Abstract

The aims of this study were to provide an agronomic and phytochemical characterization of Cyclanthera pedata Schrad. (Cucurbitaceae family) and assess its potential for adaptation to the soil and climate conditions of Italy. At each harvest date, characteristics of seed present in the harvested fruits were analyzed with germination tests to study the influence of temperature and light conditions. In addition, quantitative chemical analyses of O- and C- chrisine and apigenine  flavon glycosides, already reported  in the  fruits of C. pedata (Montoro et al., 2001; Carbone et al., 2004) were performed by HPLC (high performance liquid chromatography) coupled with ESI-ITMS (electrospray ion trap mass spectrometry) on harvested fruits. In the trial environment C. pedata achieved excellent results both from an agronomic point of view and with regard to the characteristics of the main active ingredients produced.

Key words: Cyclanthera pedata, hypoglycemic plant, germination test, HPLC-MS, flavonoids.