2023, VOL. 9 ISSUE 3, PART B
Abstract:The Cucurbita sp. pumpkin seeds from the Cucurbitaceae family, although tiny, pumpkin seeds are incredibly rich in beneficial nutrients and nutraceuticals, including amino acids, phytosterols, unsaturated fatty acids, phenolic compounds, tocopherols, cucurbitacin’s, and priceless minerals. A healthy existence and overall well-being depend on all of these bioactive substances. The goal of this review is to integrate the scientific data regarding the possible use of pumpkin seeds as an essential component of food and related biological systems, collected from electronic databases (Science Direct, Research Gate, PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar) up to January 2020. They could be crucial for the food sectors because they are high in protein, fibers, minerals such as zinc, calcium, magnesium, manganese, cooper and sodium, PUFAs (polyunsaturated fatty acids), phytosterol, and vitamins. These necessary nutrients can be obtained from pumpkin seeds, which can also help with fatigue management, by include them in diet. According to several researches, it has widespread medical applications for antidiabetic, anti-hypertension, anticancer, immunomodulation, antibacterial, anti-hypercholesterolemia, intestinal anti-parasitic, and anti-inflammation (Joachim M, et al. 2020) [25]. Additionally, to having pharmacological properties as anti-diabetic, antifungal, antibacterial, anti-inflammation, and antioxidant benefits, pumpkin seeds are a good source of protein.