Pumpkin Rinds Inhibit Microbes

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Pumpkins are not just good for making Jack-o'-Lanterns or pumpkin pie. Researchers revealed that pumpkin rinds contain proteins that inhibit the growth of microbes. These antimicrobial proteins could be used to develop treatments for fungal diseases that effect humans and plants.

In the study, pumpkin rind proteins were shown to restrict the growth of the fungus that induces vaginal yeast infections and diaper rash. Another encouraging discovery was that treating the fungus with the pumpkin protein appeared to cause no toxic effects. The protein was also effective at prohibiting fungal growth in plant crops.

Learn more about this discovery:

• Pumpkin Skin May Scare Away Germs Science Daily