Isolation of Anticomplementary Substances from Cucurbita Moschata Duch

Pumpkin Leaf Extract Crop Waste as a New Degradable and Environmentally Friendly Corrosion Inhibitor

The pumpkin leaf was extracted by the decoction method, and it was used as an eco-friendly, nontoxic inhibitor of copper in 0.5 M H2SO4 corrosion media. To evaluate the composition and protective capacity of the pumpkin leaf extract, Fourier infrared spectroscopy, electrochemical testing, XPS, AFM, and SEM were employed. The results showed that the pumpkin leaf extract (PLE) is an effective cathode corrosion inhibitor, exhibiting exceptional protection for copper within a specific temperature range. The corrosion inhibition efficiency of the PLE against copper reached 89.98% when the concentration of the PLE reached 800 mg/L. Furthermore, when the temperature and soaking time increased, the corrosion protection efficiency of 800 mg/L PLE on copper consistently remained above 85%. Analysis of the morphology also indicated that the PLE possesses equally effective protection for copper at different temperatures. Furthermore, XPS analysis reveals that the PLE molecules are indeed adsorbed to form an adsorption film, which is consistent with Langmuir monolayer adsorption. Molecular dynamics simulations and quantum chemical calculations were conducted on the main components of the PLE.

Assessment of Cucurbita spp. Peel Extracts as Potential Sources of Active Substances for Skin Care and Dermatology

By-products of cultivated plants are one of the major environmental concerns worldwide. Due to the high concentration of bioactive chemicals, such waste may be considered hazardous due to the interference with the plant growth, deterioration of the drinking water quality or toxic effects on sensitive marine organisms. Moreover, plant-derived by-products, with proper handling, may represent a low-cost source of bioactive compounds potentially important for pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries. The aim of the study was to evaluate the phytochemical composition, antioxidant activity, the influence of tyrosinase activity, in vitro sun protecting factor and cytotoxicity of 15 extracts from peels of five cultivars of Cucurbita maxima and C. moschata. The extracts were prepared using “green solvents” (water, 50% propylene glycol, and 20% ethanol) and ultrasound-assisted extraction. The performed analysis showed that the peel extracts from various cultivars differ significantly in respect to the phytochemical content and activity. The type of solvent also had a significant impact on the extract’s composition and bioactivity. Aqueous peel extracts contained the highest amounts of flavonoids, showed the greatest antioxidant potential and the most significant in vitro SPF values. In vitro studies showed that the analyzed peel extracts are not cytotoxic for human keratinocytes up to the concentration of 1000 µg/mL and thus might be considered as non-irritant for the skin. The study confirms the potential application of peel extracts from Cucurbita spp. cultivars in cosmetic products.

Physicochemical, nutritional and functional properties of Cucurbita moschata

Cucurbita moschata is widely planted in most parts of the world, and is rich in carotenoids, vitamins, dietary fiber, minerals, and phenolic compounds. It also has important medicinal value. Some related research has proven that Cucurbita moschata has the potential ability to induce anti-obesity, anti-diabetic, antibacterial, and anticancer effects. At the same time, it has attracted more attention in the medical field. These nutrients and bioactive compounds in Cucurbita moschata have important effects on human health. In order to make better use of this crop, it still needs further study. Therefore, the purpose of this article is to summarize the physicochemical properties and nutritional components of Cucurbita moschata, and to provide a reference for further research on the benefits of on human health.