Chemical Constituents and Antioxidant Activity of Melothria scabra Naudin Fruits

Abstract

The fruit of Melothria scabra Naudin is traditionally used by natives of South East Sulawesi and has economic values in the local markets. Nonetheless, little scientific information was gained from this plant to support its development for nutraceutical and pharmaceutical aspects. This study aimed to investigate the phytochemicals contained in the ethanol extract and organic fractions (methanol, ethyl acetate, and hexane) of the fruits using specific reagents and an LC-MS/MS analysis, as well as to evaluate their total phenolics, total flavonoids, and DPPH radical scavenging activity using a dot-blot staining and spectrophotometric assays. Results showed that the fruits of M. scabra contained alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, terpenoids, and saponins. Six compounds were successfully identified from the ethanol extract of the fruits for the first time that is D-1-[(3-carboxypropyl)amino]-1-deoxyfructose (1), fructose-C3H5NO (2), valine (3), 1β, 3α, 9β-trihydroxyeudesma-5,11(13)-dien-12-oic acid (4), Cucurbitacin B-2-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-β-D-glucopyranoside (5), and 2-heptyl-3-hydroxy-4(H)-quinolone (6). Total phenolics in the extract and organic fractions were in the range of 54.2 ± 2.4 to 259.1 ± 8.4 mg GAE/g, while total flavonoids were in the range of 1.6 ± 0.2 to 22.4 ± 0.2 mg QE/g. The ethanol extract and its organic fractions (methanol and ethyl acetate) were potent radical scavengers with SC50 values ranging from 20.7 to 37.5 µg/mL when compared with ascorbic acid, gallic acid, and quercetin (SC50 of 2.8 to 9.4 µg/mL). This study concludes that M. scabra fruits could be developed as a source of natural antioxidant agents for nutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals purposes.

Investigation of the Valorization of Methanolic Extract of <i>Punica granatum</i> L. Peel in Terms of Phytochemical, Trace Element, Antioxidant Activities and ADMET Profile of Active Compounds

“…The plant extract exhibited antioxidant and anti-cancer activity (60-90%) against G361 and A549 cell lines [49]. By using LC-MS/MS, the same substance was also found in the ethanol extract of M. scabra fruits, and strong radical scavenger activities were reported with values varying from 20.7 to 37.5 g/mL [50]. Likewise, Chaiwong et al [51] reported this compound in the aqueous extract of dried mulberry fruit using (±) ESI-QTOF-MS/MS.…”

Melothria scabra [Naudin] Provides New Opportunities for Agronomic Research

“…Historical studies by Fowden have shown biochemical composition within M. scabra, which could be useful for other comparisons in the future (Fowden 1965). Current research by Kamaruddin et al shows the anti-oxidant activity of M. scabra, as well as the chemical composition of extracts from this plant (Kamaruddin et al, 2021). Preliminary research conducted by Govindula et al suggests anti-diabetic and hypoglycemic properties of M. scabra (Govindula et al, 2019).…”

Artificial Polyploidization Enhances Morphological, Physiological, and Biological Characteristics in Melothria scabra Naudin

“…Cucamelon, also known as Mexican miniature watermelon (Melothria scabra Naudin), is a horticultural crop from the Cucurbitaceae family [1]. It is a diploid (2n = 2× = 24) plant species that originated from Mexico and Central America but has spread widely across other regions of the world [2].…”

“…Cucamelon is cultivated for its diminutive, edible fruit, which resembles a miniature striped watermelon (Citrullus lanatus). Morphologically, the fruit is oval with an average length of 2.4 cm and a width of 1.5 cm and is consumed either in its raw form or processed as pickles and vegetables [1,3]. The fruits of M. scabra contain alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, terpenoids, and saponins [1].…”

“…Morphologically, the fruit is oval with an average length of 2.4 cm and a width of 1.5 cm and is consumed either in its raw form or processed as pickles and vegetables [1,3]. The fruits of M. scabra contain alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, terpenoids, and saponins [1]. Apart from these phytochemicals, cucamelons possess numerous ethnopharmacological properties.…”