Pepper compound provides antifungal properties

USDA-Ag. Research Service scientists reported cayenne pepper contains novel antifungal plant compounds. USDA-ARS has patented a pepper saponin extract named CAY-1 that has fungicidal properties. When CAY-1 was tested against grape fungal pathogens it was found to be lethal during the early spore germination cycle of 7 fungi, but was inactive against nongerminated or dormant spores. Researchers have also found CAY-1 is active against dermatophytic (skin) fungal pathogens. These studies indicate CAY-1 holds promise for dual use as an antifungal in both agriculture and medicine. “The same destructive pathogens that cause problems agriculturally, for example, Aspergillus and Fusarium genera, can also be lethal infectious agents in immunocompromised individuals,” said ARS microbiologist Anthony De Lucca.