Pumpkins Pack Natural Fungus Fighter

Rachael Rettner
Staff Writer
LiveScience.com Wed Oct 28, 3:34 PM ET

The skin from your Jack-o'-Lantern could contain a fungus-fighting medicine, according to a new study.

Pumpkins have traditionally been used for medicines in countries such as China and India, and some anti-fungal substances have already been identified from its seeds and leaves.

In an attempt to find new antibiotics, a group of scientists from Korea looked to the pumpkin skin. They purified proteins from the rind, and tested them to see if any could combat the growth of microbes, including Candida albicans, a fungus that can cause vaginal yeast infections and infant diaper rash, as well as other health problems.

They identified one protein from the pumpkin skin that had a powerful anti-fungal effect - it inhibited the growth of Candida albicans in cell culture experiments, and did not appear toxic.

The scientist believe this protein could be developed into a medicine for yeast infections. They also suggest the protein could be genetically engineered into crop plants to help them fight off fungus, since the protein appeared effective against several other fungi known to cause crop problems.

The work was published September 22 in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, a publication of the American Chemical Society.

Original Story: Pumpkins Pack Natural Fungus Fighter

LiveScience.com chronicles the daily advances and innovations made in science and technology. We take on the misconceptions that often pop up around scientific discoveries and deliver short, provocative explanations with a certain wit and style. Check out our science videos, Trivia & Quizzes and Top 10s. Join our community to debate hot-button issues like stem cells, climate change and evolution. You can also sign up for free newsletters, register for RSS feeds and get cool gadgets at the LiveScience Store.