Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Cucurbit seeds: I. Characterizations and uses of oils and proteins. A review

  • Published:
Economic Botany Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Summary

Cucurbit seeds can be classified as oil seeds because decorticated seeds contain by weight 50% oil and 35% protein. The oil is unsaturated and generally edible; however, the contents of conjugated trienoic fatty acids in the oil of a few species preclude edibility but increase industrial values as drying oils. Proteins of cucurbit seeds appear edible and supplementation with certain amino acids increases the nutritional value of the protein. However, the possibility that a meal or protein from a given species might be inedible, e.g., through presence of a toxic compound in the seed, must be determined by appropriate feeding tests with the seed products.

Thus cucurbits are potentially valuable oilseed crops. Of special interest are certain xerophilous species that grow particularly well in desert regions. Propagation of these species on currently unproductive wastelands could provide an additional source of oil and protein for industrial and edible purposes.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Alekseeva, M. V. The seed proteins ofCucurbita. Trudy po Khim. Prirod. Soedin., Kishinev. Gos. Univ.1958: 103–108. Chem. Abstr.54: 1667f. 1960.

    Google Scholar 

  2. Alekseeva, M. V. Winter squash; fruit and seed proteins. Trudy po Khim. Prirod. Soedin., Kishinev. Gos. Univ.1959: 31-34. Chem. Abstr.55: 7694i 1961.

    Google Scholar 

  3. Alekseeva, M. V. A comparative study of nitrogen-containing substances in the seeds of some representatives of the gourd family. Trudy po Khim. Prirod. Soedin., Kishinev. Gos. Univ.1961: 37–43. Chem. Abstr.58:10514d. 1963.

    Google Scholar 

  4. Alekseeva, M. V. Paper electrophoresis of salt-soluble proteins of seeds of certain representatives of Cucurbitaceae. Trudy po Khim. Prirod. Soedin., Kishinev. Gos. Univ.1962: 69–74. Chem. Abstr.59: 14294g. 1963.

    Google Scholar 

  5. Alekseeva, M. V. 1965. Investigation of saltsoluble protein of pumpkin seed (Cucurbita pepo) by column gradient extraction method. Biokhimiya30: 60–66. Chem. Abstr.62: 13510f. 1965.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  6. Altschul, A. M. 1962. Seed proteins and world-food problems. Econ. Bot.16: 2–13.

    Google Scholar 

  7. Anderson, D. G. & A. G. McCalla 1960. Sedimentation of crystalline globulin from cucurbit seeds. Can. J. Biochem. Physiol.38:275–286.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  8. Anderson, D. G., A. G. McCalla & D. R. McCalla 1960. Electrophoretic properties of crystalline globulin from cucurbit seeds. Can. J. Biochem. Physiol.38: 657–662.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  9. Arevalo, J. J. 1957. Pumpkin seeds. Studia Rev. Univ. Atlantico, Barranquilla2: 138-209. Chem. Abstr.52: 15648f. 1958.

    Google Scholar 

  10. Asenjo, C. F. & J. A. Goyco 1951. Preliminary note on the nutritional value of pumpkin seeds (from Puerto Rico). Bol. Colegio quim. Puerto Rico 8: 14–16. Chem Abs.46: 1630 h. 1952.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  11. Bemis, W. P., J. W. Berry, M. J. Kennedy, D. Woods, W. Moran & A. J. Deutschman, {jrJr.} 1967. Oil composition ofCucurbita. J. Am. Oil Chem. Soc.44: 429–430.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  12. Bemis, W. P., M. Moran, J. W. Berry & A. J. Deutschman, {jrJr.} 1967. Composition ofApondanthera undulata oil. Can. J. Chem.45:2637.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  13. Bolley, D. S. & R. H. McCormack 1952. Separation of Phytin from oil seed flours. J. Am. Oil Chem. Soc.29: 470–472.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  14. Bolley, D.S., R. H. McCormack & L. C. Curtis 1950. The utilization of the seeds of the wild perennial gourds. J. Am. Oil Chem. Soc.27: 571–574.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  15. Bressani, R. 1963. Nutritional value of various mixtures of vegetable oil-seed proteins developed to combat protein malnutrition in Latin America. Qualitas Plant. Mater. Vegetabiles10: 73–108.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  16. Bressani, R. & R. Arroyave 1963. Nutritive value of pumpkin seed. Essential amino acid content and protein value of pumpkin seed (Cucurbita farinosa). Agri. Food Chem.11:29–33.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  17. Byerrum, R. U., S. A. Brown & C. D. Ball 1950. The action of electrolytes on oxalacetic decarboxylase fromCucurbita seeds. Arch. Biochem.26: 442–456.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  18. Castaneda-Agullo, M. & V. Salazar P. 1948. Investigation on crystallized globulins of pumpkin seeds. Anales escuela nacl. cienc. biol.5: 65-78. Chem. Abstr.43: 5450i. 1949.

    Google Scholar 

  19. Chisholm, M. J. & C. Y. Hopkins 1967. Conjugated fatty acids in some Cucurbitaceae seed oils. Can. J. Biochem.45: 1081–1086.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  20. Chisholm, M. J. & C. Y. Hopkins 1964. Fatty acid composition of some Cucurbitaceae seed oils. Can. J. Chem.42: 560–564.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  21. Chowdhury, D. K., M. M. Chakrabarty & B. K. Mukherji 1955. Studies on some seed fats of Cucurbitaceae family. J. Am. Oil Chem. Soc.32: 384–386.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  22. Cravioto B., R. O. & M. Cervantes 1965. Proteins and amino acids in Mexican foods. I. Protein efficiency of pumpkin seed and pumpkin seed-soybean flour mixture. Ciencia24: 83–88. Chem. Abstr.64: 11620d. 1966.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  23. Curtis, L. C. 1946. The possibilities of using species of perennial cucurbits as source of vegetable fats and protein. Chemurgic Dig.13:221,223-224.

    Google Scholar 

  24. Curtis, L. C. 1948. The use of naked seed inCucurbita pepo as a source of high quality liquid vegetable fat, as a high analysis protein, as a new confection, and as a sandwich spread. Proc. Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci.52:403–406.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  25. Dunnill, P. M. & L. Fowden 1965. The amino acids of seeds of theCucurbitaceae. Phytochemistry4: 933–944.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  26. Earle, F. R. & Q. Jones 1962. Analyses of seed samples from 113 plant families. Econ. Bot.16: 221–250.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  27. Fang, S-T., L-C. Li, C-I. Niu & K-T. Ts’eng 1961. Chemical studies onCucurbita moschata. I. The isolation and structural studies of Cucurbitine, a new amino acid. Sci. Sinica10: 845–851. Chem. Abstr.58: 2503ac. 1963.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  28. Feyt-Brugie, J., P. Auriol & A. Touze 1968. Identification and determination of free carbohydrates inCucumis melo seeds. C. R. Acad. Sci., Paris, Ser. D,266: 2419–2421. Chem. Abstr.69: 57361x. 1969.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  29. Food. Agr. Organ./World Health Organ. Expert Group 1965. Protein requirements. Food Agr. Organ. Meetings Report Series37:1–71.

    Google Scholar 

  30. Fuerst, C. R., A. G. McCalla & J. R. Colvin 1954. Electrophoretic and sedimentation characterization of crystalline squash seed globulin. Arch. Biochem. Biophys.49: 207–221.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  31. Girgis, P. & F. Said 1968. Lesser known Nigerian edible oils and fats. I. Characteristics of melon seed oils. J. Sci. Fd. Agric.19:615–616.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  32. Gunstone, F. D., G. M. Taylor, J. A. Cornelius & T. W. Hammonds 1968. New tropical seed oils. II. Component acids of leguminous and other seed oils. J. Sci. Fd. Agric.19: 706–709.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  33. Hilditch, T. P. & P. N. Williams 1964. The chemical constitution of natural fats. John Wiley and Sons, Inc., New York. 745p.

    Google Scholar 

  34. Hubbell, R. B., H. B. Vickery & L. S. Nolan 1953. Cucurbit seed globulins. II. Use as substitutes for Edestin in experimental diets. J. Nutr.25: 99–101.

    Google Scholar 

  35. Jaky, M. 1958. Die Untersuchung verschiedener olhaltiger Samensorten in Ungarn. Oleagineux13: 149–151.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  36. Jara, J. & E. Selles 1951. Estudio galenico de la semilla deCucurbita pepo L. Galenica Acta4: 24–97.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  37. Joubert, F. J. & D. R. Cooper 1953. Naras seed protein. Nature172: 1190.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  38. Kretovich, V. L., A. A. Bundel, N. A. Lepina & S. S. Melik-Sarkisyan 1956. Proteins of pumpkin seeds. Biokhim. Zerna, Sbornik1956: 5–34. Chem. Abstr.51: 13970g. 1957.

    Google Scholar 

  39. Kwolek, W. F. & C. H. Van Etten 1968. Evaluation of amounts and pattern of essential amino acids in plant seeds. J. Agr. Food Chem16: 496–499.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  40. Lui, N. S. T. & A. M. Altschul 1967. Isolation of globoids from cottonseed aleurone grains. Arch. Biochem. Biophys.121: 678–684.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  41. Lyman, C. M., K. A. Kuiken & F. Hale 1956. Amino acids in feedstuffs. Essential amino acid content of farm feeds. J. Agr. Food Chem.4: 1008–1013.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  42. Massieu, H. G., J. Guzman G., R. O. Cravioto & J. Calvodela Torre 1950. Essential amino acid content in several Mexican seeds. Ciencia10: 142–144. Chem. Abstr.45: 4279i. 1951.

    Google Scholar 

  43. Mourgne, M., R. Baret, J. Renai & J. Barbe 1966. Water-soluble proteins ofCucurbita maxima seeds. C. R. Soc. Biol.160: 1166–1169. Chem. Abstr.66: 52921h. 1961.

    Google Scholar 

  44. Mourgne, M., R. Baret, J. Renai & J. Savary 1968. Gourd (Cucurbita maxima) seed euglobulins. C. R. Soc. Biol.162: 1128-1133. Chem. Abstr.70: 112342q. 1969.

    Google Scholar 

  45. Okuda, Y. 1962. Seed globulin ofCucurbitaceae. II. Amino acid composition of the globulin. Bull. Yamaguchi Med. School9: 167–173.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  46. Porterfield, W. M. 1955. Loofah—the sponge gourd. Econ. Bot.9: 211–223.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  47. Schormuller, J. & H. Winter 1959. Proteins of the pumpkin seed. Nahrung3: 414–420. Chem. Abstr.54: 6995b. 1960.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  48. Shahani, H. S., F. G. Dollear, K. S. Markley & J. R. Quimby 1951. The buffalo gourd, a potential oil seed crop of the southwestern drylands. J. Am. Oil Chem. Soc.28: 90–95.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  49. Simonescu, C. 1957. The sizing of paper. Zellstoff u. Papier6:1–5. Chem. Abstr.54: 2332e. 1960.

    Google Scholar 

  50. Smith, C. R., {jrJr.}, M. C. Shekleton, I. A. Wolff & Q. Jones 1959. Seed protein sources — amino acid composition and total protein content of various plant seeds. Econ. Bot.13:132–150.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  51. Smith, E. L. & R. D. Greene 1947. Further studies on the amino acid composition of seed globulins. J. Biol. Chem.167: 833–842.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  52. Smith, E. L. & R. D. Greene 1948. The isoleucine content of seed globulins and beta-lactoglobulin. J. Biol. Chem172: 111–112.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  53. Thompson, J. F. 1952. The analysis of the alcohol-insoluble nitrogen of plants by quantitative procedures based on paper chromatography. I. The analysis of certain pure proteins. J. Exp. Bot.3: 170–181.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  54. Van Etten, C. H., R. W. Miller, I. A. Wolff & Q. Jones 1963. Nutrients in seeds. Amino acid composition of seeds from 200 angiospermous plant species. Agr. Food Chem.11: 399–410.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  55. Vickery, H. B., E. L. Smith & L. S. Nolan 1952. Cucurbit seed globulin. Biochem. Prep.2: 5–9.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  56. Whitaker, T. W. & G. W. Bohn 1950. The taxonomy, genetics, production and uses of the cultivated species ofCucurbita. Econ. Bot.4: 52–81.

    Google Scholar 

  57. Whitaker, T. W. & G. N. Davis 1962. Cucurbits — Botany, Cultivation, Utilization. Interscience Publishers, Inc., New York 249 pp.

    Google Scholar 

  58. White, A. & M. A. Sayers 1945. Preparation, properties and parenteral administration of tryptophane-containing acid hydrolysates of proteins. J. Biol. Chem.161: 485–494.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  59. Zucker, H., V. W. Hays, V. C. Speer & D. V. Catron 1958. Evaluation of pumpkin seed meal as a source of protein using a depletion-repletion technique. J. Nutr.65: 327–334.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Southern Regional Research Laboratory, P.O. Box 19687, New Orleans, Louisiana

    L. Y. Yatsu

  2. One of the laboratories of the Southern Marketing and Nutrition Research Division, Agricultural Research Division, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, USA

    L. Y. Yatsu

Authors
  1. T. J. Jacks
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. T. P. Hensarling
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. L. Y. Yatsu
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Jacks, T.J., Hensarling, T.P. & Yatsu, L.Y. Cucurbit seeds: I. Characterizations and uses of oils and proteins. A review. Econ Bot 26, 135–141 (1972). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02860774

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02860774

Keywords

Search

Navigation