Bioactive and Antioxidant Properties of Kiwano (Cucumis metuliferus) Cultivated in Antalya

Cucumis metuliferus (commonly known as kiwano or horned melon) is a member of the Cucurbitaceae family, which has attracted increasing scientific interest due to its nutritional value and bioactive compounds. In recent years, growing attention has been directed toward identifying natural sources of antioxidants and phytochemicals that contribute to human health and disease prevention. Although kiwano has been traditionally consumed in certain regions, scientific data on its biochemical composition and functional properties remain limited. This study was conducted to determine certain biochemical properties of Kiwano (Cucumis metuliferus) fruit. Analyses were performed on samples grown under the ecological conditions of Kumluca district, Antalya province. The results revealed that the fruit is particularly rich in phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and chlorophyll. The obtained data indicated high levels of total phenolic content, total flavonoid content and phenolic compounds, which were considered to contribute directly to the antioxidant capacity of the fruit. The antioxidant activity was further supported by in vitro assays such as 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging, lipid peroxidation inhibition, and reducing power tests. Additionally, the measured amounts of chlorophyll a and b demonstrated that photosynthetic pigments were preserved at certain levels in the fruit, depending on its maturity stage Overall, the findings suggest that Kiwano fruit possesses a rich content of biologically active compounds and has the potential to be considered as a functional food.