Open AccessNutraceutical and Therapeutic Properties of Edible Super Food: Pumpkin Seeds - A Review
Author(s) -
S. Shanthi,
Bhagyalakshmi Neelwarne,
K. Manjula,
Kavitha G. Singh
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
international journal of pharmaceutical sciences review and research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 0976-044X
DOI - 10.47583/ijpsrr.2021.v70i02.022
Subject(s) - pumpkin seed , phytochemical , nutraceutical , ingredient , food science , oleic acid , chemistry , polyunsaturated fatty acid , traditional medicine , antioxidant , linoleic acid , tocopherol , biology , fatty acid , vitamin e , medicine , biochemistry
Pumpkin seeds, despite their small size, are loaded with enough nutrients necessary to protect the human body against various healthissues. Pumpkin seeds, also called as “Pepita” can be incorporated easily into the diet. They are good sources of minerals likemagnesium, zinc and amino acid tryptophan, which helps to promote good sleep. They also have high tocopherol content, whichmakes them a rich source of antioxidants. Phytochemical screening indicated the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, steroids,diterpenes, saponins, and phenols. High dietary fiber content in these seeds help reduce the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure(hypertension), type 2 diabetes and obesity. Gas chromatographic analysis of the pumpkin seed oil (PSO) showed that the linoleic(39.84%), oleic (38.42%), palmitic (10.68%) and stearic (8.67%) acids were the major fatty acids present in PSO. Studies revealed thatPSO can be a valuable source of edible oil due to their high poly unsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) content when compared to othervegetable oils. Besides this, bioactive compounds from the pumpkin seeds are known for their anthelmintic, antidiabetic,antidepressant, antioxidant, anti-atherogenic, hypolipidemic, immunomodulator, antitumor, and cytoprotective properties. UnitedStates Pharmacopoeia had included pumpkin seeds as an official medicine for parasite elimination from 1863 to 1936. Literaturestudies revealed that pumpkin seeds can be used as a traditional and functional food ingredient provided further animal and clinicalinvestigations are carried out to establish the respective molecular mechanisms. The present paper reviews about the nutraceuticaland therapeutic applications of this super food.