Effects of Petroleum Ether Extract of Cucurbita pepo L. Seed on Some Biochemical Parameters in Alloxan-Induced Hyperglycaemic Rats

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by persistent hyperglycaemia resulting from inadequate insulin secretion, impaired insulin action, or both. The increasing prevalence of diabetes and the limitations associated with conventional therapies have stimulated interest in medicinal plants as potential alternative treatments. Cucurbita pepo L. (pumpkin) has been traditionally used in many countries for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiviral, antiulcer, and antidiabetic properties. This study evaluated the phytochemical composition, acute toxicity (LD₅₀), hypoglycaemic activity, and effects of petroleum ether extract of Cucurbita pepo L. seeds on selected biochemical parameters in alloxan-induced hyperglycaemic rats. Twenty-five Wistar rats were randomly assigned into five groups (n = 5): normal control, diabetic control, diabetic rats treated with metformin (150 mg/kg), diabetic rats treated with 250 mg/kg petroleum ether seed extract, and diabetic rats treated with 500 mg/kg petroleum ether seed extract. Diabetes was induced using alloxan (120 mg/kg body weight), and treatments were administered orally once daily for four weeks. At the end of the experiment, blood samples were collected for biochemical analyses. The results showed that treatment with Cucurbita pepo seed extract significantly reduced blood glucose levels (P < 0.05), demonstrating a hypoglycaemic effect. The 500 mg/kg dose produced greater improvements, with reductions in serum urea and creatinine, suggesting enhanced renal function. Total protein increased moderately, while albumin showed only a slight, non-significant increase. Liver function markers (ALT, AST, and ALP) were significantly reduced (P < 0.05), indicating hepatoprotective activity. Furthermore, the higher dose significantly increased high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels, reflecting an improvement in lipid metabolism. These findings suggest that petroleum ether extract of Cucurbita pepo L. seeds possesses antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, nephroprotective, and hypolipidaemic properties, supporting its potential as a complementary therapeutic agent for diabetes management.