Phytochemical Analysis Using X-ray Diffraction Spectroscopy (XRD) and GC-MS Analysis of Bioactive Compounds in Cucumis sativus L. (Angiosperms; Cucurbitaceae)

Abstract

Cucumis sativus L. (Cucumber) is an important palatable member of the family Cucurbitaceae. Cucumber not only used as one of the popular vegetables but also it has been a source of conventional remedy since olden times. Since, Cucumber is rich in water content and low in calories hence one of the most preferred diet in many countries. There are several claims regarding its anti-diabetic impending, lipid lowering and antioxidant action. It has a purgative nature hence good for removing metabolic waste and toxins. Its juice is also known to nurture the skin with cooling effect. Cucumis sativus fruits are found useful in cases of thermoplegia and hyperdipsia. The seeds also have a preserving effect on the skin, and they are used as carminative. Numerous bioactive phytochemicals have been isolated from cucumber, viz., cucumegastigmanes I and II, cucurbitacins, cucumerin A and B, orienting, vitexin, etc. Regardless of vast investigation on cucumber in horticulture, a relatively less information available about its phytochemical profiling. This study has been done to get the phytochemical profile of this plant using X-ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD) and GC-MS analysis.