Antioxidant potential, anti-inflammatory activity, antidiabetic and cardioprotective effect of Microsechium helleri (Peyr. ) Cong / Potencial antioxidante, actividad anti-inflamatoria, efecto antidiabético y cardioprotector de Microsechium helleri (Peyr. ) Cong

Microsechium helleri (Cucurbitaceae) has been used in ethnopharmacological as a lotion to prevent hair loss, diuretic and cathartic, in the region of central Veracruz, Mexico is used as antidiabetic. The antioxidant properties of the hexanic (EHex), chloroformic (ECHCl3) and ethanolic (EEtOH) extracts, were evaluated by 2,2diphenyl-1-pychrylhydrazyl (DPPH) test, the Ferric Reducing/Antioxidant Power (FRAP) and the total phenolic content test. The anti-inflammatory effect was evaluated in the acute ear edema induced with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (TPA) in mouse and the hypoglycemic and cardioprotective effects of the EEtOH were determined in rats. The EEtOH was the most active in the antioxidant potential DPPH test and the ECHCl3 was the best in the FRAP assay and the total polyphenols content. In the anti-inflammatory assay, the ECHCl3 showed the most activity. The EEtOH had the decreased the glucose levels and reduced myocardial damage. The results support the use of this plant in folk medicine in Mexico as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hypoglycemic and cardioprotective.

Microsechium helleri (Cucurbitaceae) se utiliza en etnofarmacología como una loción para prevenir la caída del cabello, como diurético y catártico, en la región del centro de Veracruz, México es usado como antidiabético. Las propiedades antioxidantes de los extractos hexánico (EHex), clorofórmico (ECHCl3) y etanólico (EEtOH), se evaluaron mediante la prueba de 2,2difenil-1-psililhidrazilo (DPPH), el poder reductor férrico/poder antioxidante (FRAP) y el contenido fenólico total. El efecto anti-inflamatorio se evaluó en el edema agudo de la oreja inducido con forbol 12-miristato 13-acetato (TPA) en ratones y se determinaron los efectos hipoglucémicos y cardioprotectores del EEtOH en ratas. El EEtOH fue el más activo en la prueba DPPH de potencial antioxidante y el ECHCl3 fue el mejor en el ensayo FRAP y el contenido total de polifenoles. En el ensayo antiinflamatorio, el ECHCl3 mostró la mayor actividad. El EEtOH disminuyó los niveles de glucosa y redujo el daño miocárdico. Los efectos hipoglucémicos y cardioprotector del extracto de EEtOH se determinaron en ratas, donde el extracto disminuyó los niveles de glucosa y redujo el daño miocárdico. Los resultados apoyan el uso de esta planta en la medicina popular en México como antioxidante, anti-inflamatorio, hipoglucemiante y cardioprotector.

Prospecção fitoquímica de cruá vermelho (Sicana odorifera Naudin) e atividade antioxidante do fruto / Phytochemical prospection of cruá vermelho (Sicana odorifera Naudin) and antioxidant activity of the fruit

Originária da América Tropical, provavelmente do Brasil, a Sicana odorifera Naudin (Cucurbitaceae) é uma planta herbácea anual, vigorosa, rasteira ou trepadeira, cujos frutos exalam um odor intenso e agradável quando maduros. O presente trabalho visou caracterizar os metabólitos secundários em extratos obtidos das folhas, sementes, polpa e casca do fruto, e avaliar a atividade antioxidante do fruto. Diferentes classes de metabólitos secundários foram identificadas nas análises qualitativas e quantitativas, realizadas nos diferentes extratos obtidos. A atividade antioxidante do extrato aquoso da polpa do fruto foi determinada pela habilidade de sequestrar o radical estável 2,2-difenil-1-picrilhidrazil (DPPH). Os carotenoides foram extraídos com acetona, separados com éter de petróleo e quantificados em espectrofotômetro UV. A triagem fitoquímica dos extratos indicou a presença de compostos como açúcares redutores, depsídeos e depsidonas, esteroides e triterpenoides, polissacarídeos, proteínas e aminoácidos, saponinas, taninos, alcaloides e carotenoides, além de atividade antioxidante na polpa do fruto. De acordo com os resultados obtidos constata-se que S. odorifera possui propriedades de interesse farmacológico. O estudo serve como subsídio preliminar sobre o conhecimento da composição química e viabilidade de emprego dessa planta para fins medicinais.

Being native of Tropical America, probably from Brazil, the Sicana odorifera Naudin (Cucurbitaceae) is an annual herbaceous plant, vigorous, creeping or climbing, whose fruits exude an intense and pleasant odor when ripe. This study aimed at characterizing the secondary metabolites in the extracts obtained from the leaves, seeds, pulp and fruit peel, and to evaluate the fruit antioxidant activity. Different classes of secondary metabolites were identified by the qualitative and quantitative analyzes in the varied extracts. The antioxidant activity of the aqueous extract from the fruit pulp was determined by the ability to sequester the stable radical 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH). The carotenoids were extracted with acetone, separated with the petroleum ether, and quantified by UV spectrophotometer. Phytochemical screening of extracts indicated the occurrence of compounds as the reducing sugars, depsids and depsidones, steroids and triterpenoids, polysaccharides, proteins and amino acids, saponins, tannins, alkaloids and carotenoids, besides the antioxidant activity in the fruit pulp. According to the obtained results, S. odorifera possesses properties of pharmacological interest. This study provides a preliminary subsidy on the knowledge concerning the chemical composition and the feasibility of using this plant for medicinal purposes.

Phenolic profile and antioxidant activity from peels and seeds of melon (Cucumis melo L. var. reticulatus) and their antiproliferative effect in cancer cells

Melon (Cucumis melo L.) has high economic value and in recent years, its production has increased; however, part of the fruit is wasted. Usually, inedible parts such as peel and seeds are discarded during processing and consumption. Extracts of melon residues were prepared and their phenolic compounds, antioxidants and antiproliferative activities were evaluated. Total phenolic compounds were found in hydroethanolic, hydromethanolic, and aqueous extracts, especially for melon peel (1.016 mg gallic acid equivalent/100 g). Flavonoids total content found for melon peel aqueous extract was 262 µg of catechin equivalent (CA)/100 g. In all extracts of melon peel significant amounts of gallic acid, catechin, and eugenol were found. For total antioxidant capacity, reported as ascorbic acid equivalent, the hydroethanolic and hydromethanolic extracts in peels and hydromethanolic in seeds were 89, 74, and 83 mg/g, respectively. Different extracts of melon showed iron and copper ions chelating activity at different concentrations, especially melon peel aqueous extract, reaching values of 61% for iron and 84% for copper. The hydroethanolic extract of melon peel presented a significant ability for hydroxyl radicals scavenging (68%). To assess the antiproliferative potential in human cancer cell lines, such as kidney carcinoma, colorectal carcinoma, cervical adenocarcinoma and cervical carcinoma, MTT assay was performed. The proliferation was inhibited by 20-85% at extracts concentrations of 0.1-1.0 mg/mL in all cancer cell lines. The results suggest that melon residues extracts display a high antioxidant activity in in vitro assays and have effective biological activity against the growth of human tumor cells.

Antioxidant, antimicrobial, toxicity and analgesic properties of ethanol extract of Solena amplexicaulis root

BACKGROUND: This study was subjected to investigate different pharmacological properties of ethanol extract ofSolena amplexicaulis root. RESULTS: The extract contains flavonoid, alkaloid, saponin and steroid compounds. The extract exhibited excellent antioxidant activity in DPPH radical scavenging activity. The extract also showed potent activity in brine shrimp lethality bioassay. The LC50 value was found to 44.677 µg/ml. The extract showed better anti-bacterial activity against gram-negative bacteria. In antifungal assay, the maximum 79.31% of anti-mycotic activity was observed against Aspergillus ochraceus while minimum 44.2% against Rhizopus oryzae. MIC value ranged between 1500 - 3000 µg/ml. The extract was found moderately toxic with a 24-hr LD50 value of 81.47 mg/kg in Swiss albino mice. The degree of inhibition by the ethanolic extract of the root was found less than that of standard analgesic drug diclofenac sodium. The extract also showed moderate anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activity and anti-diabetic property. Reducing power of the extract was comparable with standard ascorbic acid. Moderate in vitro thrombolytic activity, lipid peroxidation inhibition property, metal chelating ability and stress-protective activity was also observed. CONCLUSION: Ethanol extract of Solena amplexicaulis root can be valuable for treatment of different diseases.

Phytochemistry, anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of the aqueous leaf extract of Lagenaria breviflora (Cucurbitaceae) in laboratory animals

The plant, and especially the fruit of Lagenaria breviflora is widely used in folklore medicine in West Africa as a herbal remedy for the treatment of human measles, digestive disorders, and as wound antiseptics (e.g. umbilical incision wound), while livestock farmers use it for Newcastle disease and coccidiosis treatment in various animal species, especially poultry. The purpose of this study was to contribute with new information on this plant leaves extract effect, as few studies have considered their effects. We collected fresh leaves of Lagenaria breviflora from the school farm of the University of Ibadan, Nigeria in May 2011. Dried leaves were ground and a 200g sample was used to prepare the extract. The grounded leaves material was allowed to shake in 1 000mL distilled water for 48h, in an orbital shaker at room temperature of 24°C. The obtained extract was filtered and concentrated to dryness under reduced pressure at 40ºC, and the thick solution was lyophilized, for a final extract yield of 12.6%. Standard phytochemical methods were used to test the presence of saponins, alkaloids, tannins, anthraquinones, cardiac glycosides, cyanogenetic glycosides and flavonoids. The anti-inflammatory activity of the aqueous leaf extract of the plant was assessed using carrageenan-induced paw edema and histamine-induced paw edema in rats. The analgesic effect was determined using the acetic acid writhing method as well as formalin test in mice. Our results showed that the extract at 100 and 200mg/ kg body weight significantly reduced the formation of the oedema induced by carrageenan and histamine. In the acetic acid-induced writhing model, the extract showed a good analgesic effect characterized by reduction in the number of writhes when compared to the control. The extract caused dose-dependent decrease of licking time and licking frequency in rats injected with 2.5% formalin, signifying its analgesic effect. These results were however less than those of indomethacin, the reference drug used in this study. Since the plant extract reduced significantly the formation of oedema induced by carrageenan and histamine, as well as reduced the number of writhes in acetic acid-induced writhing models and dose-dependent decrease of licking frequency in rats injected with 2.5% formalin, the results have validated the basis for the traditional use of Lagenaria breviflora against inflamed purulent wounds, swellings, and bruises seen in some infectious diseases such as New Castle disease.

La planta, y sobre todo el fruto de Lagenaria breviflora es ampliamente utilizada en medicina tradicional en África occidental como un remedio herbal para el tratamiento del sarampión humano, trastornos digestivos y como antiséptico de la herida umbilical (por ejemplo, herida de incisión), mientras que los ganaderos la utilizan para tratar la enfermedad de Newcastle y la coccidiosis en varias especies animales, especialmente aves de corral. El propósito de este estudio fue analizar el efecto del extracto de esta planta, ya que hay pocos estudios sobre la temática. Se recolectaron hojas frescas de Lagenaria breviflora en la finca demostrativa de enseñanza de la Universidad de Iba- dan, Nigeria, en mayo 2011. Las hojas secas se trituraron y una muestra de 200g fue utilizada para preparar el extracto. El material se mezcló en 1 000ml de agua destilada durante 48 horas, en un agitador orbital a temperatura ambiente de 24 C. El extracto obtenido se filtró y se concentró hasta sequedad a una presión baja y a 40 C, la solución espesa se liofilizó, para un rendimiento de extracto final de 12.6. Para probar la presencia de saponinas, alcaloides, taninos, antraquinonas, glucósidos cardíacos, glucósidos cianogénicos y flavonoides se utilizaron los métodos fitoquímicos estándares. La actividad anti-inflamatoria del extracto acuoso de hojas de la planta se evaluó mediante la inducción de un edema por carragenina e histamina en la pata de las ratas. El efecto analgésico se determinó utilizando el método de contorsiones inducidas por ácido acético y la prueba de formalina en ratones. Nuestros resultados mostraron que el extracto de 100 y 200mg/kg de peso corporal redujo significativamente la formación de edema inducido por la carragenina e histamina. En el modelo de contorsiones inducidas por ácido acético, el extracto mostró un buen efecto analgésico caracterizado por una reducción en el número de retortijones en comparación con el control. El extracto causó una disminución dependiente de la dosis en el tiempo y frecuencia de lameo en ratas inyectadas con 2.5% de formalina, demostrando su efecto analgésico. Estos resultados sin embargo fueron menores que los de la indometacina, fármaco de referencia utilizado en este estudio. El extracto de la planta redujo significativamente la formación de edema inducido por carragenina e histamina, así como la baja en el número de retortijones por ácido acético y una disminución de la dosis-dependiente de la frecuencia de lameo en ratas inyectadas con formalina al 2.5%, los resultados validan el uso tradicional de Lagenaria breviflora contra la inflamación de las heridas purulentas, inflamaciones y contusiones que se dan en algunas enfermedades infecciosas como la enfermedad de New Castle.

Influence of two hypoglycemic Cucurbitaceae (Cucurbita ficifolia Bouché and Ibervillea sonorae Greene) on ATP-sensitive potassium channels in rat aortic rings / Influencia de dos Cucurbitaceae (Cucurbita ficifolia Bouché e Ibervillea sonorae Greene) sobre los canales de potasio sensibles a ATP en anillos aórticos de rata

Cucurbita ficifolia Bouché fruit containing D-chiro-inositol and Ibervillea sonorae Greene root containing cucurbitane-type glycosides are used to control diabetes in Mexico. Although the hypoglycemic effect of both plants has been demonstrated and some active compounds proposed, their mechanisms are still unknown. The aim of this study was to determine if the incubation with both aqueous extracts avoids the inhibition of contraction induced by phenylephrine similarly to glibenclamide in rat aortic rings. The hypoglycemic aqueous extracts of C. ficifolia and I. sonorae were characterized for their content of either D-chiro inositol or cucurbitanes respectively, and then we assayed the characterized extracts in vitro on the diazoxide-induced relaxation of rat aortic rings precontracted with phenylephrine, using as positive control glibenclamide. I. sonorae extract blocked the KATP channels in a concentration-dependent manner (p < 0.05), whereas C. ficifolia extract had no effect on these channels. I. sonorae extract produces a hypoglycemic effect through a similar mechanism to sulphonylureas in this experimental model; however, hypoglycemic action of C. ficifolia extract should be explained by an independent KATP channels mechanism.

Los frutos de Cucurbita ficifolia conteniendo D-quiro-inositol y las raíces de Ibervillea sonorae conteniendo glucósidos tipo cucurbitano son empleados en el control de la diabetes en México. Aunque el efecto hipoglucémico de ambas plantas ha sido demostrado y se han propuesto algunos de sus compuestos activos, aún se desconoce su mecanismo de acción. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar si la incubación con ambos extractos acuosos evita la inhibición de la contracción inducida por fenilefrina de manera similar a la glibenclamida en anillos aórticos de rata. Los extractos acuosos hipoglucémicos de C. ficifolia e I. sonorae fueron caracterizados en su contenido de D-quiro inositol o cucurbitanos, respectivamente y entonces fueron estudiados en un modelo in vitro en la relajación inducida por diazóxido en anillos aórticos previamente contraídos con fenilefrina, usando como control positivo glibenclamida. El extracto de Ibervillea sonorae bloqueó los canales KATP de manera dosis-dependiente (p < 0.05), mientras que Cucurbita ficifolia no tuvo efecto en esos canales. El extracto de I. sonorae produce efecto hipoglucémico a través de un mecanismo similar al de las sulfonilureas en este modelo experimental; por su parte, la acción hipoglucemiante del extracto de C. ficifolia debe ser explicado mediante un mecanismo independiente de los canales KATP.

Assessment of effects on health due to consumption of bitter bottle gourd (Lagenaria siceraria) juice.

Background & objectives: The bottle gourd (Lagenaria siceraria) is popularly known as lauki, ghia or dudhi in India. Its consumption is advocated by traditional healers for controlling diabetes mellitus, hypertension, liver diseases, weight loss and other associated benefits. However, in last few years there have been reports of suspected toxicity due to consumption of its juice. This led to the constitution of an Expert Committee by Department of Health Research at Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India in October 2010. The committee looked into the issues related to safety of consumption of bottle gourd juice, and this paper presents the findings. Methods: Information on cases of suspected toxicity due to consumption of bottle gourd juice was collected by internet search, advertising on website of ICMR and by writing to State and district health authorities as well as to medical colleges, hospitals and private nursing homes across the country. Results: Three deaths were reported, one from Delhi and two from Uttar Pradesh after consumption of extremely bitter bottle gourd juice. Three persons who died after consumption of freshly prepared bottle gourd juice or juice mixed with bitter gourd (karela) juice were over 59 years of age and had diabetes since last 20 years. This juice was reported to be extremely bitter by all three. Twenty six persons were admitted to various hospitals of the country on complaint of abdominal pain and vomiting following consumption of freshly prepared bottle gourd juice. Diarrhoea and vomiting of blood (haematemesis) was reported in 18 (69.2%) and 19 (73.1%) patients, respectively. Biochemical investigations revealed elevated levels of liver enzymes. More than 50 per cent patients had hypotension. Endoscopic findings showed profusely bleeding stomach with excessive ulceration seen in distal oesophagus, stomach and duodenum in most of the cases. All these patients recovered fully and no sequeale was recorded for any of the cases. Interpretation & conclusions: Cucurbitaceae family, of which bottle gourd is a member contains the toxic tetracyclic triterpenoid compounds called cucurbitacins which are responsible for the bitter taste. There is no known antidote for this toxicity and clinicians treat such cases symptomatically only. The Committee made the following recommendations: (i) The community needs to be educated that bitter tasting bottle gourd juice should not be consumed and in case there is any discomfort, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea or any feeling of uneasiness after consumption of juice, the person should immediately be taken to a nearby hospital. (ii) Clinicians are suggested that patients coming with symptoms (discomfort, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, gastrointestinal bleeding after consumption of juice) should immediately be attended to and general supportive care should be provided, i.e. IV fluids/crystalloids/blood products/ fresh frozen plasma to maintain the haemodynamics and electrolyte balance; Ryle’s tube to be put in for gastric lavage and to assess gastrointestinal (GI) bleed- aspirate to be preserved; Proton pump inhibitors should be given for management of GI bleed and appropriate treatment for other complications should be given. (iii) The possible research areas identified are chemical composition studies on bitter and normal bottle gourd and other members of cucurbitaceae family; animal toxicity studies and studies on interaction between bottle gourd juice and other drugs.

Oral glucose tolerance test [OGTT] in normal control and glucose induced hyperglycemic rats with Coccinia Cordifolia L. and Catharanthus roseus L

The aim of this study is to investigate the hypoglycemic effects of petroleum ether, chloroform and ethyl acetate fractions isolated from ethanolic extracts of Coccinia cordifolia and Catharanthus roseus on normal control and orally glucose-induced hyperglycemic rats. Single doses [150 mg/kg] of different fractions of C. cordifolia and C. roseus extracts were intraperitonelly administered. The serum blood glucose level was obtained by pricking the tail vein using glucometer at time 0, 30, 60, 90, 150 and 270 minutes.In the orally glucose induced hyperglycemic rats, chloroform-coccinia [CHCl[3]-CC] fraction showed maximum reduction of blood glucose level by 21.94% on 60 minute of the experiment. On the other hand maximum reduction [p<0.05] of 17.92% was observed for petroleum ether-catharanthus [PET-CR] on 30 minute of the experiment. Metformin HCl was used as standard drug.Our results indicate that the CHCl[3]-CC fraction is relatively more potent than other fractions of C. cordifolia. Similarly the PET-CR is found to be better than other fractions of catharanthus. Phytochemical screening test results showed that chloroform fraction of C. cordifolia contain saponins and flavonoids compounds, which are known to be hypoglycemic. On the other hand petroleum ether fraction of C. roseus contains tannins, flavonoids and alkaloid compounds produced varying degree of blood sugar reduction. On the pharmacological point of view C. cordifolia and C. roseus appears to be a valuable plant, which can be useful, at least as an adjunct, in the therapy of diabetes

Antifeedant activity of botanical crude extracts and their fractions on Bemisia tabaci (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae) adults: II. Sechium pittieri (Cucurbitaceae)

Bemisia tabaci is a key pest of vegetables and other crops worldwide, but it is a particularly serious problem in the tropics, due to its ability to transmit several types of viruses, especially begomoviruses (Geminiviridae). Therefore, a preventive approach to deal with viral epidemics may be the deployment of repellents or phagodeterrents at earlier stages of plant development (critical period). Thus, the crude extract and four fractions thereof (water, water: methanol, methanol, and diethyl ether) of wild "tacaco" (Sechium pittieri, Cucurbitaceae), were tested for phagodeterrence to B. tabaci adults under greenhouse conditions, on tomato plants, in Costa Rica. Both restricted-choice and unrestricted-choice experiments showed that the crude extract as well as some fractions exert such effect on the insect. In the former (in sleeve cages), fractions caused deterrence at doses as low as 0.1% (ether) and 0.5% (water and water: methanol), with the methanol fraction showing no activity. However, in the latter (plants exposed in a greenhouse) no one of the fractions performed well, suggesting that the deterrent principles somehow decomposed under the experimental conditions. Rev. Biol. Trop. 56 (4): 2115-2129. Epub 2008 December 12.

Bemisia tabaci es una plaga clave de hortalizas y otros cultivos, mundialmente, y representa un problema particularmente serio en los trópicos, debido a su habilidad para transmitir varios tipos de virus, especialmente begomovirus (Geminiviridae). Por tanto, un enfoque preventivo para enfrentar las epidemias virales podría consistir en la utilización de sustancias repelentes o disuasivas en las eta-pas tempranas del desarrollo de la planta (período crítico). Así, el extracto crudo y cuatro fracciones (agua, agua: metanol, metanol, y éter dietílico) de tacaco cimarrón (Sechium pittieri, Cucurbitaceae), fueron evaluadas por su posible actividad fagodisuasiva sobre B. tabaci en un invernadero, utilizando plantas de tomate, en Turrialba, Costa Rica. Tanto los experimentos de escogencia restringida como los de escogencia irrestricta mostraron dicha actividad en el extracto crudo y en algunas de sus fracciones. En el primer tipo de experimento (en jaulas de manga), las fracciones causaron fagodisuasión a dosis tan bajas como 0.1% (éter dietílico) y 0.5% (agua y agua: metanol), mientras que la fracción metanólica no la causó. Sin embargo, en los otros experimentos (plantas expuestas a B. tabaci dentro de un invernadero) ninguna de las fracciones funcionó bien, lo cual sugiere que los principios disuasivos se disiparon bajo esas condiciones experimentales.

Beneficial effects of Lagenaria siceraria (Mol.) Standley fruit epicarp in animal models.

Lagenaria siceraria (Mol.) Standley fruit (bottle gourd), a commonly used vegetable in India is described as cardiotonic and as a general tonic in Ayurveda. Keeping in view the presence of free radical scavenging activity in L. siceraria and involvement of free radicals in the development of various disorders, present studies were designed to evaluate the ethanolic extract of L. siceraria fruit against the disorders where free radicals play a major role in pathogenesis. The extract was found effective as hepatoprotective, antioxidant, antihyperglycemic, immunomodulatory, antihyperlipidemic and cardiotonic agent. The results showed that the radical scavenging capacity of L. siceraria fruit may be responsible for various biological activities studied.

Hypolipidemic and antihyperlipidemic effects of Lagenaria siceraria (Mol.) fruit extracts.

Bottle gourd [(Lagenaria siceraria (Mol.) Stand.] fruit is ascribed with many therapeutic effects. The present study was undertaken to explore the antihyperlipidemic effect of four different extracts viz. petroleum ether, chloroform, alcoholic and aqueous extracts from bottle gourd in Triton-induced hyperlipidemic rats and their hypolipidemic effects in normocholesteremic rats. The study is comprised preliminary phytochemical screening of the extracts. Oral administration of the extracts, at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight in rats, dose-dependently inhibited the total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoproteins level, and significantly increased the high density lipoproteins level. However, petroleum ether extract did not show the significant effects. Both the chloroform and alcoholic extract exhibited more significant effects in lowering total cholesterol, triglycerides and low density lipoproteins along with increase in HDL as compared to the others. Preliminary phytochemical screening revealed the presence of flavonoids, sterols, cucurbitacin saponins, polyphenolics, proteins, and carbohydrates. The results obtained suggest marked antihyperlipidemic and hypolipidemic activity of the extracts.