Isolation, Structural Elucidation, and Therapeutic Potentials of Root of Cucurbita Pepo
January 2021
TLDR Pumpkin roots contain compounds like Alpha-spinasterol, squalene, and palmitic acid, which may have health benefits like reducing depression, treating certain cancers, and having antibacterial properties.
The study examined the roots of Cucurbita pepo (pumpkin) and identified bioactive constituents with potential therapeutic benefits. The roots were processed and analyzed, revealing the presence of compounds such as Alpha (α)-spinasterol, squalene, and palmitic acid. Alpha (α)-spinasterol has potential therapeutic effects including anticonvulsant properties, reducing depressive-like behavior in mice, and potential to influence diabetic nephropathy. Squalene, a plant terpene, may be beneficial in treating certain cancers. The seed oil of Cucurbita pepo, rich in various healthy components, is used in alternative medicine for managing men's health issues, including benign prostatic hyperplasia, overactive bladder, and androgenic alopecia. Palmitic acid, a naturally occurring fatty acid, has demonstrated antibacterial activity. This is the first report of these compounds from the root of this plant.
