A STUDY ON THE EVALUATION OF PROXIMATE, FATTY ACID AND AMINO ACID PROFILE OF TWO SPECIES OF PUMPKIN USING ADVANCED TECHNIQUES

Abstract

Cucurbita maxima and Cucurbita pepo are two popular species of pumpkin being consumed in India. The C. maxima seed is reported to have medicinal and pharmacological value such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-microbial activity. Nutritional composition of pulp, peel and seed of two species of pumpkin C. maxima and C. pepo were analysed. Carbohydrate (20.670.48%), protein (21.220.50%), fat (23.580.72%), fibre (52.380.61%), and energy content (311.550.56 Kcal/100g) were all present in large amounts in the C. maxima seed when compared to the seed of C. pepo species, the seed contains carbohydrate (02.620.01%), protein (20.480.61%), fat (17.850.55%), fibre (46.650.84%), and energy (229.580.75 Kcal/100g), respectively. The peel, pulp and seed of C. maxima had high total sugar and reducing sugar content. Vitamin C was found in the seed and pulp of C. maxima whereas in case of C. pepo it was present only in the pulp. The pulp and peel of C. maxima had significant amount of minerals such as Ca, Fe, Mn, Na, K, Cu, while Zn, Mg, K and P were found in the seed of C. maxima compared to C. pepo. The seed of C. maxima was higher in unsaturated fatty acid while saturated fatty acids were abundant in the seed of C. pepo seed.  Essential amino acid profile of C. maxima was higher than C. pepo. Nutritional profile of C. maxima was found to be superior as compared to C. pepo.