Antioxidant and Cytotoxic Properties of the Methanolic Extract of Cucurbita maxima Seeds

https://doi.org/10.22146/mot.111517

Swarupa Kundu(1), Bristy Dey(2), Nuratiqah Binti Nordin(3), Abul Kalam Azad(4*)

(1) Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Science and Technology Chittagong, Khulshi, Chittagong
(2) Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Science and Technology Chittagong, Khulshi, Chittagong
(3) Faculty of Pharmacy, University MAIWP International, Batu Caves, Kuala Lumpur
(4) Faculty of Pharmacy, MAIWP International University, Batu Caves, Kuala Lumpur
(*) Corresponding Author

Abstract


Cucurbita maxima (C. maxima), exhibits significant morphological diversity and is cultivated widely for both culinary and medicinal purposes globally including anti-diabetic, antioxidant, anti-carcinogenic, and anti-inflammatory properties. However comprehensive pharmacological properties like antioxidant and cytotoxic potential of C. maxima seeds are limited. This study aimed to evaluate the phytochemical composition, antioxidant activity, and cytotoxicity of methanolic extracts from C. maxima seeds. Seeds were dried, powdered, and extracted with methanol for phytochemical screening. The extracts were subjected to in vitro assays, including H2O2 and DPPH scavenging assays for antioxidant activity, and brine shrimp lethality bioassay for cytotoxicity evaluation. IC50 values were determined to assess antioxidant and cytotoxic potency. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, carbohydrates, steroids, and proteins in the methanolic extract. Quantitative analysis showed 5.09 mg of GAE/g phenols, 2.48 mg of QAE/g flavonoids, and 0.035 mg of tannins. The IC50 values for H2O2 and DPPH scavenging assays were 793.72 µg/ml and 606.25 µg/ml, respectively, indicating moderate antioxidant activity compared to standards. The LC50 value from the brine shrimp assay was 2.52, indicating cytotoxic activity. The study suggests that C. maxima seed extracts contain pharmacologically active phytochemicals with antioxidant and cytotoxic properties. The findings support its potential as a natural source for developing therapeutic agents. These results underscore the importance of C. maxima in traditional medicine and its potential for pharmaceutical applications. Further research could focus on elucidating the mechanisms of action, toxicity profiles, and clinical efficacy to harness its therapeutic potential effectively.


Keywords


Antioxidant activity; Cucurbita maxima; Cytotoxicity; phytochemical screening

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.22146/mot.111517

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