Phytochemical and pharmacological perspectives on medicinal plants of family Cucurbitaceae: A review

Abstract

Background: Cucurbitaceae is the largest family of fruits and vegetables consisting of more than 900 species. It is one of most varied plant family, which is grown in a variety of environments worldwide. Some of the major genera of Cucurbitaceae included in the present review are Benincasa, Citrullus, Coccinia, Corallocarpus, Ctenotepis, Cucumis, Curcurbita, Diplocyclos, Kedrostis, Lagneria, Luffa, Momordica, Mukia, Sechium, Solena, Trichosanthes and Zehneria. This review highlights the medicinal uses, phytochemical constituents and pharmacological activities of members of Cucurbitaceae.

Methods: Extensive literature searches were carried out using scientific databases like Scopus, ScienceDirect, Springer, Web of Science, PubChem and Google Scholar.

Results: This family serves as a reservoir for numerous phytochemicals, including cucurbitacin, steroids, phenols, tannins, saponins, terpenoids, triterpenoids, glycosides, alkaloids and flavonoids. Moreover, the various pharmacological activities, includes antioxidant, analgesic, anti-diabetic, antibacterial, hepatoprotective, anthelmintic, anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, antimicrobial and anticancer properties, are also displayed by members of the Cucurbitaceae family. Due to their Phyto-chemical potential, the members of this family are widely used to treat a variety of illnesses and conditions, including cancer, jaundice, abdominal pain, kidney stones, rheumatism, fever, liver disease, skin conditions, tumors, wounds, malaria, inflammation, menstrual issues, and diabetes.

Conclusions: The present review provides an overview of the Medicinal, phytochemical and pharmacological features of many members of the members of the Cucurbitaceae family.

Keywords: Cucurbits, Phytochemistry, Pharmacology, Medicinal Uses, Food and Nutrition