Cucurbita pepo (C. pepo) is a perennial creeping herb belonging to the family Cucurbitaceae. The seeds of which contain sizable amounts of protein (35%) and approximately 50% fatty oil, whose fatty acid profile is dominated by unsaturated fatty acids, namely Linoleic and oleic acid. There are many trace constituents like tocopherols (0.1%) and phytosterols (total 0.1 to 0.5%). A wide range of chemical compounds including sterols, Triterpenoids, tocopherols, and fatty acids have been isolated from the species. Its extracts have been found to possess various pharmacological activities. Below, we give a comprehensive review of its ethnomedical uses, chemical constituents, and pharmacological profile as a medicinal plant. Particular attention is given to its, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antidepressant, antioxidant, diuretic, hepatoprotective, antiparasitic and anthelmintic, effects so that its potential uses in pharmaceutics can be better evaluated.
Loading....