood glucose levels and water intake, and increase the body weight of diabetic mice compared with alloxan-induced diabetic control group. The results suggest PPSB could be considered as a potential candidate for developing a new anti-diabetic agent.
Microsatellite was carried out in Thatcher, six near-isogenic lines and F2 progeny of TcLr19xThatcher to develop molecular markers for leaf rust resistance gene Lr19. Thirteen primer pairs were screened, of which one primer pair Xgwm44 displayed polymorphsim in the population of TcLr19, Thatcher, and their F2 generations. One marker closed linked to Lr19 resistance trait was obtained, and was named Xgwm44139 bp with the genetic distance 0.9 cM. The research shows that Lr19 has more potential in marker-assisted breeding programs in wheat and provides a step stone for mapping genetic map, physical map and the eventual cloning.
The seeds of pumpkin and squash contain relatively large amounts of two multiflorane triterpenoids (1a, 2a) esterified with PABA, a folic acid constituent found for the first time in secondary plant metabolites.
To contribute toward our understanding of therapy mechanism of pumpkin protein-bound polysaccharides, homogeneity and weight-average molecular weight of an acidic polysaccharide from the fruit of pumpkin (APBPP) was determined by HPLC. The amino acid and monosaccharide composition of APBPP were tested. In the acid hydrolysates of APBPP, analysis by HPLC showed the presence of mannose and arabinose in molar ratios of 1:2. Eighteen amino acids were identified to be components of the polymer. Alanine was the main amino acid (0.13%), followed by glutamic acid (0.113%) and serine (0.088%). But the relationship between the contents of amino acids and hypoglycemic activity of APBPP is not clear.
Dietary fibre encompasses very diverse macromolecules exhibiting a large variety of physico-chemical properties. They might be naturally present in the food (in cell walls of vegetables and fruits, for instance) or introduced in the food to improve their nutritional properties (e.g. bran in bread products) or their physical characteristics (e.g. gelling agents or improved resistance to storage). The properties that are nutritionally relevant are mainly the particle size and bulk volume, the surface area characteristics, the hydration and rheological properties, and the adsorption or entrapment of minerals and organic molecules. Amongst these properties, the viscosity and ion exchange capacity are the main contributors to metabolic effects (glucose and lipid metabolisms) whereas fermentation pattern, bulking effect and particle size are strongly involved in effects on colonic function. Technological treatments can modify the physico-chemical properties of the fibre. This can be further exploited to optimise both their techno-functional and physiological properties.
A study was made of the in vivo effects of various vegetable juices on 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA)-induced chromosome aberrations (CA) in rat bone marrow cells. DMBA-induced CA consisted mainly of gaps and breaks. Exchanges were observed infrequently. Depending on the progressive severity of their chromosome damage, cells were classified into 4 categories: cells with gaps only, cells with breaks, cells with exchanges, and cells with multiple CA (more than 10 aberrations). Multiple Ca and the number of aberrations per cell, reflecting the severity of damage within a cell, were significantly suppressed by most vegetable juices investigated. The effect of fresh or boiled juices from 10 vegetables on the incidence of DMBA-induced aberrant metaphase cells (not including cells with gaps) revealed significant suppression of the incidence by fresh or boiled juice from onion, burdock, egg plant, cabbage and welsh onion. There was no difference between the effect of fresh juice or boiled juice except in the pumpkin. Fresh pumpkin juice, conversely, enhanced the incidence of aberrant cells, while boiled pumpkin juice significantly suppressed it. The present results may suggest that some vegetables, such as onion, suppress chemically induced cancer. Glutathione also suppressed DMBA-induced CA; it is, of course, well known that SH compounds analogous to GSH are plentiful in onion and welsh onion.
The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of acarbose in patients with Type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM).
A multicentre double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study was performed. After a 6-week run-in, 121 patients were randomized to acarbose or placebo and to high- or low-fibre diet for 24 weeks. Acarbose dose was 50 mg t.d.s. for the first 2 weeks and 100 mg t.d.s. for the subsequent weeks.
At the end of 24 weeks of treatment the intention to treat analysis showed that acarbose compared with placebo decreased 2 h postprandial plasma glucose levels (12.23 +/- 0.83 vs. 14.93 +/- 0.87 mmol/l; F = 6.1, P < 0.02) (least square means +/- SEM). No significant effect of acarbose was recorded on HbA1c or on the number of hypoglycaemic episodes. The effect of acarbose on blood glucose control was not influenced by the amount of carbohydrate and/or fibre intake. The incidence of adverse events were 75% and 39% in acarbose and placebo groups, respectively; they were mild and confined to the gastrointestinal tract.
The use of acarbose in combination with insulin reduces postprandial plasma glucose levels in Type 1 diabetic patients who are not satisfactorily controlled with insulin alone but without significant effect on HbA1c.
FULL TEXT available free from http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1046/j.1365-2672.1999.00780.x/pdf
The antimicrobial activity of plant oils and extracts has been recognized for many years. However, few investigations have compared large numbers of oils and extracts using methods that are directly comparable. In the present study, 52 plant oils and extracts were investigated for activity against Acinetobacter baumanii, Aeromonas veronii biogroup sobria, Candida albicans, Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia col, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serotype typhimurium, Serratia marcescens and Staphylococcus aureus, using an agar dilution method. Lemongrass, oregano and bay inhibited all organisms at concentrations of < or = 2.0% (v/v). Six oils did not inhibit any organisms at the highest concentration, which was 2.0% (v/v) oil for apricot kernel, evening primrose, macadamia, pumpkin, sage and sweet almond. Variable activity was recorded for the remaining oils. Twenty of the plant oils and extracts were investigated, using a broth microdilution method, for activity against C. albicans, Staph. aureus and E. coli. The lowest minimum inhibitory concentrations were 0.03% (v/v) thyme oil against C. albicans and E. coli and 0.008% (v/v) vetiver oil against Staph. aureus. These results support the notion that plant essential oils and extracts may have a role as pharmaceuticals and preservatives.
Type 1 diabetes mellitus is now classified as autoimmune (type 1A) or idiopathic (type 1B), but little is known about the latter. We classified 56 consecutive Japanese adults with type 1 diabetes according to the presence or absence of glutamic acid decarboxylase antibodies (their presence is a marker of autoimmunity) and compared their clinical, serologic, and pathological characteristics.
We divided the patients into three groups: 36 patients with positive tests for serum glutamic acid decarboxylase autoantibodies, 9 with negative tests for serum glutamic acid decarboxylase antibodies and glycosylated hemoglobin values higher than 11.5 percent, and 11 with negative tests for serum glutamic acid decarboxylase antibodies and glycosylated hemoglobin values lower than 8.5 percent. In comparison with the first two groups, the third group had a shorter mean duration of symptoms of hyperglycemia (4.0 days), a higher mean plasma glucose concentration (773 mg per deciliter [43 mmol per liter]) in spite of lower glycosylated hemoglobin values, diminished urinary excretion of C peptide, a more severe metabolic disorder (with ketoacidosis), higher serum pancreatic enzyme concentrations, and an absence of islet-cell, IA-2, and insulin antibodies. Immunohistologic studies of pancreatic-biopsy specimens from three patients with negative tests for glutamic acid decarboxylase autoantibodies and low glycosylated hemoglobin values revealed T-lymphocyte-predominant infiltrates in the exocrine pancreas but no insulitis and no evidence of acute or chronic pancreatitis.
Some patients with idiopathic type 1 diabetes have a nonautoimmune, fulminant disorder characterized by the absence of insulitis and of diabetes-related antibodies, a remarkably abrupt onset, and high serum pancreatic enzyme concentrations.
Clinicians are often concerned that use of alternative treatments by Mexican American patients with diabetes competes with medical treatment. We examined the use and evaluation of alternative treatments for diabetes by a sample of these patients.
Following a descriptive qualitative design, a convenience sample of 43 low-income Mexican Americans with type 2 diabetes were interviewed. We analyzed interview transcripts for alternative treatments named, patterns of use, evaluation of those treatments, and the use of biomedical approaches. We crosschecked the results for interrater reliability.
Herbs were mentioned as possible alternative treatments for diabetes by 84% of the patients interviewed. However, most had never or rarely tried herbs and viewed them as supplemental to medical treatments. Most said prayer influences health by reducing stress and bringing healing power to medicines. None used curanderos (traditional healers) for diabetes. Most actively used biomedical treatments and were less actively involved in alternative approaches. Statistical tests of association showed no competition between biomedical and alternative treatments, and alternative treatment activity tended to be significantly lower than biomedical. Most study participants emphasized medical treatment and only used alternative treatments as secondary strategies. Those patients very actively using alternative approaches also tended to be very actively using biomedical methods; they were using all resources they encountered.
Traditional attitudes and beliefs were not especially important to the patients in this study and presented no barriers to medical care. For these patients, it also cannot be assumed that belief in alternative treatments and God's intervention indicate fatalism or noncompliance but instead require consideration of individual treatment behaviors.
To review the drug treatments and some of the popular, nontraditional remedies now available for type 2 diabetes mellitus, as well as selected investigational agents; to describe each medication's place in the overall approach to treatment.
English-language journals, abstracts, review articles, and newspaper accounts.
In the past five years, there has been tremendous progress in the pharmacotherapy of diabetes, particularly type 2 diabetes. Several new agents have entered the clinical arena, and many more are in the late stages of investigation leading to approval. Sulfonylureas stimulate the production and release of insulin; these drugs must be used in patients with an intact pancreas. The meglitinides are nonsulfonylurea agents that are also insulin secretagogues. Unlike the sulfonylureas, repaglinide appears to require the presence of glucose to close the adenosine triphosphate-sensitive potassium channels and induce calcium influx. Metformin reduces hepatic glucose production in some patients and increases peripheral glucose utilization, but its use is hampered by a high percentage of adverse reactions. Disaccharidase inhibitors effectively compensate for the defective early-phase insulin release by slowing the production of sugars from carbohydrates. Thiazolidinediones appear to activate peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma, which is involved in the metabolism of lipids. Short-acting insulin and the role of weight-loss agents are also discussed.
The availability of new options for diabetes therapy provides a chance for successful therapy in a larger number of patients. However, it is important to consider how much true benefit these new forms of treatment will have on the diabetic community. The best choice for a patient remains controversial.
As our knowledge of type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetes increases, so does our appreciation for the pathogenic complexity of this disease and the challenges associated with its treatment. Many new concepts about the pathogenesis of this disorder have arisen. The role of genetics versus environment in disease formation has been questioned, and the basis on which type 1 diabetes is characterised and diagnosed is the subject of much debate. Additionally, the care and treatment of patients with type 1 diabetes has seen a rapid evolution; with genetically engineered insulins, glucose m