GC-MS Analysis of the Bioactive Compounds in Aqueous Ethanol, Dichloromethane, and n-hexane Extracts of Pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo) Seed

Abstract

Aim: The study analysed the bioactive compounds (BACs) present in aqueous ethanol, dichloromethane, and n-hexane extracts of pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo) using Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) technique.
 Methodology: The dried grounded seed C. pepo were successively extracted using the three solvents and GC-MS analysis was performed to identify the differential quantitative BACs in the extracts of C. pepo seeds.
 Results: The GC-MS results revealed the presence of 5, 22, and 17 for aqueous ethanol, dichloromethane, and n-hexane extracts respectively. Of the over 434 bioactive compounds present in C. pepo, palmitic, stearic, linoleic compounds and their derivatives were the bioactive compounds found in all three extracts. Scientific evidences suggest that palmitic, stearic, linoleic, barbituric acids, and their derivatives have significant biological effects. Compounds without documented scientific evidence such as Silane, dimethyl(2-methoxyethoxy) octadecylocy-, (22R)-6.alpha., 11.beta., 21 Trihydroxy-16.alpha., 17.alpha.-propylmethylenedioxypregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione, and Galactopyranose, 1,2,3,4,6-pentakis-O-(trimethylsilyl)-, .beta.-d- were found in n-hexane extract, while 2-hydroxy-1-(hydroxymethyl)ethyl ester E, Z-1,3,12-Nonadecatriene was found in dichloromethane extract.
 Conclusion: Results of this study may provide a foundation for the application of C. pepo in nonclinical setting and the designing of new drug for several clinical purposes.