In Vitro Sprouted Plantlets of Citrullus colocynthis (L.) Schrad Shown to Possess Interesting Levels of Cucurbitacins and Other Bioactives against Pathogenic Fungi

Abstract

Cucurbitacins, structurally different triterpenes mainly found in the members of Cucurbitaceae, possess a vast pharmacological potential. Genus Cucurbita, Cucumis, and Citrullus are affluent in these bioactive compounds, and, amongst them, Citrullus colocynthis (L.) Schrad. is widely exploited in folk medicine, since a huge number of diseases are successfully treated with organic and aqueous extracts obtained from different organs and tissues of the plant. The well-known pharmacological activities of such species have been attributed to its peculiar composition, which includes cucurbitacins and other bioactive molecules; thus, owing to its high importance as a valuable natural resource for pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals, C. colocynthis propagation and multiplication protocols are considered significant, but the exploitation of its phytochemical potential is limited by the restricted cultivation conditions and the low rate of seed germination in the natural environment; in fact, the assessment of accumulation rate of specific phytochemicals under controlled conditions is still missing. Axenically sprouted plantlets obtained without the use of culture media or the addition of hormones have been evaluated here for the production of bioactive compounds and relevant bioactive features. Our results proved that derived organic extracts contain cucurbitacins and other bioactives, show antioxidant potential, and exert activity against some pathogenic fungi (Candida krusei, C. albicans, C. parapsilosis, C. glabrata, and Aspergillus flavus), supporting the feasibility of a methodology intended to scale-up cultivation of this species as a source of pharmaceutically interesting compounds, achievable from plantlets cultivated under laboratory conditions.

Biosynthesis and Characterization of Calcium Oxide Nanoparticles from Citrullus colocynthis Fruit Extracts; Their Biocompatibility and Bioactivities

“…is a medicinal plant that has been used in several traditional medicinal cultures [ 16 ]. C. colocynthis is rich in cucurbitacins [ 17 ], flavonoids [ 18 ], phenolics, and natural antioxidants [ 19 ]. Plant secondary metabolites are helpful to reduce, cap, and stabilize metallic nanoparticles [ 20 ]; phenolics and flavonoids are the most effective biological reducers [ 21 ].…”

Pharmacological Activities and In-Silico Studies of Bioactive Compounds Identified in Organic Fractions of the Methanolic Extract ofCitrullus Colocynthis

“…A major compound from C. colocynthis named as cucurbitin or cucurbit, has shown effectiveness in a wide range of diseases, including skin, gynecological, pulmonary infections, inflammatory conditions, cardiovascular problems, and immunerelated illnesses. 2 Extracts of C. colocynthis contain phytochemicals such as phenolics, flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenes, and tannins that show good potential as antimicrobial, antidiabetic, 3,4 and anticancer agents. 5 The antioxidant properties of polyphenols enable them to scavenge free radicals and prevent their future formation.…”

“…A major compound from C. colocynthis named as cucurbitin or cucurbit, has shown effectiveness in a wide range of diseases, including skin, gynecological, pulmonary infections, inflammatory conditions, cardiovascular problems, and immune-related illnesses. 2 …”