Antimicrobial and antifungal activity of pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo) leaves extracted by four organic solvents and water

Pumpkin is a rich source of vitamin A, being high in beta-carotene, a precursor to vitamin A. It provides substantial fiber, niacin, and lutein (important antioxidant). Pumpkin seeds have many health benefits, some of which include a good source of protein, zinc, and other vitamins, and are even said to lower cholesterol, Pumpkin plant was mentioned in the holy Quran as protector to protect the prophet Yonah, peace upon him after his expulsion from the whale. The present work was design to elucidate and evaluate different organic solvents i.e. (Distilled water, Ethanol, Hexane, and Petroleum ether) extracts of pumpkin leaves against some of the pathogenic bacteria and fungi. The results showed pumpkin leaves extracts were able to inhibit bacterial (Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumonia, Staphylococcus aureus, Proteus mirabilis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and fungal (Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus niger, and Candida albicans) growth, comparable with the known antibiotic Ciprofloxacin and the antifungal drug Kenazole. There were no significant differences among different solvents in their ability to produce anti- microbial activity except petroleum ether. Petroleum ether extracts did not show any bacterial growth retardation while it showed anti –fungal inhibition in higher concentrations for Aspergillus fumigates and Aspergillus niger, while Candida albicans seem to be resistant to the petroleum ether extract of pumpkin leaves.