Abstract
Pumpkin seed oil is a by-product, abundant in nutrients and bioactive components that promote several health benefits. This study aimed to compare chemical compositions, antioxidant, and pharmacological activities of pumpkin seed oils extracted from Cucurbita moschata Duch. Ex Poir. (PSO1) and Cucurbita moschata (Japanese pumpkin) (PSO2) by aqueous enzymatic extraction. An enzyme mixture consisting of pectinase, cellulase, and protease (1:1:1) was used in the enzymatic extraction process. Fatty acid composition of the oils was determined using fatty acid methyl ester/gas chromatographic-mass spectrometry. Antioxidant activity assays were measured by using stable free radical diphenylpicrylhydrazyl, radical cation 2,2′-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate, ferric reducing/antioxidant power, and ferric thiocyanate assay. Inhibition of enzymes involving skin aging and whitening process was investigated. Linoleic acid was a major component of all pumpkin seed oils. Additionally, there was also a significant amount of oleic acid, palmitic acid, and stearic acid detected. PSO2 possessed the highest antioxidant activities compared to PSO1 and commercial pumpkin seed oils (COM1 and COM2). Both PSO1 and PSO2 exhibited higher inhibitory effects on hyaluronidase, collagenase, and tyrosinase than the commercials. Therefore, aqueous enzymatic extraction could yield pumpkin seed oils with higher antioxidant, anti-aging, and whitening activities. This is beneficial for further pharmacological studies and can be used as a functional food for skin benefits.
Highlights
Pumpkin is in genus Cucurbita and the family Cucurbitaceae, a common and famous plant which was cultivated from northern Mexico and has spread to Europe, Western America, and Asia [1]
Oils from C. moschata seeds were successfully extracted by aqueous enzymatic extraction
Linoleic acid was the main composition in all C. moschata seed oil samples, but lower amounts were detected in PSO1 and PSO2 compared with the commercial oils
Summary
Pumpkin is in genus Cucurbita and the family Cucurbitaceae, a common and famous plant which was cultivated from northern Mexico and has spread to Europe, Western America, and Asia [1]. Pumpkin peel extract showed beneficial burn wound effect in animal models [3]. Anti-inflammation, anti-angiogenesis activity [2], as well as anti-fatigue activity in mice [4]. Pumpkin seed is a good natural source of essential fatty acid and phytosterols which lower risk of cardiovascular mortality [5,6]. Pumpkin seed oil is a by-product from the processing of pumpkin seeds, which are rich in various fatty acids and bioactive compounds such as β-carotenes, α-tocopherol, vitamin B, lutein, phytosterols, and other minerals [7,8]. The oil exerts antioxidant, anti-inflammation, antibacterial, and wound healing effects [1,9]. It has several health benefits to against diseases, for instance hypertension, diabetes, and cancer [8,10]
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