The Effect of Pumpkin Seeds (Cucurbita moschata) on Uric Acid Level in Hyperuricemia Patients

. Mutmainnah; Aminuddin Syam; . Citrakesumasari; Nurhaedar Jafar; Sukri Palutturi; Ida Leida Maria; Andi Agus Mumang

doi:10.18502/jnfs.v9i3.16149

. Mutmainnah Postgraduate Student Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Public Health, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, South Sulawesi, Indonesia
Aminuddin Syam Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Public Health, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, South Sulawesi, Indonesia;
. Citrakesumasari Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Public Health, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, South Sulawesi, Indonesia;
Nurhaedar Jafar Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Public Health, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, South Sulawesi, Indonesia;
Sukri Palutturi Department of Health Administration and Policy, Faculty of Public Health, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, South Sulawesi, Indonesia
Ida Leida Maria Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Public Health, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, South Sulawesi, Indonesia
Andi Agus Mumang Postgraduate School, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, South Sulawesi, Indonesia.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/jnfs.v9i3.16149

Keywords: Cucurbita; Plant extracts; Allopurinol; Hyperuricemia.

Abstract

Background: Hyperuricemia is a condition in which uric acid level exceeds normal threshold. The pumpkin seed extract contains flavonoids that can lower uric acid level. This study aims to analyze the effect of pumpkin seeds (Cucurbita moschata) capsules compared to allopurinol on uric acid level in hyperuricemia patients. Methods: This was an experimental research with a non-randomized control group pretest-posttest design. A total of 63 patients (32 intervention and 31 control) with hyperuricemia enrolled in this study through purposive sampling technique. The intervention group (IG) was given pumpkin seeds and control group (CG), allopurinol. Data were analyzed using paired and independent sample t-test. Results: The result of this study showed that uric acid level significantly decreased after the pumpkin seed capsule was provided (Mean changes=-0.33 mg,dl; P<0.001). However, allopurinol played a greater role in lowering uric acid levels (Mean changes=-0.92 mg/dl; P<0.001). The mean changes of uric acid between groups was also significant (P=0.039). In addition, some of the nutrition intakes showed a significant difference after the intervention. Conclusion: It can be concluded from the study that pumpkin seed capsules affected the decrease of uric acid level significantly, but the number was lower compared to allopurinol. In future studies, The dose of pumpkin seed should be considered.