Long used for a wide variety of medicinal purposes, people are now discovering that pumpkins contain a powerful antifungal protein that may be able to fight many yeast infections.

A new study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, found that a protein from the pumpkin rind called Pr-2 fights the fungus responsible for vaginal yeast infections, diaper rashes and other problems.

Pr-2 prevents the growth of 10 species of harmful fungus including Candida albicans (thrush) by targeting the cell wall of the microorganisms. Scientists hope to develop a natural drug for treating yeast infections based on this protein.