Evaluation of phytochemicals, antioxidant and burn wound healing activities of Duchesne fruit peel.

OBJECTIVES

Cucurbita moschata Duchesne (pumpkin) is a well-known plant with several pharmacological effects. The aim of the present study was to assess burn wound healing activity of peel extract (CE). Also, standardized CE was assessed for antioxidant activity and antibacterial effects against major pathogens of burns.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Healing properties of topical preparation of 10% and 20% concentrations of CE were assessed on second degree burn in rats during a 14-day period as well as histological studies, total antioxidant power, lipid peroxidation and total thiol content of skin tissue samples.

RESULTS

Radical scavenging IC and ferric-reducing antioxidant power value were 4.015±0.20 mg/ml and 142.63±2.65 mmol Fe/g, respectively. Total mucilage content was 13.8%. The optimal results were obtained by 20% CE that showed 90.80±5.86 % wound closure and tissue repair as well as significant reduction of tissue oxidative stress biomarkers. Histological analyses confirmed wound healing activity of pumpkin peel extract.

CONCLUSION

Considering the high mucilage content of the plant, providing a moist environment for wound, peel extract could be a natural remedy for treatment of burns. Further clinical studies are suggested to confirm peel extract as a wound healing agent.