A. H. N. Preethimali¹, R. M. Dharmadasa^2,, D. C. Abeysinghe¹, M. N. A Mubarak²

The study aimed to determine the total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), proximate composition and mineral composition in seeds of selected cucurbit species, which include Cucumber, Pumpkin, Crookneck pumpkin, Watermelon, Snakegourd, Ash gourd, Bottle gourd and Kekiri. The Folin-Ciocalteu method, a colorimetric method and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay were used to determine TPC, TFC and TAC respectively. On the other hand, the AOAC method and Atomic Absorbance Spectrophotometric method were used for proximate composition and mineral composition, respectively. The results showed that seeds of watermelon had the highest TPC (1.97 ± 0.06 mg GAE/g DW) and TAC (2.87 ± 0.14 mg TE/g DW) compared to the other selected cucurbit seeds. Meanwhile, seeds of ash gourd had the highest TFC (5.60 ± 0.27 mg RE/g DW). Snake gourd seeds had the highest moisture content (88.92 ± 1.93 %), while seeds of ash gourd had the highest crude ash content (5.18 ± 0.25%). Pumpkin had the highest crude fat content (19.75 ± 1.92 %), while cucumber seed had the highest crude protein content (35.60 ± 0.27). Additionally, cucurbit seeds were found to be rich in K (8,632 mg/ Kg), Mg (3,997 mg/ Kg), Ca (1,369.25 mg/ Kg) and Na (156.25 mg/ Kg). In conclusion, the tested cucurbit species' seeds could be effectively used as nourishing healthy snacks and for nutraceutical and pharmaceutical industries.

antioxidant capacity, cucurbitaceae, cucurbit seeds, functional properties, mineral composition