Comprehensive evaluation of Lagenaria siceraria and Cucurbita species seeds: proximate composition, antioxidant potential, lipid profiling, and oil properties

Seeds from the Cucurbitaceae family are generally considered waste. This study focuses on the seeds of four species: Lagenaria siceraria and three species of Cucurbita spp., evaluating their nutritional composition, mineral content, bioactive properties, and oil characteristics. C. moschata var. “Slaouiya” exhibited the highest protein content (37.12 ± 0.01 g 100 g -1 ), while C. moschata var. “Hamra” had the highest oil content (43.60 ± 0.37 g 100 g -1 ). The mineral analysis showed high levels of potassium (875.59 ± 28.87 mg 100 g -1 ) and magnesium (435.89 ± 3.36 mg 100 g -1 ) in C. moschata var. “Slaouiya”. L. siceraria recorded the highest TPC (5.71 ± 0.12 mg GAE g -1 ) and TFC (16.06 ± 0.27 mg QE g -1 ). Linoleic acid (C18:2) was the most abundant fatty acid, particularly in L. siceraria (70.73 ± 0.10%), which also had the highest content of PUFAs (70.89 ± 0.11%). In terms of oxidative stability and nutritional indices, L. siceraria exhibited the highest COX value (7.40 ± 0.01) and OS (3206.81 ± 5.50). C. moschata var. “Slaouiya” had the lowest atherogenic indices (AI) (0.23) and thrombogenic indices (TI) (0.09), suggesting potential cardiovascular benefits. These findings high - light the exceptional potential of these seeds, which could serve as a basis for innovations in the food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical industries