Effect of buffalo gourd (cucurbita foetidissima)‎ oil platelets aggregation in human blood

الملخص EN

Seven healthy adults participated in this study.

Blood was drawn from each subject at initial fasting control and immediately after initial fasting but with Buffalo Gourd oil incorporated into the syringes.

Platelets were obtained from the blood by centrifugation and platelets aggregation was measured using aggreganometer supplied with a recorder.

Results indicated that Buffalo Gourd oil incorporation into the blood resulted in preventing platelets aggregation enhanced by ADP, epinephrine or collagen.

The inhibition of platelets aggregation was dose-related.

The present data provide additional information on the benefits of using this oil for human consumption.

The feral xerophytic Buffalo Gourd, Cucurbita foetidissima, has evolved in the semi-arid regions of western north America and is well adapted to desert environments1.

This plant has abundant yields of seeds rich in edible oil and protein and abundant Carbohydrate reserves in the form of starch in the large storage root2-3.

Curcurbita foetidissima was first described in 1817, its natural habitat is western United States, Mexico and the Middle East4.

Curtis described the potential of Buffalo Gourd as a crop4.

The seed coat of this plant accounts for 30% of the seed weight, the embryo contains a protein level of up to 37.5% and an oil content of 48%.

The oil possesses very desirable storage characteristics, having a high (up to 46%) content of linolenic acid and low linolenic acid.

Fatty acid contents and the properties and characteristics of Buffalo Gourd oil have been extensively studied by Vasconcellos, et al5.

The present experiment was conducted to study the effect of Buffalo Gourd oil on platelets aggregation in as much as this plant has been claimed to possess antiatherogenic activity.