Pumpkin skin could well be used as antibiotic
Posted on 01. Nov, 2009 by admin in Health
Lots of pumpkins carved to make jack-o-lantern this Halloween, but here is something to baffle you! Pumpkin could well be antibiotic and fight yeast infections!
According to Korean researchers pumpkin contains potent constituent to fight yeast infections in young and the adults equally. The findings reported in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, studied if the protein/s (Pr-2) extracted from pumpkin skin could control yeast infections.
While pumpkins are regarded as age-old grandmother therapy stuff, at least in some parts of the world, researchers are trying to unearth the antibiotic properties it might contain.
The protein; Pr-2 extracted from the rind contained growth of Candida albicans in cell cuture. The fungus C. albicans is the culprit behind vaginal yeast infections, diaper rashes and a few other skin conditions. Still better, the protein Pr-2 showed no side effects. Now researchers believe that the protein/s in pumpkins hold promise as antibiotic/fungicidal treatment not only for humans but treat fungal infections in crops.
