Evaluation of phytochemicals, antioxidant and burn wound healing activities of Cucurbita moschata Duchesne fruit peel

Objective(s): Cucurbita moschata Duchesne (pumpkin) is a well-known plant with several pharmacological effects. The aim of the present study was to assess burn wound healing activity of C. moschata peel extract (CE). Also, standardized CE was assessed for antioxidant activity and antibacterial effects against major pathogens of burns. Materials and Methods: Healing properties of topical preparation of ۱۰% and ۲۰% concentrations of CE were assessed on second degree burn in rats during a ۱۴-day period as well as histological studies, total antioxidant power, lipid peroxidation and total thiol content of skin tissue samples. Results: Radical scavenging IC۵۰ and ferric-reducing antioxidant power value were ۴.۰۱۵±۰.۲۰ mg/ml and ۱۴۲.۶۳±۲.۶۵ mmol Fe۲+/g, respectively. Total mucilage content was ۱۳.۸%. The optimal results were obtained by ۲۰% CE that showed ۹۰.۸۰±۵.۸۶ % wound closure and tissue repair as well as significant reduction of tissue oxidative stress biomarkers. Histological analyses confirmed wound healing activity of pumpkin peel extract. Conclusion: Considering the high mucilage content of the plant, providing a moist environment for wound, C. moschata peel extract could be a natural remedy for treatment of burns. Further clinical studies are suggested to confirm C. moschata peel extract as a wound healing agent.

Keywords:

Cucurbita moschata , Histology , Traditional Persian Medicine , Pumpkin , Wound healing