# Bottle Gourd (Lagenaria siceraria): Novel Insights Into the Biochemical Propensities of the Unexplored Cultivar

## TL;DR

This study explores the health benefits of a Saudi bottle gourd cultivar, revealing its rich bioactive compounds and potential therapeutic uses.

## Contribution

The study provides novel biochemical and pharmacological insights into an unexplored bottle gourd cultivar from Saudi Arabia.

## Key findings

- HEELS showed the highest total tannin content at 97.66 ± 3.33 mg/g.
- GC-MS identified 55 compounds, including fatty acids and triterpenoids.
- HEELS exhibited strong antioxidant and urease inhibition activities.

## Abstract

The fruit of Lagenaria siceraria (bottle gourd), widely consumed as a vegetable, possesses notable health benefits. This study investigated the chemical and biological profiles of the Saudi cultivar through quantitative bioactive analysis, GC‐MS characterization, and in vitro evaluation of antioxidant, antibacterial, and enzyme inhibition activities. The 80% hydroethanolic extract (HEELS) exhibited a rich phytochemical profile, with the highest total tannin content (97.66 ± 3.33 mg/g). GC‐MS identified 55 compounds, including fatty acids, esters, sterols, and triterpenoids. HEELS displayed potent antioxidant activity, particularly in the FRAP assay (582 ± 1.18 mg AAE/g DE), and strong urease inhibition (91.8 ± 0.45%). Antibacterial assays showed the highest activity (12‐mm inhibition zone) against Staphylococcus epidermidis at 150 mg/mL. Molecular docking revealed significant interactions with α‐amylase, urease, and tyrosinase. These results suggest HEELS as a potential therapeutic agent, warranting further pharmacological and toxicological evaluation to confirm safety and efficacy for clinical applications.