The chemical and pharmacological basis of pumpkins (Cucurbita species) as potential therapy for type-2 diabetes

Abstract

Abstract At least four species of pumpkin ( Cucurbita pepo , C. moschata, C. ficifolia and C. maxima ) are known to have antidiabetic, antiobesity and lipid lowering effects in the various animal and cellular models. This chapter exhibits the therapeutic potential of these common food and nutraceutical ingredients by looking into their distinct chemical composition and mechanism of action that attributes to their claimed health outcome in type 2 diabetes (T2D) and associated diseases.