Preparation and Investigation of Egyptian-Cultivated Pumpkin Seed Oil: Antioxidant Activity and Key Constituents via GC-MS Characterization and ADMET Squalene Analysis

Yehia, Ola Mahmoud; Khamis, Abeer A.; Salim, Elsayed; Gerges, Marian N.

doi:10.21608/djs.2025.439466.1239

Preparation and Investigation of Egyptian-Cultivated Pumpkin Seed Oil: Antioxidant Activity and Key Constituents via GC-MS Characterization and ADMET Squalene Analysis

Document Type : Research and Reference

Authors

¹ Biochemistry Division, Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt

² Zoology Department, Research Lab. for Molecular Carcinogenesis, Faculty of Science, Tanta University

10.21608/djs.2025.439466.1239

Abstract

Pumpkin seed oil, extracted from Cucurbita pepo seeds cultivated in Egypt, possesses significant nutritional and therapeutic potential due to its rich bioactive compound profile. This study aimed to evaluate the chemical composition and antioxidant activity of the oil to support its applications in health and industry. Using Soxhlet extraction, a yield of 38.15% (w/w) was obtained. Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis revealed the presence of Linoleyl acetate (32.12%), Glycidyl (Z)-9-nonadecenoate (19.45%), and Squalene (3.16%) as major components. The methylated oil analysis identified unsaturated fatty acids, including 9,12-Octadecadien-1-ol (46.17%) and 6-Octadecenoic acid (24.30%). Antioxidant assays, including 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS), reducing power, and phosphomolybdate methods revealed a strong radical scavenging and reducing potential in a dose-dependent manner. ADMET analysis of Squalene revealed favorable pharmacokinetics, including compliance with Lipinski's Rule of Five, absence of toxicity or carcinogenicity alerts, and moderate human intestinal absorption. These findings highlight the antioxidant and therapeutic potential of pumpkin seed oil, emphasizing its suitability for applications in functional foods, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. Future research should focus on isolating and optimizing key bioactive compounds for targeted applications.

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