Cardioprotective, lipid-lowering and glucose-lowering properties of edible seeds from the Cucurbitaceae family

Diabetes mellitus impairs carbohydrate, protein, and lipid metabolism, increasing the risk of metabolic dysfunction and associated complications. This study aimed to evaluate the glucose-lowering and cardioprotective effects of selected edible seed extracts by assessing fasting blood sugar and lipid levels in rabbits. The seed extracts were prepared using a conventional extraction process, seeds of Cucumis melo, Citrullus lanatus, Cucurbita maxima, and Cucumis sativus were selected for the investigation. All extracts significantly reduced LDL-C, triglycerides, and total cholesterol levels, while HDL cholesterol levels increased, indicating strong cardioprotective potential. After 30 and 60 days of treatment, All the extracts produced a marked improvement in cardiovascular risk indices. On day 60, C. lanatus (200 mg) and C. maxima (200 mg) notably decreased the atherogenic index of plasma (AIP). Similarly, after 30 days, the combination group of all extracts at 100 mg dosages showed a significant reduction in AIP. These findings suggest that seeds of C. melo, C. lanatus, C. maxima, and C. sativus could be promising natural sources of anti-diabetic and hypocholesterolemic agents, capable of correcting biochemical abnormalities in both normoglycemic and hyperglycemic conditions, thereby reducing cardiovascular risk indices.