Therapeutic effects of Pumpkin in Islamic Texts, Islamic Iranian Traditional Medicine and Modern Medicine

Pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo L.) belonging to Cucurbitaceae family, is widely cultivated around the world and it is mostly produced in China, India, Ukraine, Egypt and United States of America. It is one of the plants mentioned in the Holy Quran. It has also been used for the treatment of various diseases in traditional and modern medicine. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the nutritional and therapeutic properties of this plant in the holy Quran, narrations and hadiths of the prophet Muhammad and Imams, traditional medicine as well as modern medicine according to latest scientific research studies. For this review study, the Holy Quran and its interpretations, Islamic Hadiths and narrations, relevant references about traditional Iranian medicine and medicinal plants were studied. Also, ScienceDirect, PubMed, SID, Google Scholar and ISI databases (2000 to 2016) were used with keywords such as Quran, Hadith, medicine, disease, Cucurbita pepo, Cucurbitaceae, pumpkin and medicinal. Findings: In the addition to the recommendation of Quran and hadiths about consumption of Pumpkin, in traditional Iranian medicine, it was used for the removal of helminthes, treatment of jaundice, wounds, burns, fever, abdominal cramps, melancholia, delirium, severe diarrhea, insomnia, headache and urinary tract obstruction. In modern medicine, pumpkin has antibacterial, antiviral, antioxidant; anthelmintic, antiinflammatory properties and it can modulate immune system. It is also used for freshness, vitality, increase of intelligence, reduction of depression and prevention of cardiovascular diseases, fatty liver, diabetes and cancer. The findings of this study indicate that the recommendations contained in the Quran verses, Hadiths of Prophet and Imams and traditional Iranian medicine about the consumption of plants like pumpkin are not only conscious but also based on scientific principles and logic. These recommendations are intended to improve the health and longevity of human. So, more attention should be paid to these resources, especially regarding their nutritional instructions.