THE MEDICINAL COMPONENT OF CUCUMBER AND ANTI-MICROBIAL OF CUCUMBER
ABSTRACT
The volatiles of three Greek cucumber cultivars (Cucumis sativus L.) were analyzed by gas chromatography and mass spectrometric detection. Twenty-one components were identified. The major components from each sample were found to be: sample A, Z-6-nonenol (61.54%), E-2-nonenal (6.98%), sample B, E,Z-2,6-nonadienal (47.08%), E-2-nonenal (17.39%), Z-3-nonenol (14.79%), 3-nonenal (7.32%), sample C, pentadecanal (43.47%), 9,12,15-octadecatrienal (14.52%) and 9,17-octadecadienal (12.33%). Additionally, several constituents have been isolated and identified from the dichloromethane, and methanolic extract of fruits from sample B. It was found that cucumber contained a high concentration of L-(+) lactic acid which, as a member of a-hydroxy acids (AHAs) with established use in cosmetology, could explain the traditional use of cucumber in skin treatment. Finally, the in vitro antioxidant (DPPH [1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl] assay) and antimicrobial activity of the extracts and/or volatiles from all studied samples against six bacteria and three fungi were also assayed and reported.
Cucumber fruit is a very important part of traditional Mediterranean diet since antiquity, as it is widely consumed, mainly fresh in salads. It is noteworthy that the cucumber pulp has been traditionally used for skin cleaning through centuries and till nowadays its extracts are used worldwide, in many cosmetic products. Studies of the chemical constituents as well as antibacterial and antioxidative activities of the most important Greek cultivars seem to be promising ones. The observed activities support the further uses of cucumber in health, nutrition and cosmetology.