The fungus-fighting powers of pumpkin
POSTED October 30, 2009 - 12:00 | POSTED BY Neharika Sabharwal
Last edited by Harpreet Bhagrath on October 30, 2009 - 13:12
Past studies have hinted that pumpkin could offer antibacterial benefits. The researchers have now discovered that the skin of pumpkins have fungus fighting powers that can stifle infections in adults and infants.
Kyung-Soo Hahm, Yoonkyung Park and their colleagues from Chosun University Research Center for Proteineous Materials in Korea had been studying natural antibiotics that have the potential to overcome antimicrobial resistance.
Examination of antifungal protein
The researchers investigated the infection fighting capacity of pumpkin. They isolated antifungal protein from pumpkin rind to examine whether it could stall the growth of microbes.
The skins of the pumpkins were first homogenized in extraction buffer, then washed and ultra-filtered. The extract was then tested for antimicrobial against both pathogenic bacteria and yeast.
The scientists focused on Candida albicans, a Diploid fungus that causes genital yeast infections in adults and diaper rash in infants, and other health problems.
Observations by researchers
In the cell culture experiments, the researchers found that one protein had "powerful effects" when restricting the growth of candida albicans. Also the protein exhibited no toxic effects, was heat stable, and indicated a 'potent' antifungal ability.
In addition, the protein also blocked the growth of many fungi that harm important plant crops and hence could be useful as an agricultural fungicide.
The study has been published in the current issue of ACS' Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, a bi-weekly publication.
Other health benefits of pumpkin
Most parts of the pumpkin are edible,the flesh, the seeds, and the flowers. Beyond using the flesh for a pumpkin pie or roasting the seeds for nibbling, the health benefits of vegetable are often overlooked.
The vegetable is low in calories, rich in potassium, magnesium and iron and its bright orange flesh is loaded with the antioxidant beta -carotenes that fight free radicals.
The flesh and seeds are packed with vitamins; vitamin A (for eyes, skin and hair), vitamin E (for skin and heart, and general immune system).
