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Nutritional and Potential Health Effect of Pumpkin seeds: Health Effect of Pumpkin seeds

June 2022
Pakistan BioMedical Journal

DOI:10.54393/pbmj.v5i6.515

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CC BY 4.0

Authors:

Madiha Khan Niazi

University of Lahore

Farooq Hassan

Regional arthritis & Rheumatology associates, LLC

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The Cucurbitaceae family's pumpkin seeds are often viewed as industrial waste and discarded. In many regions of the world, seeds are eaten raw, boiled, or roasted, but only for personal consumption. Because they are high in protein, fiber, minerals, and vitamins, they may be considered essential for the food industry. Because the seeds are a byproduct of the pumpkin fruit, they are less expensive, and their inclusion in a variety of foods may result in higher nutritious content at a lower cost. Pumpkin seeds have been found to be beneficial to one's health. More research and study on the transformation of these agro industrial waste products into valuable materials is most likely a huge step in the right direction for worldwide efforts in food sustainability.

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Review Article

PAKISTAN BIOMEDICAL JOURNAL

Seeds and nuts have garnered increased attention in

recent years due to the signicant nutraceutical and

therapeutic potential of their bioactive components [1].

Pumpkin seeds are not an exception. The Cucurbitaceae

family includes pumpkins with oily seeds [2]. Pumpkins are

grown for a variety of purposes around the world, ranging

from commercial to decorative to agricultural [3].

Researchers have turned their focus to pumpkin because

of its popularity in many traditional medicine systems (A.R.

Abdel-Aziz). While pumpkin seeds are commonly thought

I N T R O D U C T I O N

DOI: https://doi.org/10.54393/pbmj.v5i6.515

Niazi M K et.al.,

Nutritional and Potential Health Effect of Pumpkin seeds.

1* 2 3 1 4 1

Madiha Khan Niazi , Farooq Hassan , Syed Zahoor ul Hassan Zaidi , Azka Afzal sahi , Jawad Ashfaq , Faiza Ejaz ,

5 1

Zeerak Aamir , Sahar Imran .

¹University Institute of Diet and Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, The University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan

²Punjab Healthcare Commission, Lahore, Pakistan.

³Faculty of Eastern Medicine, Hamdard University, Karachi, Pakistan.

⁴Himayat e Islam Tibbia College, Lahore, Pakistan.

⁵Zeerak Matab Herbal and Hama, Johar Town, Lahore, Pakistan.

The Cucurbitaceae family's pumpkin seeds are often viewed as industrial waste and discarded.

In many regions of the world, seeds are eaten raw, boiled, or roasted, but only for personal

consumption. Because they are high in protein, ber, minerals, and vitamins, they may be

considered essential for the food industry. Because the seeds are a byproduct of the pumpkin

fruit, they are less expensive, and their inclusion in a variety of foods may result in higher

nutritious content at a lower cost. Pumpkin seeds have been found to be benecial to one's

health. More research and study on the transformation of these agro industrial waste products

into valuable materials is most likely a huge step in the right direction for worldwide efforts in

food sustainability.

A R T I C L E I N F O A B S T R A C T

How to Cite:

Niazi, M. khan, Hassan, F. H., Hassan Zaidi, S. . Z. ul .,

Afzal sahi, A. ., Ashfaq, J. ., Ejaz, F. ., Aamir, Z. ., &

Imran, S. (2022). the Nutritional and Potential Health

Effect of Pumpkin seeds: Health Effect of Pumpkin

s ee ds . P akist an Bi oM edica l J ou rn al, 5 (6 ).

https://doi.org/10.54393/pbmj.v5i6.515

Key Words:

Pumpkin seeds, Medicine, Anticancer, Antioxidant,

Nutraceutical

of as agro-industrial trash [4], they are nutritional

powerhouses with intriguing nutraceutical qualities. After

being roasted and salted, the seeds are frequently eaten

straight as snacks. They're also employed in the baking

business as food additives [5]. A large number of research

have found a link between food's Natural bioactive

components, illness prevention, and health promotion [6].

Functional foods are the foods that qualify this diet-health

association. Plants are rich in bioactive chemicals and are

frequently employed as functional food additives. Like

Nutritional and Potential Health Effect of Pumpkin seeds.

VOL. 05, ISSUE. 06

JUNE 2022

*Corresponding Author:

Madiha Khan Niazi

University Institute of Diet and Nutritional Sciences,

Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, The University of

Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan

dr.madihaniazi@gmail.com

https://www.pakistanbmj.com/journal/index.php/pbmj/index

Volume 5, Issue 6 (June 2022)

Received Date: 6th June, 2022

Acceptance Date: 20th June, 2022

Published Date: 30th June, 2022

PBMJ VOL. 5, Issue. 6 June 2022

Potential Health Effects: Many research studies have

demonstrated the health benets and preventive effects

of pumpkin as demonstrated in Figure 1.

othe r s ee ds , pump ki n s ee ds ar e hig h i n u se fu l

components. They include a lot of vitamin E (tocopherols),

ca roteno ids , provit ami ns [7], pig men ts, pyr azi ne,

squalene, saponins [8], phytosterols, phenolic compounds

triterpenoids, and their derivatives [9], coumarins,

unsaturated [10]. In addition, pumpkin seeds are high in

potassium, magnesium, and phosphorus, as well as minor

minerals [11]. Some of these bioactive and minerals have

the potential to confer physiological benets, promote

well-being, and reduce the risk of non-communicable

disorders such as tumors, microbial infections [12],

hyperglycemia and diabetes [13], oxidative stress-related

complications [14] , prostate disorders, and urinary bladder

complications [15]. Hepatoprotective [16], wound healing

and hair-growth promoting, anthelmintic, antioxidant, and

chemoprotective qualities are among the other medicinal

properties of pumpkin seed extract (PSE) [17].

Energy

Total Fats

Carbohydrates

Protein

Cholesterol

164

Components RDA Percentage

B3 (Niacin)

Vit. E

B9 (Folic acid)

B1 (Thiamin)

Vit. A

Vit. C

31.0

272

11.0

15.0

0.50

3.0

K+

Na+

17.0

0.5

C+

Fe (Iron)

148

148.0

17.0

4 1/2

175

110.0

17.0

195

Beta-Carotenoid

Lutein-Zeaxanthin

Beta-Crypto Xanthin

—

–-

559Kcal

49.05g

10.71 grams

30.23g

0mg

Micronutrients (Vitamins)

Nutritional Values

4.8mg

35.1mg

58 micro gram

0.14mg

0.75mg

0.272mg

16 IU

0.272mg

o.15mg

Major Minerals

809.0mg

7.0mg

Mineral Deposits

592mg

1.43mg

7.8mg

46.0mg

1232mg

8.8mg

9.40 micro gram

4.54 mg

Phytochemicals

9 micro gram

74 micro gram

1 micro gram

Pumpkin seeds have numerous nutritional composition as

shown in table 1. The seeds are very helpful for human

health against diseases [18].

Figure 1: Potential Health Benets

Anticancer Activity

Pumpkin seeds are a fantastic cancer preventative and/or

therapy option. Pumpkin seeds extract has a cytotoxic

effect on cancer cells and an increase in estrogen

synthesis. This is contrary to the normal behavior of

phytoestrogen chemicals, such as genistein and daidzein.

In Sprague dawdle rats, pumpkin seed oil inhibited

testosterone-induced hyperplasia. After three months of

treatment with pumpkin seed oil, the symptoms of benign

prostate cancer were minimized. Cucurbitains have been

isolated from a number of different pumpkin seed types

and have been demonstrated to cause apoptosis in cells

[19,20].

Antioxidant Activity

The oil extracted from pumpkin seeds using cold pressure

performed better in rat skin than the untreated group in an

in-vitro study, according to Bardaa et al. [21-23]. Pumpkin

seeds have a high antioxidant impact and protect against

genotoxic chemicals, according to Elky et al (2012).

Pumpkin seed oil was regularly and powerfully proved to be

an antioxidant and free radical scavenger. According to

Fahim et al., treatment with pumpkin seed oil lowered free

radicals and improved arthritic symptoms (1995). Pumpkin

seed extract also demonstrated antioxidant and Geno

protective effects, according to Yasir et al. (2016). Overall,

pumpkin seeds' high quantities of tocopherol could be

considered protective against hazardous compounds and

free radicals.

Hypolipidemic Effects

In an animal model-based experimental inquiry, Makni and

his colleagues evaluated the role of a pumpkin seed and ax

seed blend by feeding rats a 1 percent cholesterol diet.

After the study was completed, they noted a signicant

increase. Based on the elevated antioxidant defense

system and the level of malondialdehyde, the pumpkin and

ex seeds combination had anti-atherogenic benets

Table 1: Nutritional Values of Pumpkin seeds per 100g..

DOI: https://doi.org/10.54393/pbmj.v5i6.515

Niazi M K et.al., Nutritional and Potential Health Effect of Pumpkin seeds.

PBMJ VOL. 5, Issue. 6 June 2022

[24]. Pumpkin and ax seeds, as well as pumpkin and

purslain seeds were used to study the effects of a 2 percent

cholesterol diet are all edible seeds, lower lipid levels, and

these seed combinations are regarded to have anti-

atherogenic characteristics [25].

Effect on Microbes

Bacteria, parasites, viruses, and fungus are the leading

causes of death in many people, despite a sanitary

envir onment and foo d. P umpkin seed oil in cludes

antibacterial components that have been extracted from

pumpkin seed oil. Aeromonas veronii, Enterococcus

feacalis, Candida albicans, Escherichia coli, Typhimurium,

Salmonella enterica, and Staphylococcus aureus are all

inhibited by pumpkin seed oil at a dosage of 2%.[26]. The

basic proteins MAP2, MAP11, and MAP4 found in pumpkin

seeds have been used to inhibit yeast cell development.

MAP11 was shown to have the most inhibitory effects of all

the basic proteins [27]. Furthermore, it has been shown

that phloem exudates from pumpkin seeds have anti-

fungal characteristics and suppress the pathogenic fungus

[28]. Park and his colleagues discovered the pr-1 protein

from pumpkin seeds, which has antifungal properties and

is nontoxic to human erythrocytes. It is a heat stable

protein with no growth inhibitory action against E. coli and

Staphylococcus bacteria at 700 degrees Celsius [29].

Hypertensive Effect

Pumpkin seeds aid in the reduction of blood pressure and

the relaxation of blood vessels. In rats with high blood

pressure caused by a chemical, the role and effects of

pumpkin seed oil were investigated. The daily dose of oil for

six weeks is between 40 and 100mg/kg. Chemical induction

caused raised blood pressure, but consumption of the oil

greatly lowered it, and ECG changes returned to normal.

The overall result showed pumpkin seed oil's preventive

impact against pathological alterations in the aorta and

coronary heart. The amino acid L-arginine is used to

in dic ate NO gene rat ion. Pump kin seeds oil's hig h

magnesium (mg) concentration has also been linked to a

lower risk of coronary heart attack. The calcium channel

blocker, amlodipine, has the same effects on pumpkin

seeds as a dietary supplement [30].

Anti-Diabetic Effect

Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects people of all

ages. Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic condition in which

the body produces insucient insulin or does not respond

effectively to the insulin that is produced. The two most

frequent kinds of diabetes are Type I diabetes and Type II

diabetes. Pumpkin is often avoided by diabetics due to its

high carbohydrate content even though pumpkin eating

poses no risk. Pumpkin seeds and ax seeds combined

have been shown to provide hypoglycemic and antioxidant

benets in diabetic rats. Histopathological changes

include decreased MDA (malondialdehyde and antioxidant

enzyme) increased GSH (growth promoting hormone), CAT

(Chloramphenicol acetyltransferase) and SOD (superoxide

dismutase) [31]..

C O N C L U S I O N

The preceding investigations revealed that pumpkin seeds

have nutritional and medicinal capabilities, and that they

are also consumed as a delectable food in many parts of the

world. The Analysis of the nutritional content of pumpkin

seeds revealed that they are extremely nutritious and

contain a wide range of necessary components. Pumpkin

seeds offer nutritional and therapeutic properties and have

been used for medicinal purposes. Pumpkin seeds are high

in micronutrients and are utilized in the treatment and

control of diabetes, cancer management, hyperlipidemia,

hyper tension and heart protection, among other things.

Pumpkin seeds are utilized for growing in Pakistan and then

discarded as garbage. More research and knowledge about

their dietary and therapeutic signicance are needed so

that people will include them in their regular diet.

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Natural plants are abundant in several nutrients and bioactive components that are used in commercially available medicines for the management and cure of various diseases. From ancient times, pumpkin has been a multi-functional ingredient in our diet with excellent nutritive values and as a herbal medicine. Pumpkin belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family; it is widely cultivated and distributed across the world. Pumpkin seeds (PS) or Cucurbita species are used in the treatment of various ailments because of the medicinal properties possessed by their bioactive components. PS contain different phytoconstituents belonging to the category of amino acids, alkaloids, fatty acids, glycosides, minerals, nutrients, phenolic compounds, phytosterols, squalene, tocopherols and vitamins. PS oil and PS extract provide potential therapeutic advantages against several diseases, including anticancer, antihypertensive, antibacterial, protective, antidiabetic, immunomodulatory, and antihyperlipidemic activities. This chapter summarizes the botanical descriptions, phytochemical constituents and therapeutic uses of PS, mostly emphasizing on cancer prevention and antiproliferative constituents from the relevant literature.

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Full-text available

Sep 2019

Two varieties (indigenous and hybrid) of pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima) are cultivated and widely used as food sources in Bangladesh. The aim of this study is to compare nutrient contents in different parts of two varieties of pumpkin. The nutritional compositions were analyzed by standard methods. Fatty acids and amino acids were analyzed by GC/MS and amino acid analyzer. The proximate compositions analysis data indicate that a higher amount of moisture (p < 0.001) and fat (p < 0.01) were observed in the seed of indigenous but the seed of hybrid were rich in crude fiber (p < 0.01) and carbohydrate (p < 0.001). On the contrary carbohydrate content was predominant in the flesh (p < 0.05) and peel (p < 0.01) of indigenous. The energy content was high in the peel, seed and flesh of indigenous (p < 0.001, 0.001 and 0.05 respectively). A significant amount of reducing sugar was found in the peel, flesh (p < 0.05) and seed (p < 0.001) of hybrid. Vitamin C content was high in peel (p < 0.001) and seed (p < 0.01) of indigenous and only in the flesh (p < 0.001) of the hybrid. A remarkable amount of Na, K, Fe and Zn were present in peel (p < 0.001) of hybrid. The notable amount of P and Cu (p < 0.01) were present in the seed and K, Fe and Ca (p < 0.001) were in the flesh of indigenous. The seed of hybrid was enriched with saturated fatty acid (capric acid, p < 0.001; myristic acid, p < 0.01 and stearic acid, p < 0.05), whereas unsaturated fatty acids (oleic, linoleic and linolenic acid, p < 0.05) were rich in the seed of indigenous. A significant amount of threonine, serine, methionine, isoleucine and tyrosine were present in the seed of indigenous (p < 0.01) but only alanine in the seed of hybrid (p < 0.01). These results suggested that a considerable amount of nutrients were present in all three parts of the two varieties, thus both varieties could be the potential source of nutraceuticals.

Evaluation of the in vivo efficacy of pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo) seeds against gastrointestinal helminths of chickens

Article

Full-text available

Apr 2019

The present study was conducted to evaluate the in vivo efficacy of pumpkin seeds as an alternative natural anthelmintic for chickens. Ninety Philippine Jolo native chickens of mixed sexes, aged 4-5 months and weighing 1-2 kg, were randomly distributed into three treatment groups with 30 chickens per group. Control group A was fed basic mash feed, group B received feed mixed with ground pumpkin seeds (2 g/bird per day), and group C received mebendazole-medicated feed (30 mg/kg body weight). Fifteen randomly selected chickens from each group were euthanized and necropsied before treatment, and the remaining fifteen in each group were euthanized and necropsied at 3 days after the end of the treatment. Gastrointestinal worm and fecal egg counts were determined. Three genera of helminths were identified from necropsy: Ascaridia spp., Heterakis spp., and Raillietina spp. Results indicate that compared to mebendazole, pumpkin seed was moderately effective in reducing worm counts of Ascaridia spp. and Raillietina spp., marginally active in reducing worm counts of Heterakis spp., and moderately effective in reducing egg output of the worms. The results suggest that pumpkin seed has the potential to be used as an alternative anthelmintic for chickens.

Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Effects of Kelong-Capsule on Testosterone-Induced Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia in Rats

Article

Full-text available

Jun 2018
EVID-BASED COMPL ALT

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common disease in the current ageing male population. This research aims to study the effects of Kelong-Capsules (KLC) on testosterone-induced BPH. Thirty rats were randomly divided into normal group, model group, and three treatment groups. Three treatment groups were given KLC (3.6 g/kg), KLC (7.2 g/kg), and finasteride (0.9 mg/kg), respectively, for 28 days after establishing the animal model. The BPH rat models were evaluated by Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) symptoms and prostate index (PI). Results indicated that three treatment groups all alleviated the pathological changes of prostate and kidney at different levels. Compared with the model group, the PI of the groups treated with KLC (7.2 g/kg) and finasteride decreased significantly. The expressions of NF-E2 related factor 2 (Nrf-2) and quinine oxidoreductase (NQO1) in the group treated with KLC (3.6 g/kg) increased markedly ( p<0.01 ). The cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) protein expression of the group treated with KLC (7.2 g/kg) was increased ( p<0.01 ). In conclusion, KLC could obviously inhibit the growth of prostate, and KLC (3.6 g/kg) could promote the expressions of Nrf2 and NQO1.

Optimization of a fermented pumpkin-based beverage to improve Lactobacillus mali survival and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity: A response surface methodology approach

Article

Full-text available

Nov 2017

The aim of this research was to develop an optimum fermentation and composition model for a new fermented pumpkin-based beverage with high probiotic survival and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity. Relationship between fermentation temperature, inoculum and ingredient concentration with response variables (fermentation time at the fermentation endpoint pH 4.5, survival rate of Lactobacillus mali K8 in pumpkin-based beverage treated with simulated gastrointestinal tract enzyme fluids, α-glucosidase inhibitory activity and sensory overall acceptability after 4 weeks of refrigerated storage) was investigated using response surface methodology. Optimal formulation was obtained at an approximation of 40% pumpkin puree concentration, 8 Log CFU/mL inoculum and at 35 °C. The product derived from this optimum formula reached the fermentation endpoint after 28.34 ± 0.10 h and the quality changes during 4 weeks storage was studied. The product achieved 88.56 ± 0.67% of L. mali survival after treatment with simulated gastric and intestinal juices; demonstrated 95.89 ± 0.30% α-glucosidase inhibitory activity, as well as scored 6.99 ± 0.40 on sensory overall acceptability after 4 weeks of storage. These findings illustrated that the model is effective in improving probiotic survival and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity with excellent sensory acceptability, thus may offer a dietary means for the management of hyperglycaemia.

Improved Efficacy of Oral Immunotherapy Using Non-Digestible Oligosaccharides in a Murine Cow’s Milk Allergy Model: A Potential Role for Foxp3+ Regulatory T Cells

Article

Full-text available

Sep 2017

Background Oral immunotherapy (OIT) is a promising therapeutic approach to treat food allergic patients. However, there are some concerns regarding its safety and long-term efficacy. The use of non-digestible oligosaccharides might improve OIT efficacy since they are known to directly modulate intestinal epithelial and immune cells in addition to acting as prebiotics. Aim To investigate whether a diet supplemented with plant-derived fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) supports the efficacy of OIT in a murine cow’s milk allergy model and to elucidate the potential mechanisms involved. Methods After oral sensitization to the cow’s milk protein whey, female C3H/HeOuJ mice were fed either a control diet or a diet supplemented with FOS (1% w/w) and received OIT (10 mg whey) 5 days a week for 3 weeks by gavage. Intradermal (i.d.) and intragastric (i.g.) challenges were performed to measure acute allergic symptoms and mast cell degranulation. Blood and organs were collected to measure antibody levels and T cell and dendritic cell populations. Spleen-derived T cell fractions (whole spleen- and CD25-depleted) were transferred to naïve recipient mice to confirm the involvement of regulatory T cells (Tregs) in allergy protection induced by OIT + FOS. Results OIT + FOS decreased acute allergic symptoms and mast cell degranulation upon challenge and prevented the challenge-induced increase in whey-specific IgE as observed in sensitized mice. Early induction of Tregs in the mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN) of OIT + FOS mice coincided with reduced T cell responsiveness in splenocyte cultures. CD25 depletion in OIT + FOS-derived splenocyte suspensions prior to transfer abolished protection against signs of anaphylaxis in recipients. OIT + FOS increased serum galectin-9 levels. No differences in short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) levels in the cecum were observed between the treatment groups. Concisely, FOS supplementation significantly improved OIT in the acute allergic skin response, %Foxp3+ Tregs and %LAP+ Th3 cells in MLN, and serum galectin-9 levels. Conclusion FOS supplementation improved the efficacy of OIT in cow’s milk allergic mice. Increased levels of Tregs in the MLN and abolished protection against signs of anaphylaxis upon transfer of CD25-depleted cell fractions, suggest a role for Foxp3+ Tregs in the protective effect of OIT + FOS.

Effect of pyrogallic acid (1,2,3-benzenetriol) polyphenol-protein covalent conjugation reaction degree on structure and antioxidant properties of pumpkin (Cucurbita sp.) seed protein isolate

Article

Apr 2019
LWT-FOOD SCI TECHNOL

Pumpkin (Cucurbita sp.) seed protein isolate (PSPI) and pyrogallic acid (1,2,3-benzenetriol) covalent conjugation with various ratios was prepared at pH 9. The degree of covalent conjugates in the reaction system was determined by polyphenol bound equivalents and SDS-PAGE. When increasing the polyphenols concentration, the number of bound equivalents was increased from 14.30 ± 3.35 to 131.56 ± 4.47 nmol/mg, while SDS-PAGE showed all the bands of the protein-polyphenol slightly shifted to the higher molecular weight direction, indicating that the reaction could lead to cross-linking of PSPI and PA to increase its molecular weight. The results of FTIR spectra indicated that the amino group participated in the covalent conjugates, and the structure became closer by the formation of hydrogen bonds during the reaction. According to the established mechanism model, it could be speculated that the covalent interaction between PSPI and pyrogallic acid (PA) relied on free amino groups of protein. In addition, the thermal stability and antioxidant properties got significant improvement. These protein-polyphenol covalent conjugates had potential to be used as new antioxidants in the food industry. At the same time, the conclusion that the polyphenol loading could be controlled was proved.

Plant-based sterols and stanols in health & disease: “Consequences of human development in a plant-based environment?”

Article

Feb 2019
PROG LIPID RES

Dietary plant sterols and stanols as present in our diet and in functional foods are well-known for their inhibitory effects on intestinal cholesterol absorption, which translates into lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations. However, emerging evidence suggests that plant sterols and stanols have numerous additional health effects, which are largely unnoticed in the current scientific literature. Therefore, in this review we pose the intriguing question "What would have occurred if plant sterols and stanols had been discovered and embraced by disciplines such as immunology, hepatology, pulmonology or gastroenterology before being positioned as cholesterol-lowering molecules?" What would then have been the main benefits and fields of application of plant sterols and stanols today? We here discuss potential effects ranging from its presence and function intrauterine and in breast milk towards a potential role in the development of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), cardiovascular disease (CVD), inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) and allergic asthma. Interestingly, effects clearly depend on the route of entrance as observed in intestinal-failure associated liver disease (IFALD) during parenteral nutrition regimens. It is only until recently that effects beyond lowering of cholesterol concentrations are being explored systematically. Thus, there is a clear need to understand the full health effects of plant sterols and stanols. Copyright © 2019 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

Ameliorative effect of pumpkin seed oil against emamectin induced toxicity in mice

Article

Dec 2017

The current study was conducted to evaluate the toxic effects of emamectin insecticide in mice and the possible protective effect of pumpkin seed oil. Treated mice received emamectin benzoate in the diet at 75-ppm for 8 weeks, while another group of animals received emamectin in addition to pumpkin seed oil at a dose of 4 ml/kg. Biochemical analysis of MDA, DNA fragmentation, GSH, CAT and SOD was performed in liver, kidney and brain as oxidant/antioxidant biomarkers. In addition, gene expression of CYP2E1 and Mgst1 and histopathological alterations in these organs were evaluated. Emamectin administration induced oxidative stress in liver and kidney evidenced by elevated levels of MDA and percentage of DNA fragmentation with suppression of GSH level and CAT and SOD activities. Brain showed increase of MDA level with inhibition of SOD activity. Relative expressions of CYP2E1 and Mgst1 genes were significantly elevated in both liver and kidney. Emamectin produced several histopathological changes in liver, kidney and brain. Co-administration of pumpkin seed oil produced considerable protection of liver and kidney and complete protection of brain. In conclusion, pumpkin seed oil has valuable value in ameliorating the toxic insult produced by emamectin in mice.

Effects of pH and Salt Concentration on Functional Properties of Pumpkin Seed Protein Fractions

Article

Jul 2016

In this study, albumin, globulin and glutelin concentrates with the protein contents of 70.4%, 77.9% and 72.3%, respectively were isolated from deffated pumpkin seed meal. Evaluation of functional properties revealed that water absorption capacity of glutelin was always higher than that of globulin while albumin exhibited the lowest water absorption capacity. Albumin showed the highest oil absorption capacity (6.90 mL/g), followed by globulin (3.00 mL/g) and glutelin (2.27 mL/g). In the pH range 2–10 or salt concentration range 0–1 M, albumin demonstrated the highest foaming properties. Glutelin had the best emulsifying capacity at low pH (2–3). In distilled water, the least gelation concentration of albumin and glutelin was similar (14%) and higher than that of globulin (16%). pH adjustment or salt addition could improve functional properties of the three protein concentrates. Pumpkin seed proteins could be used as good protein ingredients in formulation of new food products.