Reporting in the American Chemical Society's Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, Chosun University scientists from Kwangju, South Korea, say they extracted a protein from pumpkin rinds called Pr-2 that battles the fungus that causes diaper rash, vaginal yeast infections, and other health problems.

In Korea and many other countries, pumpkins have been used for medicinal purposes, and studies have been done to look into any antibiotic, antihypertension, antitumor and antidiabetic, effects.

Pr-2 inhibited the growth of 10 species of harmful fungus, including Candida albicans, which is a common cause of vaginal yeast infections, yeast-related diaper rash, and other health problems.

Although there was a strong antifungal effect, Pr-2 had no affect against bacteria. Yoonkyung Park, PhD, Kyung-Soo Hahm, PhD, and colleagues at the Research Center for Proteineous Materials of Chosun University report that the pumpkin protein could be developed into a natural medicine for fighting yeast infections.

The researchers say the protein, Pr-2,  also blocked the growth of several fungi that attack plant crops. They believe that Pr-2 inhibits fungal growth by targeting the cell wall or membrane of the microorganisms.

The researcher believe  antifungal proteins, like Pr-2 have the potential for future applications in medicine, food safety, and agriculture

SOURCES:

• News release, American Chemical Society.
  
• Park, S-C. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, Oct. 14, 2009; vol 57: pp 9299-9304.