Researchers have found that the proteins found in pumpkin skin can kill microbes that cause infection.

They found that the protein available in pumpkin skin can even fight drug-resistant microbes, including a fungus that infects millions of Americans every year.

The study also found that the proteins extracted from pumpkin rinds inhibits the growth of microbes like Candida albicans, which causes vaginal yeast infections, diaper rash and other health problems.

The study was published in the American Chemical Society's Journal of Agricultural and food Chemistry.

One of the powerful proteins specifically inhibited the growth of C. albicans with no toxic effects. The growth of fungi which attacks important plant crops was also blocked. It is therefore a valuable natural agricultural fungicide.

Pumpkin protein could be developed into natural medicine for fighting yeast infections in humans as per study authors Kyung-Soo Hahm and Yoonkyung Park.

Pumpkins have been used for a long time in folk medicine to treat ills ranging from kidney inflammation to parasites.