World Journal of Agricultural Research, 2023, Vol. 11, No. 3, 83-86 Available online at http://pubs.sciepub.com/wjar/11/3/3 Published by Science and Education Publishing DOI:10.12691/wjar-11-3-3 Functional Properties, Proximate and Mineral Compositions of Seeds of Selected Cucurbit Species A. H. N. Preethimali 1 , R. M. Dharmadasa 2,* , D. C. Abeysinghe 1 , M. N. A Mubarak 2 1 Department of Plantation Management, Faculty of Agriculture and Plantation Management, Wayamba University of Sri Lanka, Makandura, Gonawila (NWP), 60170, Sri Lanka 2 Industrial Technology Institute, 363, Bauddhaloka Mawatha, Colombo 07, 00700, Sri Lanka *Corresponding author: Received September 04, 2023; Revised October 05, 2023; Accepted October 12, 2023 Abstract The study aimed to determine the total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), proximate composition and mineral composition in seeds of selected cucurbit species, which include Cucumber, Pumpkin, Crookneck pumpkin, Watermelon, Snakegourd, Ash gourd, Bottle gourd and Kekiri. The Folin-Ciocalteu method, a colorimetric method and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay were used to determine TPC, TFC and TAC respectively. On the other hand, the AOAC method and Atomic Absorbance Spectrophotometric method were used for proximate composition and mineral composition, respectively. The results showed that seeds of watermelon had the highest TPC (1.97 ± 0.06 mg GAE/g DW) and TAC (2.87 ± 0.14 mg TE/g DW) compared to the other selected cucurbit seeds. Meanwhile, seeds of ash gourd had the highest TFC (5.60 ± 0.27 mg RE/g DW). Snake gourd seeds had the highest moisture content (88.92 ± 1.93 %), while seeds of ash gourd had the highest crude ash content (5.18 ± 0.25%). Pumpkin had the highest crude fat content (19.75 ± 1.92 %), while cucumber seed had the highest crude protein content (35.60 ± 0.27). Additionally, cucurbit seeds were found to be rich in K (8,632 mg/ Kg), Mg (3,997 mg/ Kg), Ca (1,369.25 mg/ Kg) and Na (156.25 mg/ Kg). In conclusion, the tested cucurbit species' seeds could be effectively used as nourishing healthy snacks and for nutraceutical and pharmaceutical industries. Keywords: antioxidant capacity, cucurbitaceae, cucurbit seeds, functional properties, mineral composition Cite This Article: A. H. N. Preethimali, R. M. Dharmadasa, D. C. Abeysinghe, and M. N. A Mubarak, “Functional Properties, Proximate and Mineral Compositions of Seeds of Selected Cucurbit Species.” World Journal of Agricultural Research, vol. 11, no. 3 (2023): 83-86. doi: 10.12691/wjar-11-3-3. 1. Introduction With the ever-increasing world population, food security has become a major challenge worldwide [1]. This problem gives the rationale for researcher to discover as many as possible cheaper sources of nutrients to meet the requirements. This goal could be accomplished by identifying and using food supplies that are derived from plants. Cucurbitaceae is a widespread family with 130 genera and 800 species [2]. The cucurbit plant family was discovered in moderate climates, valued for its nutritious fruits and medicinal properties, and commonly known as cucurbits. A wide variety of edible plants, such as watermelons (Citrullus lanatus), Pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima), Cucumber (Cucumis sativus), and gourd species belong to the genus Cucurbitaceae, and their seeds are frequently discarded as waste [3]. They are crucial in preventing oxidative stress, which is a buildup of free radicals and antioxidants that can cause cellular and tissue damage [4]. Most vegetables from the Cucurbitaceae family are rich in bioactive compounds responsible for yellow-red pigmentation called carotenoids. Some of them are known to be absorbed, metabolized, and used for health benefits by the human body [5]. Cucurbits have been used for medicinal purposes for centuries due to their healing properties, depending on phytochemical composition. Various parts of cucurbits such as flowers, fruits, leaves, stems, seeds, petioles and roots are used in traditional therapy [6]. They have antihypoglycaemic, insecticidal/anthelmintic, anti-inflammatory and anti-lipidemic like therapeutic properties [4]). Therefore, cucurbits can be used to treat chronic or acute eczema, inhibit the angiotensin- converting enzyme and the oxidation of linoleic acid [7]. The aim of the current study is to determine the functional properties, proximate and mineral compositions of seeds of commonly cultivated cucurbit species in Sri Lanka, as there is currently a lack of comprehensive research on these aspects despite the potential health benefits of consuming cucurbit seeds. 2. Methodology Location The study was carried out in the Laboratory of Department