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Health Beneficial Effects of Cucumber

Authors:
Shampa Chakraborty at Ramdeobaba college of Engineering and Management
Shampa Chakraborty
  • Ramdeobaba college of Engineering and Management
Sadhana Rayalu at National Environmental Engineering Research Institute
Sadhana Rayalu
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Abstract

Cucumber is a healthy fruit which having lots of benefits. Cucumber regulates hydration and maintain adequate blood pressure and sugar, soothes skin, helped in digestion and reduces fat and help to weight loss. Cucumber contains a plenty of potassium, fiber, magnesium, manganese and vitamin A, C, K. Cucumber has several health beneficial activities such as antimicrobial properties, hydrating and detoxification, help in digestion and weight loss, preventing cancer and other fragile bone disease. In this book chapter we have discussed about the health beneficial activities of cucumber along with its different contents.
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Chapter
Health Beneficial Effects of
Cucumber
ShampaChakraborty and SadhanaRayalu
Abstract
Cucumber is a healthy fruit which having lots of benefits. Cucumber regulates
hydration and maintain adequate blood pressure and sugar, soothes skin, helped
in digestion and reduces fat and help to weight loss. Cucumber contains a plenty
of potassium, fiber, magnesium, manganese and vitamin A, C, K. Cucumber has
several health beneficial activities such as antimicrobial properties, hydrating and
detoxification, help in digestion and weight loss, preventing cancer and other frag-
ile bone disease. In this book chapter we have discussed about the health beneficial
activities of cucumber along with its different contents.
Keywords: cucumber, health impact
1. Introduction
Cucumbers (scientifically known as Cucumis sativus) belong to the same botani-
cal family as melons and squashes. Cucumbers are served into two types. “Slicing
cucumbers” for fresh consumption and “Pickling cucumbers” for eventual process-
ing into pickles. Slicing cucumbers are usually larger with skins, while pickling
cucumbers are smaller having thinner skins. Cucumbers are very low in calories but
contain important vitamins, minerals and high water content. Eating cucumbers
may lead to many potential health benefits, including weight loss, balanced hydra-
tion, digestive regularity and lower blood sugar levels. The present chapter deals
with the different health beneficial effects of cucumber fruit as well as its contents.
Fresh cucumbers are one of the fantastic fruit. Eating habits of cucumber are great
as we are accustomed to eat cucumber with their seeds. This habit has an outstand-
ing health benefits. Cucumber seeds contain a wide variety of phytonutrients,
including both carotenoids and flavonoids.
2. Result and discussions
2.1 Antimicrobial activity
Khan et al. [1] reported that Cucumber have poor activity against Pseudomonas
aeruginosaonly. Osuagwu et al. [2] reported that ethanolic extracts of leaf have
antimicrobial property on pathogenic microorganisms for three human pathogens
S. aureus, P. aeruginosa and S. typhi except E. coli pathogens. Sood et al. [3] reported
antimicrobial activity of seeds of Cucumber family- members Karella, Cucumber,
Tinda, Kaddu, loki. All seeds extracts are effective against Serratiamarcescens,
Studies on Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.)
2
E. coli, Streptococcus thermophilous, and showed no inhibition against Asper-
gillusniger, Candida albicans. Mallik et al. [4] reported antifungal potentials of the
ethanol extract of Cucumber against six fungus. The diameter of zone of inhibition
have similar activity of the standard drug, Griseofulvin.
2.2 Phytochemical analysis
Sood et al. [5, 6] confirmed the presence of various phytochemicals like tannins,
cardiac glycosides, terpenoides, carbohydrates, resins, saponins and phytosterols.
Phytochemical screening by color visualization in cucumber showed the presence
of flavonoid, tannin, saponin and steroid. The spectrophotometric analysis showed
flavonoid 0.36% (w/w), phenol 0.40% (w/w), and, the by titrimetry found tan-
nin 2.82%.
2.3 Nutritional composition
Urooj et al. [7] reported that among all varieties, English, Zucchini and Pranic
healed cucumbers have contained highest moisture and lowest in Holenarasipur and
Dotted variety. Eghtedary et al. [8] reported twenty types of cucumber (Cucumis
sativus) from different regions. Khan [9] reported 24 genotypes of cucumber based
on Randomized Complete Block Design (RBCD) method.
Cucumber, sliced, raw 1.00 cup (104.00 grams) calorie-16.
3. Different types of nutrients in cucumber
Cucumber contains different types of flavonoids such as apigenin, diosmetin,
fisetin, luleolin, quercetin, kaempferol, luteolin, naringenin, theaflavanoside
I, vicenin. It also contains different types lignans pinoresinol, lariciresinol and
secoisolariciresinol and triterpenes like cucurbitacin A, cucurbitacin B, cucurbita-
cin C, cucurbitacin D.
3.1 Medicinal uses
Shrivastava et al. [10] reported that cucumber eating in daily basis can improve
hair growth and soothes skin, reduce swelling of eye. Cucumber juice can improve
the skin texture and cures skin infections, eczema. A piece of cucumber on the
Nutrient
Vitamin K 19%
Molybdenum 12%
Pantothenic acid 5%
Copper 4%
Phosphorus 4%
Vitamin C 4%
Biotin 3%
Vitamin B1 3%
Potassium 3%
Magnesium 3%
Manganese 3%
3
Health Beneficial Effects of Cucumber
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.96053
head for a sun stroke patient can reduce the heat of the body. Cucumber can help
in weight loss and the mashed seeds with sugar before meal can reduce intestinal
worms and tape worms. Boiled cucumber leaves and cumin seed roasted pow-
ders can be used for throat infections. Kashif et al. [11] reported that cucumber
contained high potassium so it can help to keep normal blood pressure.
3.2 Different health beneficial activities of cucumber
Sharma et al. [12] proved that cucumber juice can acts against acidity and resist
to change in pH and have good carminative and antacid potential. Cucumber
has also eye soothner activities. Keeping cucumber slices on the eyes for about
10minutes relaxes our eyes and reduces puffiness around the eyes. Patil et al. [13]
investigated activity of cucumber extract in laboratory animals. They proved that
the aqueous extract of cucumber selected can reduce the induced bowel disease and
possessed active against ulcerative colitis. Patil et al. [14] investigated that cucum-
ber juice can have significant wound healing effect.
3.3 Hepatoprotective activity
Heidari et al. [15] investigated the activity of cucumber juice against cumene
hydroperoxide induced-oxidative stress and proved that cucumber can acts as
antioxidant agent. The cucumber extracts have antioxidants and radical scavenging
property. The extract help to form intracellular ROS.
3.4 Hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic activity
Sharmin et al. [16] investigated Hypoglycemic effects of cucumber and proved
white pumpkin, gourd has anti hyperglycemic effects on Alloxan Induced Diabetic
Rats (AIDR). The extract can lessen the high lipid profiles in AIDRs. Therefore,
cucumber extracts can be useful, in the therapy of diabetes, hyperglycemia and
hyperlipidemia.
3.5 Hydration & detoxification
Cucumbers contains 96% water. Therefore, it helps to fill up the daily require-
ment of water by the body and keep body hydrated. In summers, people tend
to dehydrate easily. Consuming cucumber can make hydrate and it also acts as a
coolant and give relief from the summer heat. Cucumber and mint can use to make
detox water which effectively eliminates toxins from the body, improves hydration
and thus results in innumerable health benefits.
3.6 Reduce blood pressure
Cucumbers are a good source of potassium, magnesium and dietary fibre.
These nutrients are known to lower blood pressure, thus reducing the risk of heart
diseases. Research has also proved that regular consumption of cucumber juice was
helpful in reducing blood pressure, in elderly people with hypertension.
3.7 Digestion
Cucumbers act as a coolant for our stomach. The soluble fibre in cucumbers
helps in slowing our digestion. Also, the high content of water in cucumber makes
our stools soft, prevents constipation and keeps our bowel movements regular.
Studies on Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.)
4
3.8 Reduces blood sugar
Cucumbers are known to reduce blood sugar levels, thus being helpful in the
management and prevention of diabetes mellitus.
3.9 Weight loss
Cucumbers contain 96% of water and are low in calories. There are only 15.5
calories in 100g of cucumber. High water and low-calorie content of cucumbers,
helps in reducing weight.
3.10 Skin
Cucumbers can enhance beauty and have good effects on the skin. Application
of cucumber juice on skin makes it soft and glowing. Anti-inflammatory effects of
cucumber naturally lighten our skin and reduce tanning. It also reduces wrinkles
and fine lines.
3.11 Reduces risk of cancer
The fibre in cucumbers protects from colorectal cancer. Also, cucurbitacin
present in cucumbers possesses anti-cancer properties. Tuama et al. [17] showed
cucumber extract is rich in bioactive compounds and have anticancer activity with
Cell lines of (IC50) with MCF 715.6±1.3 and HeLa 28.2±1.
4. Effect in hair, nails and breath
Cucumbers contain silica which is excellent for hair and nail care. They help
in strengthening the nails and prevent them from becoming brittle. Moreover,
phytochemicals present in cucumber destroy the bacteria in our mouth that cause
bad breath.
4.1 Antioxidant activity
Kumaraswamy [18] demonstrated that the yellow cucumber posses more anti-
oxidant activity where as While green and white cucumbers have low antioxidant
property. The antioxidant activity is due to the carotenoids, phenolic flavonoids,
tannins, polyphenols and lycopene, found in it. Mallik et al. [19] carried out an
study on the cytotoxic activity of cucumber extract in ethanol.
Cucumber, sliced, raw 1.00 cup (104.00 grams) calorie-16
Nutrient Amount DRI/ DV (%)
Protein 0.68g 1
Carbohydrate 3.78g 2
F a t -To t a l 0.11g 0
Dietary Fibers 0.52g 2
Calories 15.60 1
Total sugar 1.74g —
Monosaccharides 1.70g —
5
Health Beneficial Effects of Cucumber
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.96053
Cucumber, sliced, raw 1.00 cup (104.00 grams) calorie-16
Nutrient Amount DRI/ DV (%)
Fructose 0.90g —
Glucose 0.79g —
Galactose 0.00g —
Disaccharides 0.04g —
Lactose 0.00g —
Maltose 0.01g —
Sucrose 0.03g —
Soluble Fiber 0.06g —
Insoluble Fiber 0.46g —
Other carbohydrate 1.52g —
Fat
Monosaturated fat 0.01g —
Polysaturated fat 0.03g —
Saturated fat 0.04g —
Trans fat 0.00g —
Calories from fat 1.03 —
Insoluble fiber 0.46g —
Other carbohydrate 1.52g —
Calories from saturated fat 0.35 —
Calories from trans fat 0.00 —
Cholesterol 0.00 —
Wat er 99.04g —
Vitamins (water soluble)
Vitamin B1 0.03mg 3
Vitamin B2 0.03mg 2
Vitamin B3 0.10mg 1
Vitamin B3 (Niacin equivalent) 0.19mg
Vitamin B6 0.04mg 2
Vitamin B12 0.00 mcg 0
Biotin 0.94 mcg 3
Choline 6.24mg 1
Folate 7.28 mcg 2
Folate DFE 7.28 mcg
Folate food 7.28 mcg
Pantothenic acid 0.27mg 5
Vitamin C 2.91mg 4
Fat soluble vitamins
Vitamin A international unit 109.20IU —
Vitamin D 0.00IU 0
Vitamin K 17.06 mcg 19
Studies on Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.)
6
5. Conclusion
Cucumber is an excellent and unusual food. A cup of cucumber contained 16
calorie with its peel (15 without) and 4 percent of your daily potassium, 3 percent
of your daily fiber and 4 percent of your daily vitamin C. Cucumbers also contained
small amounts of vitamin K, vitamin C, magnesium, potassium, manganese and
vitamin A among them Vitamin K is very important for bone health. Vitamin K
intake reduces fracture rates, and combine work with vitamin D can increase bone
density and positively affect calcium balance. Vitamin K helps in building bones
and the effects seem to be important for women. Low vitamin K levels were associ-
ated with low bone density in women, but not in men. Low intakes of vitamin K
were associated with an increased risk of hip fractures in middle-age women.
Acknowledgements
Authors thank the SERB (PDF/2016/002856) (Govt. of India) for financial
support and Knowledge Resource Center-NEERI for checking plagiarism. (KRC
No.:CSIR-NEERI/KRC/2021/Jan/EMD/1). SC acknowledges Director-NEERI for his
overall support.
Cucumber, sliced, raw 1.00 cup (104.00 grams) calorie-16
Nutrient Amount DRI/ DV (%)
Vitamin E 0.05IU
Minerals
Boron 0.00mg
Calcium 16.64mg 2
Chloride 0.00 —
Chromium 0.00 —
Copper 0.04 4
Fluoride 0.00 0
Iodine 0.00mg —
Iron 0.29mg 2
Magnesium 13.52mg 3
Manganese 0.08mg 3
Molybdenum 5.20 mcg 12
Phosphorus 24.96mg 4
Potassium 152.88mg 3
selenium 0.31 mcg 1
Sodium 2.08mg 0
Zinc 0.21mg 2
The nutrient profiles provided in this chapter are derived from The Food Processor, Version .., ESHA Research,
Salem, Oregon, USA.
7
Health Beneficial Effects of Cucumber
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.96053
Author details
ShampaChakraborty* and SadhanaRayalu
Environmental Materials Division, National Environmental Engineering Research
Institute, Nagpur, India
*Address all correspondence to: shampa132@gmail.com
© 2021 The Author(s). Licensee IntechOpen. This chapter is distributed under the terms
of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/
by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium,
provided the original work is properly cited.
8
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Full-text available
  • Apr 2024
Cucumbers are a well-known and ancient vegetable farmed for sustenance for over 3,000 years. As a result of FAO records, Egypt's production comes in 12th place, while Iraq's yearly production comes in 39 ranked globally. At the local level, Egyptian and Iraqi cucumber production was very important among the economic vegetables. However, acari and insects have a significant influence on output and quality. A two-spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae (Acari; Tetranychidae), is a severe crop pest that feeds on over 1000 plant species and has been identified on each continent excluding Antarctica. T. urticae is one of the most important challenges facing the cultivation of cucumbers in open or protected houses, as it causes direct damage to cucumber production and has a substantial effect on the total chlorophyll content, net photosynthetic rate, and leaf greenness. Spider mites are primarily controlled using pesticides, such as pyrethroids and avermectins. However, intensive and often scientifically unsubstantiated use of pesticides results in the development of resistant populations. Resistant pests impair agricultural output yield, resulting in significant economic losses and a reduction in food security. Additionally, despite the efficacy of biological control of the mites on their host plants, predators cannot keep the mite numbers below an economic injury level for a long amount of time. Therefore, selective pesticides are required to modify the prey/predator balance and maintain acceptable long-term control effectiveness. Therefore, the study aimed to maximize the use of specialized pesticides, for example, abamectin, etoxazol, bifenzate, etc., to reduce the quantity in the control of plant pests, the most effective at the right time, and prevent the development of resistance to this dangerous pest for acaricides with reduced residues that affect fruits, especially in protected agriculture. And overuse of pesticides, especially in plant types that harvest semi-daily. And to reduce production costs, increase economic yield, and improve crop quality to produce clean fruits free of pesticide residues and contribute to reducing environmental pollution and restoring vital balance.
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Novel methylation specific bisulfite primer pairs for epigenetic studies of Capsicum spp.
Article
  • Dec 2023
Over the past ten years, interest in epigenetic has rapidly increased. Heritable and stable changes in gene expression without any change in DNA sequence is in the field of epigenetics. Plants have a well-preserved epigenetic signature called DNA methylation. It is an essential epigenetic mark that protects genomic stability, silences harmful transposon insertions, and controls global gene expression in all developmental stages and environmental circumstances. All three sequence contexts, the asymmetric CpHpH context and the symmetric CpG and CpHpG contexts (where H is C, A, or T), are among DNA methylation sites in plants. Particularly, DNA cytosine methylation affects a wide range of biological processes, such as gene expression, chromatin structure, DNA packing, recombination, genomic imprinting, and DNA replication. The choice of primer pairs that flank cytosine methylation contexts is critical when designing for the detection of DNA cytosine methylation using bisulfite sequencing. We have developed and synthesized 26 bisulfite specific primer pairs suitable for DNA cytosine methylation investigations in peppers. These primers are specific to certain promoters, intergenic regions, and gene bodies (exons, introns, and UTRs). DNA samples taken from various tissues and developmental stages of Capsicum annuum L. Demre Sivrisi were analyzed by these primer pairs to confirm their utilization.
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Studies on the Nutritional and Quality Characteristics of Cucumis Sativus Varieties
Article
Full-text available
  • Apr 2016
The present study was carried out to evaluate the nutritional, functional and quality parameters of different varieties of locally available cucumbers and their shelf stability. Cucumbers are botanically categorized as berries, which are available in many different sizes, shapes and colors. The most popular variety is the long smooth salad cucumber which has a smooth, dark-green skin. Some of the varieties of cucumbers available in local markets of India are English, Holenarasipur, Dotted, Zucchini, Gherkin, Armenian, Organic Zucchini, Organic Regular, Regular, Pranic healed cucumber. Pranic healing is an Ancient Science and Art of healing using Prana or life force. Different varieties of fresh cucumbers were studied for nutritional parameters: Moisture, vitamin-C; functional parameters: total phenols, antioxidant activity, and quality parameters: pH, brix and titrable acidity. All the 9 varieties were evaluated for the above mentioned parameters in different parts of cucumber viz, whole vegetable, peel and pulp. Highest moisture content was observed in English, Zucchini and Pranic healed cucumbers, and the lowest moisture content was found in two varieties, viz, Holenarasipur and dotted variety. Zucchini, organic variety had the highest vitamin C, antioxidant activity and total polyphenol content and was lowest found in Holenarisupur variety.
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Phytochemical screening and in vitro antibacterial and anticancer activities of the aqueous extract of Cucumis sativus
Article
Full-text available
  • Jul 2018
Tumor is a multifactorial sickness and consequently can be viably overwhelmed by a multi-constituently remedial strategy. Herbal extracts shows the example of such stratagem. However, less research have been carried out till date that portray the effect of different extraction techniques on the phyto compounds profile of plant extracts and its effect on anticancer activity. Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) is a member of the Cucurbitaceae family like melon, squash and pumpkins. It is a popular vegetable harvest in Indian customary medicine since olden times. It has potential lipid lowering and antioxidant activity and antidiabetic. In the present study, we have evaluated the anticancer prospective of methanolic and acetone extracts of Cucumis sativus (CSME) and (CSAE). Reported results show that (CSME) is rich in bioactive compounds shown anticancer activity with Cell lines of (IC50) with MCF 715.6 ± 1.3 and HeLa 28.2 ± 1. This study on the presence of cytotoxic from the Cucumis sativus L.), which have been further used in herbal formulations study as an anticancer activity. Our conclusion support additional in-depth study of this pharmacologic activity as an malignant tumor agent.
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PHYTOCHEMICAL SCREENING AND ANTIMICROBIAL ASSAY OF VARIOUS SEEDS EXTRACT OF CUCURBITACEAE FAMILY
Article
Full-text available
  • Aug 2012
The present study deals with the antimicrobial activity and phytochemical screening of seeds extract of five plants of Cucurbitaceae family-Momordica charantia (Karella), Cucumis sativa (Cucumber), Praecitrullus fistulosus (Tinda), Cucurbita pepo (Kaddu), Lagenaria siceraria (loki) that are commonly available and readily consumed in India. Results of antimicrobial activity revealed that all the seeds extracts were very effective against Serratia marcescens , E. coli, Streptococcus thermophilous, Fusarium oxysporium, Trichoderma reesei while some extracts showed no inhibition against Aspergillus niger (Cucumis sativa), Candida albicans (Praecitrullus fistulosus, Cucurbita pepo, Lagenaria siceraria). Phytochemical analysis of these plants confirms the presence of various phytochemicals like tannins, cardiac glycosides, terpenoides, carbohydrates, resins, saponins and phytosterols. While other phtochemicals like alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, steroidal terpenes and phylobatamins were found to be absent in all the extracts. These plants can be a source of useful drugs but further studies are required to isolate the active component from the crude plant extract for proper drug development.
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Antibacterial activity of Phyllantus emblica, Coriandrum sativum, Culinaris medic, Lawsonia alba and Cucumis sativus
Article
Full-text available
  • Oct 2013
  • ACTA POL PHARM
Present study deals with the demonstration of the antibacterial activity of very common medicinal plants of Pakistani origin i.e., Phyllantus emblica, Coriandrum sativum, Culinaris medic, Lawsonia alba and Cucumis sativus. The extracts were prepared in crude form by the use of hydro-alcoholic solution and were screened for antibacterial activity against various bacterial species by disk diffusion method. Assay was performed using clinical isolates of B. cereus, S. aureus, P. aeruginosa and E. coli. Crude extract of Phyllantus emblica fruit exhibited strong activity against standard cultures of all studied bacteria. Lawsonia alba showed good activity against standard cultures of all the used microorganisms. Coriandrum sativum was effective only against Bacillus cereus, while Cucumis sativus and Culinaris medic showed poor activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa only. Hence, Phyllantus emblica exhibited strong antibacterial activity against a wide range of bacteria it means that Phyllantus emblica extract contains some compounds which have broad spectrum of bactericidal activity.
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EFFECT OF DIFFERENT NITROGEN LEVELS ON GROWTH AND YIELD OF CUCUMBER (CUCUMIS SATIVUS L.)
Article
Full-text available
  • Jan 2008
A study was conducted in the Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture, Gomal University, Dera Ismail Khan, NWFP, Pakistan during 2006. Six levels of nitrogen (0, 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100 kg/ha) were tried to see their effect on growth and yield of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.). The results revealed that 100 kg N significantly increased fruit length (19.43 cm), fruit weight (152.2 g) and vine length (3.08 m) which are indirectly related to yield. However 80 kg N was found as the most economical dose for minimizing days to flowering (38.56), days to fruit setting (12.68) and days to fruit maturity (7.03) with higher number of fruits (15.22) and ultimately higher yield of cucumber (13.9 t/ha).
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Hypoglycemic and Hypolipidemic Effects of Cucumber, White Pumpkin and Ridge Gourd in Alloxan Induced Diabetic Rats
Article
Full-text available
  • Jan 2013
Ethanolic extracts of some fruits of Cucurbitaceae family such as Cucumis sativus (cucumber), Lagenaria siceraria (white pumpkin), Luffa acutangula (ridge gourd), Benincasa hispida (ash gourd), Citrullus lanatus (sweet melon) and Cucarbita maxima (pumpkin) have been studied for their hypoglycemic effects on alloxan induced diabetic rats (AIDRs). Screening results suggested that among the tested fruits the hypoglycemic potency follows: cucumber > white pumpkin > ridge gourd. These three fruit-extracts were further investigated for their hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic and glycogenesis effects. Cucumber, white pumpkin and ridge gourd extracts reduced blood glucose level by 67, 65 and 51%, respectively at 12 hours after single intraperitoneal injection; while reduced the low density lipoprotein (LDL) level to 13, 28 and 86%, respectively in AIDRs. The maximum reduction 87% was observed by cucumber extract. Cucumber, white pumpkin and ridge gourd extracts reduced total cholesterol level to 29, 15 and 38%, respectively comparing with the diabetic control group. Here the maximum reduction of 85% was observed by white pumpkin extract. Cucumber, white pumpkin and ridge gourd also reduced triglyceride levels to 72, 68 and 80%, respectively. Maximum reduction of 32% was observed by white pumpkin. Significant improvement of glycogenesis was also observed by ridge gourd extracts in AIDRs.
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Evaluation of antacid and carminative properties of Cucumis sativus under simulated conditions
Article
  • Jan 2012
The study was aimed to evaluate the carminative and antacid properties of Cucumis sativus fruit pulp aqueous extract under simulated conditions. Fresh fruit pulp of Cucumis sativus was homogenized and dried under shade and thus mass obtained was powdered, weighed and subjected for the evaluation of carminative and antacid profile of the drug. Carminative & antacid properties of Cucumis sativa was evaluated using carbondioxide evolution method & Rossette Rice test. The Cucumis sativus extract showed significant results for carminative properties & antacid effect (P < 0.05) at different doses and the results obtained were comparable to that of standard NaHCO3. The results of the present study suggest that extract of C. sativa significantly neutralized acid and showed resistance against change in pH and also illustrate good carminative potential. The extract of C. sativa, has shown to possess significant carminative and antacid property.
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Effect of aqueous extract of Cucumis sativus Linn. fruit in ulcerative colitis in laboratory animals
Article
  • Feb 2012
Objective To elucidate the ameliorative effect of aqueous extract of fruit of Cucumis sativus (C. sativus) (CS) in acetic acid induced colitis in wistar rats.Methods The animals were administered with 2 mL acetic acid (4%) via intra rectal. The animals were divided into various treatment groups (n=6). Prednisolone was used as standard drug and C. sativus was administered at a dose of 100, 250 and 500 mg/kg p.o. The control group of animals received 1 mL of vehicle (distilled water). Ulcer area, ulcer index, spleen weight, colon weight to length ratio, macroscopic score, hematological parameters, colonic myeloperoxidase (MPO) and histological changes were recorded after the treatment regimen of 11 d.ResultsIntrarectal instillation of acetic acid caused enhanced ulcer area, ulcer index, spleen weight, colon weight to length ratio, colonic MPO and hematological parameters. Pretreatment with C. sativus for 7 d exhibited significant effect in lowering of ulcer area, ulcer index as well as neutrophil infiltration at a dose of 250 and 500 mg/kg in acetic acid induced colitis.Conclusion The present investigation demonstrates C. sativus is of potent therapeutic value in the amelioration of experimental colitis in laboratory animals by inhibiting the inflammatory mediator.
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