ANTI-OXIDANT AND ANTI-INFLAMMATORY ACTIVITY OF CUCUMIS SATIVAS (CUCUMBER) FLOWERS

Cucumis sativus (Cucumbers) have not received as much press as other vegetables in terms of health benefits, but this widely cultivated food provides us with a unique combination of nutrients. At the top of the phytonutrient list for cucumbers are its cucurbitacins, lignans, and flavonoids. These three types of phytonutrients found in cucumbers provide us with valuable antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer benefits. Cucumbers are a valuable source of conventional antioxidant nutrients including vitamin C, beta-carotene, and manganese. Fresh flowers of Cucumis sativus were extracted and evaluated for antioxidant activities by 2,2-Diphenyl 1-picryl hydrazyl solution (DPPH), 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sul- phonic acid (ABTS) assay and anti-inflammatory activites by human blood cell (HRBC) membrane stabilization method and Inhibition of albumin denaturation method. The results obtained showed that the compound isolated from ethyl acetate fractions of Cucumis sativus flowers can be considered as good sources of anti-oxidants, anti-inflammatory and can be incorporated into the drug formulations. This study justifies the anti-oxidants, anti-inflammatory activity of the compound isolated from ethyl acetate fractions of Cucumis sativus flowers. Further detailed analysis of this sample is required to identify the presence of bioactive compounds responsible for anti-oxidants, anti-inflammatory activities. Studies are highly needed for future drug development