Flavonoid Content and Toxicity Tests of Pumpkin Seed Powder (Cucurbita Moschata Durch) in Male Wistar Rats

Abstract

Pumpkin seed is one of the abundant and nutrient-rich local foods. However, their use is limited. Thus, research is needed to develop it. This study aims to determine the flavonoid content and assess the acute toxicity of pumpkin seed powder in male Wistar rats. This type of research was pure laboratory experimental research. The research sample used eight-week-old male Wistar rats taken by Simple Random Sampling with 20 Wistar rats divided into four groups: one control group and three treatment groups (given 17.000, 20.000, 22.500 mg/kg BW of pumpkin seed powder). The content of flavonoid compounds was analyzed using the microchemical method, the total flavonoid content was analyzed using a UV-Visible spectrophotometer, the LD50 value was analyzed using probit analysis on SPSS, and changes in body weight of the experimental animals were analyzed using the Paired T-Test and One-Way Anova test. The research was conducted at the Phytochemical Laboratory, Faculty of Pharmacy, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, to manufacture pumpkin seed powder extract and qualitative analysis of flavonoids. In addition, at the Biopharmaceutical Laboratory of Research Center at Hasanuddin University, Makassar, for quantitative analysis of flavonoids, and the Biopharmaceutical Laboratory, Faculty of Pharmacy, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, for acute toxicity tests. The analysis results show that pumpkin seed powder positive contains flavonoids with a total content of 1,968%. After administration of pumpkin seed powder within 24 hours, acute toxicity tests do not cause changes in behavior/toxic symptoms, do not cause weight loss, and do not cause death in male Wistar rats after seven days of observation, with an LD50 value of 22.500 mg/kg BW. Then, it is classified as "Relatively Less Toxic" or relatively harmless according to the Loomis criteria. It is concluded that pumpkin seed powder positive contains flavonoids and is relatively safe for human consumption. It is recommended for further research in humans.