Pumpkin Seed Research Articles

Current Strategies to Modify the Functional Properties of Proteins Extracted from Pumpkin Seeds: A Comprehensive Review

The functional properties of pumpkin seed proteins remain unutilized in numerous food and industrial applications. Several current approaches aim to improve the functional properties of pumpkin seed proteins, allowing their innovative potential to develop and modify significantly. Several strategies can be implemented to alter the functional properties of proteins isolated from pumpkin seeds. The first is enzymatic hydrolysis, regardless of whether, proteases may free peptide binding and profoundly impact the protein structure and functionality. Thermal treatment can include heating and cooling to replace protein conformation and increase solubility, emulsification, and gelation properties. Chemical modification techniques, including acylation and glycation, can also be used to improve stability, viscosity, and foaming ability. Functional properties and, where possible, ingredients with many applications may include exceptional possibilities for proteins modified in food preparations, such as dairy replacements, plant-based meat analogues, and free gluten that have an outstanding aspect, satisfactory quality, and nutritional profiles. As multiple different proteins act as precursors of active peptides, they can also be used to generate bio-specific foods. This review briefly provides information about various types of protein extraction techniques and functional properties that are modified by different types of processing technologies.

The Effect of Supplier Collaboration, Transport Efficiency, Technology Adoption, and Market Demand on Distribution Efficiency and Profitability of Pumpkin Seed Supply Chain in Indonesia

This study examines the effects of supplier collaboration, transportation efficiency, technology adoption, and market demand on the distribution efficiency and profitability of the pumpkin seed supply chain in Indonesia. Using a quantitative approach, data were collected from 150 respondents involved in the supply chain, including suppliers, distributors, and logistics providers. The data were analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling-Partial Least Squares (SEM-PLS 3). The findings reveal that supplier collaboration, transportation efficiency, and technology adoption significantly enhance distribution efficiency, which in turn positively impacts profitability. Market demand was also found to moderate the relationship between distribution efficiency and profitability, particularly during periods of high demand. These findings underscore the importance of fostering collaboration, optimizing transportation, and adopting technology to improve the supply chain’s operational performance and financial outcomes. The study provides valuable insights for practitioners and policymakers aiming to enhance the agricultural supply chain's competitiveness and sustainability in Indonesia.

Implementation of Autopilot Innovation in the Mobile Pumpkin Seed Coffee Business Model to Drive Progress on SDGs

Objective:This study is to investigate the results of the application of autopilot innovation from several stages of business modeling of mobile pumpkin seed coffee products, with the aim of producing autopilot business innovation to encourage the progress of SDGs. Theoretical Framework:The main concept and theory underlying this research is to integrate several concepts and theories to analyze and produce business model innovation on autopilot. Method:in this study includes research design, research approach, participants, instruments, procedures that are adjusted to several theoretical concepts. Data collection is carried out according to several concepts and theories such as interviews, questionnaires, observations. Results and Discussion:The results obtained reveal several theoretical concepts that have positive results on the mobile pumpkin seed coffee business to be continued at the innovation model stage. These results are contextualized based on the theoretical framework, highlighting the identified implications and relationships that are refined with the concept of digital business as the advantage of this study with a complete discussion. Research Implications:provide guidance for mobile coffee entrepreneurs to be successful in running a mobile coffee business and theoretically can provide insight into the results of innovation that can be applied or influence practices in the field of business models. Originality/Value:make a positive contribution to the literature on innovation in autopilot business modeling. The relevance is proven by the interest of investors in having a mobile coffee sunflower seed franchise business

A self-iterative learning with dual attention mechanism fusion method for pumpkin seed quality equipment

To perform fast and accurate classification of pumpkin seeds, three batches of pumpkin seed images were taken. A self-iterative learning large kernel attention-Squeeze and Excitation-Residual Network34 (LKA-SE-ResNet34) model was proposed by adding dual attention mechanism fusion of large kernal attention (LKA) mechanism and Squeeze and Excitation (SE) attention mechanism to each residual module of ResNet34 for recognizing pumpkin seeds. ResNet34 network model was chosen as the basic framework by comparing GoogleNet, AlexNet, EfficientNet, MobileNet, DenseNet, ResNet34 and Residual Network50 (ResNet50) deep learning network models. The comparation result showed that the top two models with the highest accuracy (Acc) are ResNet50 network model and ResNet34 network model among the compared models. The experimental results showed that the self-iterative learning LKA-SE-ResNet34 model outperformed the above-mentioned other network models in pumpkin seed recognition with an accuracy of 91.8%. To further validate the effectiveness of the proposed model for small sample size of data, two-sided images and deformed images of pumpkin seeds were collected and used, and the experimental results still proved that the proposed model had good generalization ability and accuracy, with the accuracies of 93.63% and 94.15% for two sides of pumpkin seeds as well as an accuracy of 99.03% for deformed pumpkin seeds. A set of seed sorting machine and an application (APP) for non-destructive testing of seeds were initially developed.

Utilization of Local Wisdom of Antanan (Centella Asiatica) and Badotan (Ageratum Conyzoides L.) Plants for Anti-bacterial Edible Film of Pumpkin Seeds

Edible film is a thin layer made from consumable materials, formed on top of or placed between food components, functioning as a barrier to mass transfer such as moisture, oxygen, and solutes. It is made from edible biopolymers and food-grade additives. The development of edible film packaging in this study was carried out by utilizing pumpkin skin and seeds that have not been adequately used and by exploring the addition of natural antimicrobial compounds, namely antanan and badotan, to enhance the inhibitory effect of edible films made from pumpkin seeds that meet food standards.In this study, the extraction of yellow pumpkin seeds, antanan, and badotan was performed, followed by organoleptic and phytochemical tests. An edible film formulation was made from yellow pumpkin seeds, varied with antanan and badotan, and tested for moisture content, solubility, pH, and antibacterial properties. The characteristic test results showed that the badotan leaf simplicia was dark green, with a bitter taste and an astringent aromatic odor typical of badotan. The extract was blackish-green in color, with an aromatic odor typical of badotan, and a very bitter taste. Antanan leaf simplicia had a typical aromatic odor, an astringent taste, and was solid green in color. The antanan leaf extract had a typical antanan odor, a very bitter taste, and was thick green in color. Pumpkin seed simplicia had a typical pumpkin smell, an astringent taste, and was thick green in color. The pumpkin seed extract had a smell of ethanol solvent, a bitter taste, and was brownish-green and in the form of a thick liquid. The potential bioactive compounds in badotan leaves included alkaloids, steroids, phenolics, and saponins. Antanan leaves and pumpkin seeds contained flavonoids, alkaloids, steroids, phenolics, and saponins. The results showed that the edible film formulation of pumpkin seeds combined with badotan and antanan (1:2) appeared tighter and smoother and did not break. The formulation of pumpkin seeds and badotan (1:2) had a moisture content of 0.0380%, a solubility content of 0.2075%, and a pH of 5.8. The pumpkin seed and antanan (1:2) formulation had a moisture content of 0.0732%, a solubility content of 5.7269%, and a pH of 5.8. The edible film antibacterial activity test against Staphylococcus aureus used the disc diffusion method and obtained an inhibition zone of 1.8 mm for pumpkin seed edible film, 12.4 mm for pumpkin seed (1:2) edible film, and 17.6 mm for pumpkin seed (1:2) edible film.

Differences in body condition and hepatic cellular metabolism among distinct populations of cestode-infected pumpkinseed sunfish (Lepomis gibbosus)

Host populations can vary in the prevalence and intensity of their parasites, which may influence the impacts of infection on host physiology and health. Parasite-induced effects on hosts may be due to underlying changes in cellular energy metabolism, predominantly driven by the mitochondria. However, limited research has been conducted on understanding variation in host–parasite interactions across populations. We sampled three wild populations of pumpkinseed sunfish ( Lepomis gibbosus (Linnaeus, 1758)), two of which are infected by cestodes, to study correlations among infection intensity, host body condition, and key metabolic enzyme activities in liver tissue. In both infected populations, cestode infection was associated with reduced hepatic lipid metabolism and increased hepatic lactic fermentation. Interestingly, Lake Cromwell fish showed a decrease in body condition, electron transport system activity, and antioxidant activity with cestode intensity, whereas the contrary was observed for Lake Long fish. This suggests that Lake Long fish could be boosting their immune system and food intake to better tolerate infection, unlike Cromwell fish. This study not only highlights how different populations can vary in their response to parasite infections but also the importance of accounting for infection when studying animal physiology.

Impact of Vermicompost and Different Plant Activators on Yield and Some Quality Parameters in Pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo L.)

In addition to being used as a snack, pumpkin seeds are an industrial product. It also has the potential to be used in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries. Seed yield and quality are traits of economic importance. This study aims to determine the effect of vermicompost and different plant activators on the yield and some parameters of the pumpkin's quality. For this purpose, three plant activators [(ISR-2000 (I), Symbion-Vam (S), and Green-Miracle (G)] together with vermicompost (V) have been used. The experiment was conducted in the field of the Cukurova University Pozantı Agricultural Research and Application Center, Turkey. A total of 8 applications were made. Conventional fertilizer (CF) application was determined as the control group. The results showed that the applications increased the snack pumpkin's fruit, seed yield, and quality. The highest fruit and seed yield was obtained from CF (37.2 t ha-1, 101.42 g-1m2) application, followed by V+I (27.1 t ha -1, 80.09 g-1m2) application. Additionally, CF applications resulted in the highest fruit width (14.82 cm), length (23.31 cm), seed width (10.21 mm), and length (20.66 mm) of internal weight (74.33 %) measurements. Regarding mineral element and phenolic content, higher results were obtained when vermicompost and plant activators were combined. According to the study results, different doses of vermicompost may be recommended as an alternative to conventional fertilizer application in future studies.

Assessment of Different Cucurbit Genotypes for Resistance to Zucchini Yellow Mosaic Virus (ZYMV)

Members of the Cucurbitaceae family, which includes species with quite different characteristics, have been used for food, medicine, and ornamental purposes for a long time. However, most plant diseases and pests cause yield and quality losses in cucurbits, and one of the most important of these diseases is zucchini yellow mosaic virus (ZYMV), which one of the most common potyviruses worldwide and causes serious yield losses in cucurbit production worldwide. Zucchini Yellow Mosaic Virus shows symptoms such as yellowing, mottling, curling, deformation, mosaic, shortening and thickening of the internodes, and may also cause loss of yield and quality. As widely known, there is no effective chemical control of viral diseases, and the use of resistant or tolerant varieties is the most effective solution. In this study, 92 watermelon genotypes, 14 zucchinis (pumpkin seeds) and 29 ornamental pumpkins collected from different parts of Türkiye were tested against ZYMV. Symptoms of ZYMV in different watermelon genotypes and pumpkins were observed for 21 days. Genotypes showing systemic infection after inoculation were evaluated on a scale of 0-5. Also, RT-PCR studies were carried out on selecting nine symptomless control plants, seven ZYMV-sensitive genotypes showing 5-scale value, one genotype with 1-scale value considered tolerant, and one genotype belongs to C. lanatus var. citroides. According to the results, it was determined that some watermelon and ornamental pumpkin genotypes could be considered as tolerant. Watermelon, which was having accession number PI560016, was found resistant to Turkish local strain of ZYMV. Although different susceptibility levels were detected between watermelon genotypes, all pumpkin genotypes were discovered to be susceptible to the Turkish local strain of ZYMV.

Use of Electrofishing to Limit the Spread of a Non-Indigenous Fish Species in the Impoundment of Aoos Springs (Greece)

The impoundment of Aoos springs was created in 1990 to facilitate hydroelectric production, and fish fauna has been enriched through the years due to deliberate or accidental fish stockings, with certain invasive alien fish species arising (i.e., Lepomis gibbosus, Carassius gibelio), some of which are ranked among the most dangerous species for global biodiversity. A three-year monitoring survey was conducting to map the nesting areas of Pumpkinseed, L. gibbosus, to assess the effectiveness of electrofishing as an active method to reduce the spread of the corresponding species and to identify the impact of the L. gibbosus on native species. The largest percentage of nests was found in areas with silty-sand bottoms (53.4%) and low vegetation. The potential nesting area was estimated at 1.97 km2 and the area of confirmed nesting was 0.33 km2. The species appeared to nest in a small area, compared to the potential nesting area. The results also indicate that a significant percentage of the target species (71.6% of the total number of species) was removed, with an average time per sampling of 1.2 ± 1 h, whereas the impact on the other native species was minimal. These results are important for designing and implementing programs for the eradication or reduction of L. gibbosus in the impoundment of Aoos springs.

Therapeutic and Pharmacological Properties of Pumpkin Seeds: A Comprehensive Review

A well-known edible plant in the Cucurbitaceae family, the pumpkin has long been utilized as a functional meal or a herbal remedy. Pumpkin seeds are rich in phytoestrogens, vitamin E, and unsaturated fatty acids, which may have medicinal and nutraceutical uses. The use of pumpkins in traditional medicine to treat a wide range of conditions, including inflammation, dyslipidemia, bacterial or fungal infections, malignancies, intestinal parasites, hypertension, arthritis, and hyperglycemia, has drawn attention to the need for additional study on both the fruits and seeds of the pumpkin plant. Proteins, antioxidative phenolic compounds, tocopherols, triterpenes, saponins, phytosterols, lignans, and carotenoids are some of the micro- and macro-constituent compositions that improve pumpkin seeds. Pumpkin seeds have antidepressant properties and are mostly used in the management of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BHP). Regular pumpkin seed eating lowers the risk of Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease. Since pumpkin seeds are high in tocopherols, they can be extracted for edible oil and then used to formulate other foods at a later time. The pharmacological effects of pumpkin seeds have made them quite popular. Additionally, pumpkin seed oil has numerous health advantages. Pumpkin seeds are mostly composed of unsaturated fatty acids, which have been shown to provide potential health benefits and to prevent disease. Although pumpkin seeds are clearly very useful, their full potential has not yet been discovered.

Seed Priming and Biopriming in Two Squash Landraces (Cucurbita maxima Duchesne) from Tunisia: A Sustainable Strategy to Promote Germination and Alleviate Salt Stress.

In recent years, seed priming has gained interest, with researchers aiming to enhance seed germination and early growth, especially under abiotic stress conditions. In this study, seeds from two squash landraces (Cucurbita maxima Duchesne; i.e., Galaoui large seeds (Galaoui hereafter) and Batati green (Batati hereafter)) were subjected to different priming methods ((a) 0.3% and 0.4% KNO3 (halopriming); (b) 0.1% and 0.2% GA3 (hormopriming); (c) inoculation with Trichoderma spp. (T. harzianum, T. viride, and T. virens), Bacillus subtilis, and Pseudomonas fluorescens (biopriming) in order to promote germination parameters and seedling growth under salinity stress (0, 100, and 200 mM of NaCl). Our findings indicate the better performance of primed seeds compared to the untreated ones in terms of germination and seedling growth traits, although a varied response depending on the priming method and the landrace was observed. The highest germination percentage (GP) and the lowest mean germination time (MGT) were observed in 0.4% KNO3-primed seeds. The positive effects of 0.4% KNO3 were also depicted in all traits related to seedling growth and the seedling vigor index (SVI), indicating its effectiveness as a priming agent in squash seeds. Under salinity stress conditions, priming with 0.4% KNO3 significantly improved the germination and seedling growth traits for both landraces, while the application of 0.2% GA3 at high salinity significantly improved photosynthetic quantum yield (Fv/Fm ratio). Regarding the effects of biopriming in germination and seedling growth traits, our results indicate that T. harzianum and B. subtilis were the most effective bioagents in promoting germination and seedling growth in Galaoui and Batati seeds, respectively. In conclusion, our findings provide important information regarding the practice of using priming and biopriming agents to enhance the germination and seedling growth capacity of squash seeds, as well to mitigate the negative effects of salinity stress at the critical stages of germination and early growth.

Floodplains as a Suitable Habitat for Freshwater Fish: The Length–Weight Relationships and Condition Factors of Fish Inhabiting a Danube Floodplain in Croatia

When studying the well-being and fitness of ichthyofauna in a specific area, vital information comes from length–weight relationships (LWRs) and condition factor analyses and calculations. Data were collected from 2015 to 2019 in an area important for fish shelter, feeding, and spawning. Twenty four species belonging to 10 different families were identified from the total 16,895 of caught individuals, with the most abundant species being Blicca bjoerkna. The calculation of LWRs was possible for 19 species, (R2 = 0.7049–0.9998 (p < 0.05)), with the values of the mean coefficient b ranging from 2.6831 to 3.5747, indicating an overall positive allometric growth in the fish population. The results of Fulton’s and the relative condition factors showed that a total of eight species were in a relatively good condition, although the species in question varied between the two condition factors. Fulton’s condition factor showed the highest average value for Lepomis gibbosus (1.4956), while Cobitis elongatoides had the lowest (0.4739). Contrarily, the relative condition factor showed the highest average value for Silurus glanis (1.0524), and the lowest for Gymnocephalus cernua (1.0023). The lower values of calculated condition factors in some species could be attributed to sampling being conducted during the colder months of autumn and winter. Future studies should include seasonal sampling in order to achieve a better understanding how various abiotic factors impact the condition factors of these fish species. Nevertheless, this research provided valuable data on the status of the fish population in the floodplain and could be used as a guideline for designing future ichthyofauna studies in this area.

Potential Role of Pomegranate Peel Extract Versus Pumpkin Seed Oil in Prevention of Tongue Cytotoxicity Induced by Methotrexate in Male Albino Rats:Histological and Immunohistochemical Study

Potential Role of Pomegranate Peel Extract Versus Pumpkin Seed Oil in Prevention of Tongue Cytotoxicity Induced by Methotrexate in Male Albino Rats:Histological and Immunohistochemical Study

Systematic multistep extraction process for the total valorization of fiber fractions from fruit seeds

This study explores a systematic multistep extraction process to valorize various fruit seeds (mango, cherry, lemon, pumpkin, avocado, litchi, peach, and apricot) by fractionating and isolating different fiber components. A first mild treatment, i.e., a protease-assisted extraction, was employed to disaggregate the plant cell structure and isolate soluble fibers. Subsequently, the insoluble residue underwent extraction by hot acidic water to solubilize and separate the pectin fraction. The remaining solid material was finally subjected to hydrothermal treatment to recover recalcitrant hemicellulose. Cherry, lemon, and pumpkin seeds emerged as the most advantageous by-products overall, showing great extractable quantities of low molecular weight pectin, pectin oligosaccharides, arabinogalactans, xylan, and xylo-oligosaccharides (extraction yields up to 63% and 68% in the first and third step, respectively). Peach and apricot seeds yielded fiber extracts that were similar to each other but distinct for each fraction, suggesting potential applications in different food formulations, albeit with lower yields. The purity of the extracts increased with each stage, reaching 42.6% for soluble fibers, 67.3% for pectin, and 76.1% for hemicellulose. Mango, avocado, and litchi seeds were less suitable for this method but could be utilized for starch recovery. This cascade process effectively maximizes the utilization of fruit by-products, offering a scalable solution for the sustainable extraction of valuable fibers.

Electrochemical sensor for quick and binder-free detection of vitamin B7 using shock waves treated hydroxyapatite/graphene oxide nanocomposite

We report the fabrication of a novel electrochemical sensor for rapid and accurate determination of Vitamin B7 (biotin) using shockwaves treated hydroxyapatite/graphene oxide (SW-HAP/GO) composite modified glassy carbon electrode. Square wave voltammetry measurements at SW-HAP/GO modified GCE exhibits a strong peak at 1.45 V corresponding to the oxidation potential of biotin in phosphate buffer saline at pH 7.0. The results revealed a systematic increase in oxidation peak current with the increase in biotin concentration over a wide range of 16.7–611 µM and the lowest detection limit of 0.215 µM has been deduced. The practicability of the developed sensor has been demonstrated by determining biotin in vitamin B7 tablets, farm fresh groundnuts, dried groundnuts, almonds, pumpkin seeds, and egg yolk. The nuts and seeds samples (10 g each) were soaked in demineralised water for about 10 hours at room temperature and the extracts were used directly for SWV measurements. In all the cases, the SWV revealed a broad peak at about 1.4 V indicating the presence of biotin and from the calibration curves, the actual amount of B7 dissolved in water have been estimated as 1.46, 1.18, 0.43, 4.2, and 5.1 mcg in 10 g of farm fresh groundnuts, dried groundnuts, almonds, pumpkin seeds and egg yolk. Among the investigated samples, pumpkin seeds contain higher amount of biotin and it remained intact even after boiling in water. The fabricated SW-HAP/GO sensor offers potential for quick and precise determination of biotin in food and pharmaceutical industries without requiring streptavidin or antibody.

Drying Kinetics of “Jacarezinho” Pumpkin Seeds

ABSTRACT Pumpkin seeds are sources of various nutrients and bioactive compounds and can be used after appropriate treatment. The seeds, when dehydrated, can be used as ingredients in several important foods. Through kinetic analysis it is possible to determine the behavior of the dry material, and describe the process through mathematical models, becoming useful tools for decision-making and contributing to the improvement of the process efficiency. The objective of this study was to construct drying kinetics for “Jacarezinho” pumpkin seeds and adjust the experimental data obtained to mathematical models. The seeds were dried in a convective dryer, varying the drying temperature (30, 40 and 50°C), with an air speed of 1.5 m.s-1. The drying kinetics were well described by the Midilli model (R2 99.90–99.99; MSE > 0.1). The use of the transfer kinetic data presented provides support for the use of pumpkin seeds to produce new foods.

Biochemical Composition of Pumpkin Seeds and Seed By-Products.

The goal of the current work was to assess the nutritional profile and phytochemical properties of cucurbit (Cucurbita maxima L.) seeds, seed oils and oil extraction by-products (e.g., seed-cakes). Our results suggest a high nutritional value for both cucurbit seeds and cucurbit cake, while γ-tocopherol was the richest compound, with traces of α, β and δ-tocopherol compounds also detected. Regarding the free sugars composition, there were recorded significant statistical differences between seeds and cucurbit seed-cake, although sucrose content was the highest for both matrices (1.97 and 2.9 g/100 g dw, respectively) followed by trehalose (0.26 and 0.25 g/100 g dw, respectively), fructose (0.20 and 0.34 g/100 g dw, respectively) and glucose (0.21 and 0.19 g/100 g dw, respectively). In terms of organic acids, oxalic was the only compound detected in seed cake (0.006 g/100 g dw), while in seeds only traces of oxalic and malic acid were detected. In relation to fatty acid composition, linolenic acid was the most abundant compound in both seeds and seed-cake (43.9% and 41.5%, respectively), while oleic acid (37.0% and 36.3%, respectively), palmitic acid (12.2% and 14.0%, respectively) and stearic acid (4.83% and 5.46%, respectively) were detected in lesser amounts. Moreover, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) were the major fatty acids class (44.5% and 42.3% in seeds and seed cake, respectively) compared to monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA; 37.4% and 36.7% in seeds and seed cake, respectively) and saturated fatty acids (SFA; 18.1% and 21.0% in seeds and seed cake, respectively) which were detected in lower amounts. Furthermore, the tested extracts did not present any cytotoxic or hepatoxic activity at the maximum tested concentration (GI50 > 400 μg/mL), while seed oils presented satisfactory antimicrobial properties with inhibitory activity against the studied bacterial strains and fungi. Our findings provide valuable knowledge regarding the exploitation of pumpkin seeds and seed by-products as valuable natural sources of nutrients and phytochemicals in the food industry sector within the context of a circular economy.

UPLC-MS/MS-based metabolomics and chemometrics unveil metabolic patterns and their regulatory pathways over the course of pumpkin seeds (Cucurbita maxima) germination

While pumpkin seeds (Cucurbita maxima) are regarded as agro-industrial waste, they serve as powerhouses packed with a plethora of valuable compounds with potential nutraceutical significance. The present work offers an integrated view of metabolites dynamics and their regulatory pathways over the course of pumpkin seeds germination and their potential entanglements on Alzheimerʼs disease (AD) mitigation through Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography-mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) analysis and chemometrics. A total of 76 compounds spanning amino acids, phenolic acid, flavonoids, lignans, vitamins, fatty acids, phospholipids and phytosterols were annotated revealing changing trends during germination process. Coincidentally, orthogonal projection to latent structures-discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) demonstrated a clear separation trend among the five pumpkin samples assuring their chemical heterogeneity. Complementarily, OPLS-DA models were constructed in different timepoint comparisons to pick out the significant metabolic features which were subsequently imported into MetaboAnalyst 5.0 (https://www.metaboanalyst.ca/) software for metabolic pathway enrichment analysis. Enriched Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis revealed biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, glycerophospholipid metabolism and phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan biosynthesis as the top predictive metabolic pathways associated with significant phytochemical shifts during germination process. Importantly, our efficacy experimental results dissected that 5 d and 7 d sprouted samples exerted noteworthy inhibitory potentials against acetylcholine esterase (AChE) and monoamine oxidase (MAO-B) enzymes. OPLS-derived coefficients plots portrayed that docosahexaenoic acid, oleic acid, lirioresinol A and tocotrienols dramatically augmented during germination were probably ascribed to promising AChE and MAO-B inhibitory activities. These findings offer a turning point for using pumpkin sprouts with an appreciable biochemical content to pursue the concept of nutritional therapy and accelerate perpetual influx of novel bioproducts to rectify AD.

Biosorption of Methylene Blue into Pumpkin Seed: Isotherm, Kinetic and Thermodynamics Studies

This work has demonstrated the potential utility of raw pumpkin seed shells (PSS) as a low-cost solid adsorbent for methylene blue (MB) adsorption. PSS have investigated surface functional groups with FTIR (after and before adsorption), crystal structure with XRD, and surface morphology with SEM-EDX. Biosorption parameters were examined contact time, pH, solution temperature, and initial concentration. This research was conducted to analyze adsorption processes involved in adsorption of MB onto crude PSS by gaining essential knowledge from the study of equilibrium adsorption kinetics, isotherms, and thermodynamics. It was determined whether four models-Langmuir, Temkin, Freundlich, and D-R models-fit experimental data derived from adsorption isotherms. In addition, the accuracy of fits of three models to experimental data derived from adsorption kinetics were tested, namely, the Elovich, pseudo-first order, and pseudo-second order models. Biosorption of MB on PSS is exothermic and spontaneous according to thermodynamic analysis. FTIR (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy) studies show significant changes in the absorption values, shapes and positions of bands both before and after solute adsorption. It was found that there are two MB adsorption mechanisms: electrostatic attraction and hydrogen bonding.

Intra-annual and regional variability of the oleic acid and linoleic acid content of pumpkin seed oil over a 10-year period

Pumpkin seed oil, extracted from roasted and hulled pumpkin seeds, is prized for its distinct nutty flavor and deep amber color. Its significance in gastronomy lies in its rich flavor profile and nutritional benefits, which enhance dishes with both taste and health-promoting properties. Despite a notable increase in production, particularly in Croatia and other regions, there remains a gap in research regarding how factors such as production year and geographic origin influence its quality and health-related compounds. In this study, we analyzed the fatty acid composition of 928 samples of pumpkin seed oil from Croatia, Slovenia, Austria, and Hungary, produced between 2014 and 2023, using GC-FID, with a focus on linoleic and oleic acids. Our findings revealed significant year-to-year variability, particularly evident in 2019 samples, which exhibited higher oleic acid and lower linoleic acid content, resulting in the highest oleic acid to linoleic acid ratio. Additionally, cold-pressed oils showed a slightly higher ratio, and a significant regional influence was observed, with Austrian oils having a lower ratio compared to those from Croatia and Slovenia. This observed variation may be attributed to changing climatic conditions or shifts in producer practices, though further research is needed to validate these hypotheses.