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10.29.2009 11:57 am

Pumpkins may scare away some germs

St. Louis Post-Dispatch
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Korean scientists have discovered that pumpkin skin contains a substance that inhibits growth of microbes that cause yeast infections in adults and children.

In the study, the scientists note how some disease-causing microbes are becoming resistant to antibiotics. As a result, scientists worldwide are searching for new antibiotics.

A research team from Chowsun University in Kwangju, Korea decided to examine pumpkins, long used in folk medicine, to see if they might have antibiotic effects.

So they ground up pumpkin rind and found that one protein had powerful effects in inhibiting the growth of fungus that causes yeast infections. The protein also blocked the growth of several fungi that attack important plant crops, prompting the scientists to theorize that it might be used as an agricultural fungicide.

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3 comments

wow thats kinda very interesting who knew that they would find some thign like taht in pumkin skin thats really cool thanks for sharing

— molly
3:44 pm October 29th, 2009

what an interesting article this is! I am so much thankful to you sharing this with us.The scientists extracted proteins from pumpkin rinds to see if the proteins inhibit the growth of microbes, including Candida albicans (C. albicans). That fungus causes vaginal yeast infections, diaper rash in infants, and other health problems. One protein had powerful effects in inhibiting the growth of C. albicans, in cell culture experiments, with no obvious toxic effects. The pumpkin protein could be developed into a natural medicine for fighting yeast infections in humans, the report suggests. The protein also blocked the growth of several fungi that attack important plant crops and could be useful as an agricultural fungicide, they add.

— christmas gift ideas
5:54 am November 3rd, 2009

I eat pumpkin seeds because they seem to help with prostate issues. I don’t get up to urinate at night as much.
They also seem to keep me from wanting to munch on sugary things.
Very informative article! Thank you for sharing.

— r4 dsi
5:58 am November 3rd, 2009