Medicinal herbs or plants have great potential to treat the ailments with less or no toxicity. Cucurbita maxima (Family: Cucurbitaceae) is a medicinal plant that has great therapeutic potential. Its seeds are used for antioxidant, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and for anti-inflammatory activity but less is known about its antidandruff capabilities. The purpose of this research study to ascertain antifungal (anti-dandruff) activity, and to investigate the presence of phytochemicals in seeds of Cucurbita maxima using ethanol as an extracting solvent. For proximate analysis, the samples were analysed for crude protein, moisture, ash, total fat, crude fibre, total carbohydrate, and total phenolic content as per USP, 2015 method prescribed for botanic origin. Evaluation of phytochemicals (primary i.e., carbohydrates, lipids and proteins, and secondary i.e., alkaloids, tannins, glycosaponins and flavonoids) were also performed. FTIR was also performed for plant characterization and for identification of different organic and inorganic parts of plants and to identify various functional group like -CH, =CH and -OH and associated pharmacological activities. Atomic absorption spectroscopy was done to analyse mineral contents of Cucurbita maxima seeds powder. Maceration was used for extraction of dried seeds of Cucurbita maxima by using 70% ethanol as a solvent. Antidandruff activity was performed against Malassezia furfur (A dandruff causing fungus) by using  well diffusion method and by taking ketoconazole as a standard. Zone of inhibition was measured to determine anti-dandruff activity. Proximate analysis values were well within the ranges given in USP analysis 2015 guidelines. The qualitative analysis showed the presence of various primary and secondary metabolites. Cucurbita maxima seeds extract undergoes phytochemical analysis, which identifies the presence of proteins, carbohydrates, flavonoids, saponin and tannins. Cucurbita maxima seeds extract show significant anti-dandruff activity at 0.5% concentration, which is comparable with anti-dandruff activity of standard drug (ketoconazole). Seeds extract of Cucurbita maxima showed the presence of very useful phytochemicals that has many medicinal uses. Further, Cucurbita maxima have considerable effect against Malassezia furfur so can be used in a polyherbal mixture to treat dandruff.

Keywords: Cucurbita maxima, Malassezia furfur, Dandruff, FTIR, Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy, Phytochemicals