Efficacy of sweet pumpkin in relieving contact dermatitis in chronically stressed rats

Abstract

Background: Contact dermatitis (CD) is considered among the common inflammatory skin diseases worldwide. Cucurbita moschata Duchesne has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antidepressant activity beside many other beneficial effects. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the effect of pumpkin fruit extract in treating CD in mice exposed to chronic stress and to explore the mechanism through which pumpkin can relief these changes. Materials and Methods: Thirty male albino rats were divided into three groups ( n = 10); the control and two experimental groups that were exposure to chronic unpredictable mild stress for 4 weeks then painting with 1-fluoro-2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB) for 3 consecutive days/week for 2 weeks to induce CD. Biochemical assessment of corticosterone level and antioxidants activity was performed. Skin of affected areas was excised, processed for histopathological examination. Results: DNFB-induced CD presented with dryness, hardness, and scaling. There was a significant reduction ( P < 0.001) in the levels of superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and catalase activity in the skin of rats had CD. Histopathologically, the shin showed hyperplastic-thickened epidermis, focal elongation of the rete ridges, inflammatory cells infiltration in the superficial dermis, and increased collagen fibers. Local administration of pumpkin extract significantly increased the antioxidants activity in the skin and alleviated the CD-associated changes. Conclusions: This study showed that the pumpkin fruit extract could have a potential in treating CD in stressed conditions mainly via its enhancement of skin antioxidant activity.

Brain-derived Neurotropic factor (BDNF) mediates the protective effect of Cucurbita pepo L. on salivary glands of rats exposed to chronic stress evident by structural, biochemical and molecular study

“…The dried powder (50g) of pumpkin was used to prepare the ethanolic extract as was previously described. 16 The yield of extraction was 41%. PE was stored in a suitable container till use after being dissolved in distilled water at a dose of 100 mg/kg and administered by gavage once daily for two weeks.…”

Brain-Derived Neurotropic Factor (BDNF) Mediates the Protective Effect of L.Cucurbita Pepo on Salivary Glands of Depressed Rat Evident by Structural, Biochemical and Molecular Study

“…The dried powder (50g) of pumpkin was used to prepare the ethanolic extract of as was previously described [13]. PE was stored in a suitable container till use after being dissolved in distilled water at a dose of 100 mg/kg and administered by gavage once daily for two weeks [12].…”