In a recent study published in the journal food, Researchers are investigating the biological activities of: Kukumis and momordicatwo plant species belonging to the Cucurbitaceae family.
study: The importance of specific species of Cucurbitaceae in promoting health: a review. Image credit: Kotcha K / Shutterstock.com
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The Cucurbitaceae family consists of a variety of fruits and vegetables, approximately 115 genera and 960 species, and is a rich source of proteins, vitamins, minerals, dietary fiber, and many bioactive compounds. These plants are classified into two major subfamilies, Cucurbitoidea and Zanoniodeae, based on morphological, cytological, and floral characteristics.
Kukumis L. It is a genus of Cucurbitaceae. It is commonly consumed raw or used in a variety of foods and beverages.that It is also used in various topical formulations and pharmaceutical vitamin A and C products.
Momordica species of the Cucurbitaceae family are cultivated in tropical regions and often have a bitter taste due to the presence of alkaloid phytochemicals. The bioactive compounds and trace elements found in these plants can help treat a variety of health conditions such as asthma, fever, neuropsychological disorders, skin disorders, and digestive disorders.
Physical description of members of the Cucurbitaceae family described in this article
health properties of Cucumis Metsuriferas
Cucumis MetsuriferasCommonly known as kiwano or horned melon, it is primarily grown in tropical regions such as Nigeria and South Africa. The polysaccharides present in Cucumis Metsuriferas The skin has immunomodulatory, iron ion chelating, and prebiotic effects.
of Cucumis Metsuriferas The pulp contains rutin and lutein, which have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and platelet aggregation inhibitory effects, as well as large amounts of potassium salts and small amounts of sodium salts.
C. Metuliferus The extract exerts its hypoglycemic effect by inhibiting the activity of key enzymes involved in glucose metabolism, such as β-glucosidase and α-amylase.water ethanol extract Cucumis Metsuriferas The presence of ursolic acid allows it to exert antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-diabetic effects.
anti-inflammatory properties of C. metuliferus Methanol extracts mainly depend on the content of phenols and flavonoids present in these fruits. These extracts may also reduce nephrotoxicity and increase total white blood cell (WBC) counts in animals.
health properties of cucumber agrestis
cucumber agrestis It is commonly consumed as a vegetable and contains multiple plant components such as alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, carbohydrates, proteins, glycosides, steroids, triterpenoids, and phenolic acids.
hydroalcoholic extract cucumber agrestis Associated with antidiabetic and antihyperlipidemic properties. In comparison, methanol fruit extract exhibits strong antioxidant activity, making it a potential adjuvant candidate for liver cancer treatment.
health properties of cucumber melo L.
cucumber melo It is a rich source of vitamin C, vitamin E, polyphenols, carotenoids, and phytochemicals, all of which are associated with potential cardiovascular, diuretic, digestive, and anthelmintic effects.
Cucumis melo var. canthalpensisCommonly known as rockmelon, it has high provitamin A activity and may protect against chronic inflammation. Extracts of rockmelon pulp and skin have also been shown to be effective in preventing edema formation.
Cucurbitacin B from Cucumis melo var. Cantalupensis demonstrated anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic activities against lung cancer cells by inhibiting the inflammatory process.
Cucumis melo var. reticulate Gallia melon is rich in phenolic compounds, flavonoids, minerals such as magnesium, phosphorus, sodium and potassium, polyunsaturated fatty acids and essential amino acids.
Cucumis melo L. inodorus is a rich source of important nutrients and minerals such as magnesium, potassium, iron, and vitamins C, A, and B.6, calcium, pantothenic acid, omega-3, omega-6, zinc. Several varieties of this melon have been shown to protect the cardiovascular system as well as effectively manage insulin resistance and inflammation of adipose tissue.
health properties of Momordica Charantia
Momordica Charantia, A type of bitter melon, it is rich in protein, carbohydrates, dietary fiber, vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds such as gallic acid, tannic acid, catechin, caffeic acid, p-coumaric acid, ferulic acid, and benzoic acid. .
Glucan endo-1,3-β-glucosidase (BG-4) extracted from Momordica Charantia The seeds are associated with potent trypsin inhibitory and anti-inflammatory effects, especially in cases of glucose metabolism disorders.
Phenolic compounds present in Momordica Charantia It exerts antidiabetic effects by inhibiting intestinal carbohydrate absorption, stimulating insulin secretion, and protecting the islets of Langerhans from degradation. In fact, the novel insulin receptor binding protein Momordica Charantia Shows gastric resistance and hypoglycemic effects.
Momordica Charantia The extract has shown antibacterial activity against: Klebsiella pneumoniae and B. licheniformiswater extract shows stronger activity than ethanol extract.
Among the variations of Momordica Charantia, Previous studies have reported the antibacterial activity of var. muricata against Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumonia, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, aureusand Staphylococcus aureuswhereas var. Charantia has shown antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosaand Escherichia coli.
Momordica Charantia The extract has shown anti-cancer activity against breast, lung and colon cancer cells. In ovarian cancer, Momordica Charantia The extract elicits antiproliferative, antimetastatic, and proapoptotic effects through its protein kinase activating activity.
Momordica dioica It is rich in many bioactive compounds, fats, carbohydrates, and dietary fiber. Before, Momordica dioica It has demonstrated anticancer effects against ovarian and cervical cancer. In fact, purification and separation are Momordica dioica Proteins have underpinned recent advances in peptide-based drug delivery.
Reference magazines:
- Romo-Tovar, J., Cerda, R.B., Chavez-Gonzalez, M.L. other. (2024). The importance of specific species of Cucurbitaceae in promoting health: a review. food. doi:10.3390/food13081142