Tag: Cucurbita

Multiple scientific studies have demonstrated that extracts from pumpkin seeds, particularly those from *Cucurbita maxima* and *Cucurbita pepo*, possess antibacterial properties against a range of microorganisms. This suggests that specific bioactive compounds within pumpkin seeds could offer a natural source of antimicrobial agents, though the effect varies by concentration and bacterial strain.

In 2009, Korean researchers identified potent antifungal proteins in pumpkin rind that inhibited the growth of *Candida albicans*, a fungus responsible for common yeast infections. This discovery raised the question: **is pumpkin an antifungal** that can be incorporated into a nutritious diet?