Cucumber: Clinical Applications
Welcome to the blog series Herb of the Month!
This week, we will be exploring the many benefits and clinical applications of the tropical vegetable known as Cucumber. It’s been a cultivated vegetable for over 3,000 years for both culinary purposes as well as medicinal and cosmetic purposes. Cucumber is full of beneficial phytochemicals such as tannins, cardiac glycosides, terpenoids, carbohydrates, saponins, phytosterols, alkaloids, flavonoids, and glycosides. Additionally, they’re a great source of Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B5, Vitamin B6, Folic Acid, Vitamin C, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium, and Zinc. Cucumber preparations are known to have antioxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antihepatotoxic, antidiabetic, antifungal, antibacterial, antidiarrheal, and thrombolytic effects. Because of this herb’s versatile roles, Cucumber can be used alone or even combined with other herbs and dietary supplements to help bring out the synergistic and potent medicinal qualities.
Health Benefits of Cucumber
Cardiovascular Health
Cardiovascular disease, also known as heart disease, is a prevalent concern worldwide. It is currently the leading cause of death globally, accounting for approximately 31% of all deaths. A recent 2022 study entitled “Metabolomics analysis delineates the therapeutic effects of hydroethanolic extract of Cucumis sativus L. seeds on hypertension and isoproterenol-induced myocardial infarction” written by Muqeet Wahid et al and published in the Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy Journal aimed to get insight on the therapeutic potential of Cucumis sativus (Cucumber) seeds for cardiovascular disorders (specifically hypertension and isoproterenol-induced myocardial infarction). To create an extract, Cucumber seeds were collected from fresh fruits and ground down using a herbal grinder. Six groups of rats were used to determine the maximum tolerable dose of the extract over a period of 28 consecutive days. The rats were administered normal saline as well as five different dosages (50, 100, 150, 200, and 300 mg/kg per day) of the extract orally. Throughout the study, the researchers monitored changes in body weight, behavior, clinical symptoms of distress, and mortality of the animals. The results of the study revealed that the Cucumber seed extract exhibited a vasorelaxant response, displaying a potent hypotensive effect in both normotensive rats and those with L-NAME induced hypertension. Additionally, the extract demonstrated strong anti-inflammatory properties with a significant impact on preventing myocardial infarction. Furthermore, the study indicated that Cucumber seeds played a crucial role in the treatment of myocardial and vascular disorders by enhancing the EDRF mechanism, energy generation, and antioxidant capacity. These findings highlight the potential of Cucumber seeds as an effective treatment option for cardiovascular diseases.
Another study entitled “Water/ethanol extract of Cucumis sativus L. fruit attenuates lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory response in endothelial cells,” written by Chiara Bernardini et al and published in the BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine Journal in 2018 was designed to investigate whether a water/ethanol extract of Cucumis sativus (CSE) fruit can reduce the damaging effect of pro-inflammatory lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Cell viability, gene expression of endothelial cell markers, cytokines secretion, and in vitro angiogenesis assay were performed on porcine Aortic Endothelial Cells exposed to increasing doses (0.02; 02; 2 mg/ml) of CSE in the presence of pro-inflammatory lipopolysaccharide. They found that the water/ethanol extract of Cucumber can provide an efficient safeguard to vascular endothelial cells when challenged with LPS. This was achieved by decreasing the LPS-induced TLR4 expression, influencing cytokine secretion, and increasing the expression of protective HO-1. The extract also displayed inhibitory effects on cellular toxicity caused by LPS and inflammation-induced angiogenesis. These compelling findings suggest that Cucumis sativus L. extract could serve as a highly promising natural remedy for vascular endothelium protection.
Additional Health Benefits of Cucumber
Gastrointestinal Health
The intestines play a vital role in digestion, nutrient absorption, and elimination of waste. Proper hydration is essential for the optimal functioning of the digestive system, including the intestines. A recent 2021 study entitled “Cucumis sativus extract elicits chloride secretion by stimulation of the intestinal TMEM16A ion channel” written by Tultul Saha et al and published in the Pharmaceutical Biology Journal investigated the effects of Cucumis sativus (Cucumber) extract on intestinal chloride secretion and its potential role in activating the TMEM16A ion channel. They used various experiments, including cell cultures and animal models, to analyze the impact of the cucumber extract. They found that the extract increased chloride secretion and apical membrane chloride conductance in intestinal cells. In addition, the extract also stimulated the TMEM16A chloride current in oocytes and enhanced muscle contractility in mouse colonic tissues. Mass spectrometry analysis revealed the presence of a cucurbitacin-like analog as the bioactive component in the cucumber extract. Overall, the study suggests that this analog could potentially be used as a therapeutic agent for cystic fibrosis and intestinal hypodynamic disorders.
In another 2021 study entitled “Cucumis sativus L. Seeds Ameliorate Muscular Spasm-Induced Gastrointestinal and Respiratory Disorders by Simultaneously Inhibiting Calcium Mediated Signaling Pathway” written by Muqeet Wahid et al and published in the Pharmaceuticals Journal aimed to understand the therapeutic effects of Cucumis sativus (cucumber) seeds extract on asthma and diarrhea. They used a combination of network pharmacology, molecular docking, in vitro and in vivo experiments to investigate the mechanisms of action. The results showed that the extract contained various bioactive compounds such as kaempferol, quercetin, and luteolin, which interfere with the target genes associated with asthma and diarrhea. These compounds act as calcium channel blockers, leading to a spasmolytic response, relaxation of spastic contractions, and exhibit antiperistalsis, antidiarrheal, and antisecretory activities.
Muscle Pain & Inflammation
While cucumbers are often consumed for their hydrating and nutritious properties, there is limited scientific evidence specifically linking cucumbers to muscle pain and inflammation relief. One 2018 study entitled “Effectiveness of Cucumis sativus extract versus glucosamine-chondroitin in the management of moderate osteoarthritis: a randomized controlled trial” written by Robert J Nash et al and published in the Clinical Interventions in Aging Journal investigated the efficacy of an aqueous extract of Cucumis sativus (cucumber) called Q-Actin™ in comparison to glucosamine-chondroitin (GC) for the management of moderate knee osteoarthritis (OA). The study involved 122 patients diagnosed with moderate knee OA who were randomly assigned to receive either GC or Cucumis sativus extract. The participants were evaluated using various pain assessment tools over a period of 180 days. The results showed that the extract group exhibited a significant reduction in pain scores compared to the GC group. No adverse effects were reported during the trial period. These results suggest that Cucumis sativus extract may be effective in reducing pain and can be potentially used for managing knee pain, stiffness, and physical functions associated with OA.
Another study entitled “Free Radical Scavenging and Analgesic Activities of Cucumis sativus L. Fruit Extract” written in 2010 by D Kumar et al and published in the Elsevier Journal explores the antioxidant and analgesic properties of the aqueous fruit extract of Cucumis sativus L. The study conducted in vitro antioxidant studies and in vivo analgesic studies using different concentrations of the extract. The results showed that the extract exhibited significant antioxidant and analgesic effects. The presence of flavonoids and tannins in the extract suggests that these compounds may be responsible for its observed effects. This suggests that Cucumis sativus fruit extract could potentially be used as a natural antioxidant and analgesic agent.
Final Recommendations
Here are Nancy’s Cucumber recommendations from Fullscript:
Some Precautions with Cucumber Use:
People with ragweed allergies. People with a ragweed allergy may also get symptoms when you eat Cucumbers. This is called oral allergy syndrome (OAS). OAS occurs because your immune system confuses ragweed pollen with certain foods, such as Cucumber.
Common OAS symptoms include: itchy mouth, throat, tongue or face.
There is no “one size fits all” when it comes to recommending Cucumber. Because of this, Nancy recommends Booking a 15 Minute Discovery call if you’re interested in taking this wonderful herb. It’s important to consult with a registered clinical herbalist or natural health practitioner trained in clinical herbalism for more resistant and deeper set health issues. They will be able to give a more tailored suggested serving and daily frequency based on your age, gender, body weight, and any present medical conditions.
Remember to join us each month as we explore the history, personality, clinical application, and more of Nancy’s favorite plants. Get a snippet of the properties and practical uses of these herbs and how they supported the health of our ancestors as well as how they can support us in our present day.
Other Resources:
IJPSM | Orthopedic Center for Sports Medicine | Medical News Today
Welcome to the blog series Herb of the Month!
This week, we will be exploring the many benefits and clinical applications of the tropical vegetable known as Cucumber. It’s been a cultivated vegetable for over 3,000 years for both culinary purposes as well as medicinal and cosmetic purposes. Cucumber is full of beneficial phytochemicals such as tannins, cardiac glycosides, terpenoids, carbohydrates, saponins, phytosterols, alkaloids, flavonoids, and glycosides. Additionally, they’re a great source of Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B5, Vitamin B6, Folic Acid, Vitamin C, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium, and Zinc. Cucumber preparations are known to have antioxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antihepatotoxic, antidiabetic, antifungal, antibacterial, antidiarrheal, and thrombolytic effects. Because of this herb’s versatile roles, Cucumber can be used alone or even combined with other herbs and dietary supplements to help bring out the synergistic and potent medicinal qualities.
Health Benefits of Cucumber
Cardiovascular Health
Cardiovascular disease, also known as heart disease, is a prevalent concern worldwide. It is currently the leading cause of death globally, accounting for approximately 31% of all deaths. A recent 2022 study entitled “Metabolomics analysis delineates the therapeutic effects of hydroethanolic extract of Cucumis sativus L. seeds on hypertension and isoproterenol-induced myocardial infarction” written by Muqeet Wahid et al and published in the Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy Journal aimed to get insight on the therapeutic potential of Cucumis sativus (Cucumber) seeds for cardiovascular disorders (specifically hypertension and isoproterenol-induced myocardial infarction). To create an extract, Cucumber seeds were collected from fresh fruits and ground down using a herbal grinder. Six groups of rats were used to determine the maximum tolerable dose of the extract over a period of 28 consecutive days. The rats were administered normal saline as well as five different dosages (50, 100, 150, 200, and 300 mg/kg per day) of the extract orally. Throughout the study, the researchers monitored changes in body weight, behavior, clinical symptoms of distress, and mortality of the animals. The results of the study revealed that the Cucumber seed extract exhibited a vasorelaxant response, displaying a potent hypotensive effect in both normotensive rats and those with L-NAME induced hypertension. Additionally, the extract demonstrated strong anti-inflammatory properties with a significant impact on preventing myocardial infarction. Furthermore, the study indicated that Cucumber seeds played a crucial role in the treatment of myocardial and vascular disorders by enhancing the EDRF mechanism, energy generation, and antioxidant capacity. These findings highlight the potential of Cucumber seeds as an effective treatment option for cardiovascular diseases.
Another study entitled “Water/ethanol extract of Cucumis sativus L. fruit attenuates lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory response in endothelial cells,” written by Chiara Bernardini et al and published in the BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine Journal in 2018 was designed to investigate whether a water/ethanol extract of Cucumis sativus (CSE) fruit can reduce the damaging effect of pro-inflammatory lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Cell viability, gene expression of endothelial cell markers, cytokines secretion, and in vitro angiogenesis assay were performed on porcine Aortic Endothelial Cells exposed to increasing doses (0.02; 02; 2 mg/ml) of CSE in the presence of pro-inflammatory lipopolysaccharide. They found that the water/ethanol extract of Cucumber can provide an efficient safeguard to vascular endothelial cells when challenged with LPS. This was achieved by decreasing the LPS-induced TLR4 expression, influencing cytokine secretion, and increasing the expression of protective HO-1. The extract also displayed inhibitory effects on cellular toxicity caused by LPS and inflammation-induced angiogenesis. These compelling findings suggest that Cucumis sativus L. extract could serve as a highly promising natural remedy for vascular endothelium protection.
Additional Health Benefits of Cucumber
Gastrointestinal Health
The intestines play a vital role in digestion, nutrient absorption, and elimination of waste. Proper hydration is essential for the optimal functioning of the digestive system, including the intestines. A recent 2021 study entitled “Cucumis sativus extract elicits chloride secretion by stimulation of the intestinal TMEM16A ion channel” written by Tultul Saha et al and published in the Pharmaceutical Biology Journal investigated the effects of Cucumis sativus (Cucumber) extract on intestinal chloride secretion and its potential role in activating the TMEM16A ion channel. They used various experiments, including cell cultures and animal models, to analyze the impact of the cucumber extract. They found that the extract increased chloride secretion and apical membrane chloride conductance in intestinal cells. In addition, the extract also stimulated the TMEM16A chloride current in oocytes and enhanced muscle contractility in mouse colonic tissues. Mass spectrometry analysis revealed the presence of a cucurbitacin-like analog as the bioactive component in the cucumber extract. Overall, the study suggests that this analog could potentially be used as a therapeutic agent for cystic fibrosis and intestinal hypodynamic disorders.
In another 2021 study entitled “Cucumis sativus L. Seeds Ameliorate Muscular Spasm-Induced Gastrointestinal and Respiratory Disorders by Simultaneously Inhibiting Calcium Mediated Signaling Pathway” written by Muqeet Wahid et al and published in the Pharmaceuticals Journal aimed to understand the therapeutic effects of Cucumis sativus (cucumber) seeds extract on asthma and diarrhea. They used a combination of network pharmacology, molecular docking, in vitro and in vivo experiments to investigate the mechanisms of action. The results showed that the extract contained various bioactive compounds such as kaempferol, quercetin, and luteolin, which interfere with the target genes associated with asthma and diarrhea. These compounds act as calcium channel blockers, leading to a spasmolytic response, relaxation of spastic contractions, and exhibit antiperistalsis, antidiarrheal, and antisecretory activities.
Muscle Pain & Inflammation
While cucumbers are often consumed for their hydrating and nutritious properties, there is limited scientific evidence specifically linking cucumbers to muscle pain and inflammation relief. One 2018 study entitled “Effectiveness of Cucumis sativus extract versus glucosamine-chondroitin in the management of moderate osteoarthritis: a randomized controlled trial” written by Robert J Nash et al and published in the Clinical Interventions in Aging Journal investigated the efficacy of an aqueous extract of Cucumis sativus (cucumber) called Q-Actin™ in comparison to glucosamine-chondroitin (GC) for the management of moderate knee osteoarthritis (OA). The study involved 122 patients diagnosed with moderate knee OA who were randomly assigned to receive either GC or Cucumis sativus extract. The participants were evaluated using various pain assessment tools over a period of 180 days. The results showed that the extract group exhibited a significant reduction in pain scores compared to the GC group. No adverse effects were reported during the trial period. These results suggest that Cucumis sativus extract may be effective in reducing pain and can be potentially used for managing knee pain, stiffness, and physical functions associated with OA.
Another study entitled “Free Radical Scavenging and Analgesic Activities of Cucumis sativus L. Fruit Extract” written in 2010 by D Kumar et al and published in the Elsevier Journal explores the antioxidant and analgesic properties of the aqueous fruit extract of Cucumis sativus L. The study conducted in vitro antioxidant studies and in vivo analgesic studies using different concentrations of the extract. The results showed that the extract exhibited significant antioxidant and analgesic effects. The presence of flavonoids and tannins in the extract suggests that these compounds may be responsible for its observed effects. This suggests that Cucumis sativus fruit extract could potentially be used as a natural antioxidant and analgesic agent.
Final Recommendations
Here are Nancy’s Cucumber recommendations from Fullscript:
Some Precautions with Cucumber Use:
People with ragweed allergies. People with a ragweed allergy may also get symptoms when you eat Cucumbers. This is called oral allergy syndrome (OAS). OAS occurs because your immune system confuses ragweed pollen with certain foods, such as Cucumber.
Common OAS symptoms include: itchy mouth, throat, tongue or face.
There is also no “one size fits all” when it comes to recommending Cucumber. Because of this, Nancy recommends Booking a 15 Minute Discovery call if you’re interested in taking this wonderful herb. It’s important to consult with a registered clinical herbalist or natural health practitioner trained in clinical herbalism for more resistant and deeper set health issues. They will be able to give a more tailored suggested serving and daily frequency based on your age, gender, body weight, and any present medical conditions.
Remember to join us each month as we explore the history, personality, clinical application, and more of Nancy’s favorite plants. Get a snippet of the properties and practical uses of these herbs and how they supported the health of our ancestors as well as how they can support us in our present day.
Other Resources:
IJPSM | Orthopedic Center for Sports Medicine | Medical News Today