Roasting processed oriental melon (Cucumis melo L. var. makuwa Makino) seed influenced the triglyceride profile and the inhibitory potential against key enzymes relevant for hyperglycemia

The aim of this study was to assess the potential of oriental melon (Cucumis melo L. var. makuwa Makino) seeds for the management of hyperglycemia linked to type 2 diabetes. The inhibitory effects of the hexane extracts of roasted melon seed on alpha-glucosidase and alpha-amylase were examined under different roasting temperatures, and compared with those of the unroasted seeds. The highest hypoglycemic activity was exerted by the seed roasted at 250 degrees C for 90 min with an inhibition value of 87.7% and 52.3% against alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase, respectively. The alpha-glucosidase and alpha-amylase inhibitory effects were strongly correlated with the levels of triacylglyceride esterified with linoleic acid (trilinolein). These results suggest that oriental melon seed extracts contain TAG and unsaturated fatty acids, which are potent inhibitors of alpha-glucosidase and alpha-amylase Hence it is clear that oriental melon seeds, which at present are considered as agricultural waste, may usefully be extracted and added to foods. (C) 2013 Published by Elsevier Ltd.