Anti-Inflammatory, Anti-Hyperglycemic, and Anti-Aging Activities of Aqueous and Methanolic Fractions Obtained from <i>Cucurbita ficifolia</i> Bouché Fruit Pulp and Peel Extracts
The <i>Cucurbita</i> genus comprises various species that are globally consumed and that are commonly used for their nutritional value but also for medicinal applications. Within the <i>Cucurbita</i> genus can be found <i>Cucurbita ficifolia</i> Bouché, a species...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2025-01-01
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| Series: | Molecules |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/30/3/557 |
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| Summary: | The <i>Cucurbita</i> genus comprises various species that are globally consumed and that are commonly used for their nutritional value but also for medicinal applications. Within the <i>Cucurbita</i> genus can be found <i>Cucurbita ficifolia</i> Bouché, a species that is understudied regarding its potential value for the food industry, as a functional food, and for the pharmaceutical industry, as a source of nutraceuticals. Therefore, in this study we investigated the phytochemical composition and bioactivities of aqueous (AF) and methanolic (MF) fractions of <i>C. ficifolia</i> pulp and peel hydroethanolic (HE) extracts. HPLC-DAD-MS<sup>n</sup> and HPAEC-PAD analyses of extracts’ fractions revealed a low content of polyphenols and a significant content of sugars. Through in vitro inhibition assays of the enzymes alpha-amylase, acetylcholinesterase (AChE), and elastase, all fractions showed, respectively, antidiabetic, neuroprotective, and anti-aging activities. The safety profile and anti-tumoral activities were evaluated in various cell models (Caco-2, HaCaT, HepG2, and RAW 264.7), and results showed that the fractions obtained from pulp extract induce no/low cytotoxicity, while the methanolic fraction of peel induced cytotoxicity in all cell lines. At non-cytotoxic concentrations, aqueous and methanolic fractions of both extracts significantly inhibited nitric oxide (NO) production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells, revealing anti-inflammatory activity. Flow cytometry analysis showed that both aqueous fractions increased basal levels of glutathione (GSH) in Caco-2 cells, while not inducing oxidative stress, revealing potential as antioxidant dietary agents. However, the MF of peel HE extract induced oxidative stress in Caco-2 cells, as it increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid peroxidation. AF fraction of peel extract induced cell cycle arrest in the G0/G1 phase, while the other fractions induced cell cycle arrest in the S phase. In conclusion, <i>Cucurbita ficifolia</i> fruit presents potential as a functional food but also as a potential source of nutraceuticals, and peel waste products can be valorized by pharmaceutical and cosmeceutical industries as sources of bioactive molecules. |
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| ISSN: | 1420-3049 |