Nutraceutical Potential of pumpkin (Cucurbita sp.) powder, seed, extracts, and oil on diabetes; Mini Review

Diabetes has become a global pandemic which imparts a financial burden on the patients as well as on healthcare system. Researches all over the world have shown that more than 200 plants, possess antidiabetic properties. Members of cucurbit family are the most important one. Experimental studies in animal and human models have depicted the hypoglycemic effect of cucurbit family. These studies also stated that cucurbit promote regeneration of beta-cells of pancreas. The selected pumpkin (Cucurbitaceous) seeds were also shown to contain globulins with significant anti hyperglycaemic activity. Administering pumpkin seed powder and seed oil can reduce the side effects of diabetes; improve insulin levels and diabetic’s health status. Pumpkin seeds are generally regarded as waste, recently gained significant attention due to their nutritional value and health benefits. Due to the emerging different active components with nutraceutical properties of pumpkin (Cucurbita sp.) powder, seed, extracts, and oil. The aim of this analysis is to recognize the nutraceutical potential of pumpkin (Cucurbita sp.) seed powder, extracts, and oil on diabetic patients. The component of pumpkin seed is easily available, palatable and cost-effective therapy.


Introduction
Diabetes mellitus (DM)) is a metabolic disorder characterized either by insulin deficiency or insulin resistance due to a high level of blood glucose. The prevalence of T2DM is increasing exponentially every year. The number of diabetics is estimated to grow to 380 million by 2030. Therefore, diabetes needs a special attention [1].
There is an elevated risk of Coronary artery disease (CAD), cerebrovascular accidents (CVA) as well as peripheral artery disease and neuropathies in diabetic patients. The adult-onset T2DM usually starts after 30 years of age most commonly between 50-60 years which progresses slowly. Diabetes contributes in the list of five top risk factors for cardiovascular deaths along with hypertension and obesity all over the world [2].
The rapid pace of life, encouraging high-calorie food intake along with poor physical activity, has resulted in significant social problems with obesity and diabetes. Obesity and diabetes have been recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) as epidemic diseases of the 21st century.
Pumpkin seeds and pumpkin seed oil are filled with unsaturated fatty acids, especially omega3. These seeds are rich in phytosterols, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and trace elements like magnesium, iron and zinc. Pumpkin seeds are also rich in antioxidant and vitamins such as carotenoids and tocopherol. Pumpkin has many health benefits, including anti-diabetic, anti-carcinogenic, antioxidant and anti-microbial ability [3]. Pumpkin research has been gradually growing over the last decade, concentrating in particular on its health benefits [4].

Discussion
A study conducted by Asteer V. Abd-Elnoor, [2019] done the nutritional evaluation of pumpkin seed and the effect of addition of pumpkin seeds powder and oil on blood level of glucose and fat in diabetic rats. The results showed that pumpkin seeds are rich in carbohydrates, protein, crude fiber and crude oil, many unsaturated fatty acids, especially linoleic and oleic acids. It is also a rich source of antioxidants. Pumpkin seeds powder and oil can be considered as one of foods for controlling lipid profile and blood sugar level in experimental diabetic rats [5]. Mahmoodpoor et al. [2018] stated about beneficial effects of Cucurbita maxima in controlling blood sugar level in critically ill diabetes patients [6]. Kushawaha et al. [2017] concluded in their experimental studies that aqueous seed extract of Cucurbita maxima has tremendous hypoglycaemic effect and this could be explored further for preparing new antidiabetic agent [7]. Marbun et al., [2017] also observed that both pumpkin flesh and seeds extracts have a various of phytoconstituents which significantly reduce the blood sugar level [8].

Journal of Endocrinology and Disorders
Neena Srivastava *

Globalize your Research
Bayat et al., [2016] did interventions with Cucurbita ficifolia plus probiotic yogurt and observed beneficial effects on lipid profile, blood sugar levels, and C-reactive protein [9].
Teugwa et al., [2013] concluded that there are highest number of globulins in Citrullus lanatus and Cucurbita moschata which has significant antihyperglycaemic effects [2]. Sedigheh et al. [2011] observed in their study the effect of pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo L.) powder in controlling lipid and glucose level in diabetic rats. They also observed a significant increase in C-reactive protein (CRP) which is responsible in controlling inflammatory conditions like diabetes. With the effect of low doses of pumpkin powder in these diabetics rats the insulin was decreased as compared to the normal control group (p < 0.05) [10].

Conclusion
The above research reviews concluded that the seeds of pumpkin are of medicinal importance and therapeutic significance. The analysis of nutrient composition of pumpkin seeds showed that these seeds are highly nutritious and provide many essential nutrients for health.
Administering pumpkin seed powder and seed oil can lower the side effects of diabetes and enhance insulin level. Most of the researches were performed on animals and very few human studies are available. Therefore, more nutraceutical studies should be encouraged.
Pumpkin is a naturally available food and is cost effective. Intake of Pumpkin (Cucurbita sp.) powder, seed and oil etc in day today life regularly may enhance the health of people in a cost-effective manner and could be an alternative therapy or adjunct for the treatment of diabetes mellitus.