The Significance of Pumpkin (Yaqṭīn) in Hadith and The Qur’an: A Bioactive Insight into Health and Healing
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.33102/johs.v10i2.393Keywords:
Yaqṭīn, Scientific Exegesis, Bioactive Analysis, Modern Health Sciences, Plant NutrientsAbstract
Pumpkin (yaqṭīn) is mentioned in Surah al-Ṣāffāt (37:146) in the context of Prophet Yunus’s recovery. This study analyses the term yaqṭīn using classical Quranic commentaries through a scientific exegesis (tafsīr ʿilmī) approach, and evaluates the bioactive compounds of pumpkin based on modern health sciences. Findings show that beta-carotene protects the retina and prevents degenerative eye diseases; polyphenols and flavonoids act as anti-inflammatory agents supporting immune balance; while potassium regulates blood pressure and lowers hypertension risk. In addition, triterpenoids in pumpkin seeds demonstrate therapeutic potential for skin health and natural treatments. The results reveal a strong correlation between the Qur’anic reference to yaqṭīn and contemporary scientific discoveries on its health benefits. This study also underscores the need for further biochemical and clinical research on Qur’anic plants. Its novelty lies in integrating scientific exegesis with bioactive analysis, thus providing an interdisciplinary framework that bridges revelation and health sciences for holistic nutrition and wellness.
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