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 f 0.01 g 100 g-1), while C. moschata var. "Hamra" had the highest oil content (43.60 f 0.37 g 100 g-1). Mineral analysis revealed elevated potassium and magnesium levels in C. moschata var. "Slaouiya" (875.59 f 28.87 mg g 100 g-1 K and 435.89 f 3.36 mg g 100 g-1 Mg). L. siceraria recorded the highest TPC (5.71 f 0.12 mg GAE g-1) and TFC (16.06 f 0.27 mg QE g-1). Linoleic acid (C18:2) was the most abundant fatty acid, particularly in L. siceraria (70.73 f 0.10%), which also had the highest content of PUFAs (70.89 f 0.11%). In terms of oxidative stability and nutritional indices, L. siceraria exhibited the highest COX value (7.40 f 0.01) and OS (3206.81 f 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 highlight the exceptional potential of these seeds, which could serve as a basis for innovations in the food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical industries.