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Scientific Article details

Title Biological Activity of Pumpkin Byproducts: Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Properties
ID_Doc 9139
Authors Leichtweis, MG; Molina, AK; Pires, TCS; Dias, MI; Calhelha, R; Bachari, K; Ziani, BEC; Oliveira, MBPP; Pereira, C; Barros, L
Title Biological Activity of Pumpkin Byproducts: Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Properties
Year 2022
Published Molecules, 27.0, 23
DOI 10.3390/molecules27238366
Abstract Pumpkin fruits are widely appreciated and consumed worldwide. In addition to their balanced nutritional profile, pumpkin species also present valuable bioactive compounds that confer biological and pharmacological properties to them. However, the seeds, peels, and fibrous strands resulting from pumpkin processing are still poorly explored by the food industry. The current study used those fruit components from the genotypes of pumpkin that are economically significant in Portugal and Algeria to produce bioactive extracts. In order to support their usage as preservatives, their phenolic content (HPLC-DAD-ESI/MS) and antioxidant (OxHLIA and TBARS) and antimicrobial properties (against eight bacterial and two fungal strains) were assessed. In terms of phenolic profile, the peel of the Portuguese 'Common Pumpkin' showed the most diversified profile and also the highest concentration of total phenolic compounds, with considerable concentrations of (-)-epicatechin. Regarding the antioxidant capacity, the seeds of 'Butternut Squash' from both countries stood out, while the fibrous strands of Portuguese 'Butternut Squash' and the seeds of Algerian 'Gold Nugget Pumpkin' revealed the strongest antimicrobial activity. The bioactive compounds identified in the pumpkin byproducts may validate their enormous potential as a source of bio-based preservatives that may enhance consumers' health and promote a circular economy.
Author Keywords biologically active compounds; phenolic profile; antimicrobial activity; antioxidant activity; pumpkin byproducts; bio-based food preservatives
Index Keywords Index Keywords
Document Type Other
Open Access Open Access
Source Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED)
EID WOS:000897250000001
WoS Category Biochemistry & Molecular Biology; Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Research Area Biochemistry & Molecular Biology; Chemistry
PDF https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/27/23/8366/pdf?version=1669816936
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