Pumpkin
Route Of Exposure
Pumpkin is a gourd-like squash of the genus Cucurbita and the family Cucurbitaceae (which also includes gourds). The Pumpkin is thought to have originated in Central America, possibly Mexico, but is now grown widely in temperate and tropical zones. It is an annual climber, typically with a large, round, ribbed, edible orange fruit. But Pumpkin comes in several other forms such as the finer-textured, straw-coloured Cheese Pumpkin.
The term “Pumpkin” is also sometimes applied to other squashes that have hard, smooth rinds (sometimes lightly ribbed) covering edible flesh and a central seed cavity; confusion is especially likely because some other squashes share the same botanical classifications as Pumpkins. Zucchini or courgette (also called “baby marrow”) is a small summer squash, but both Pumpkin and zucchini are known as Cucurbita pepo.
True Pumpkins can be differentiated from other squashes by their fruit stalk: it is hard and polygonal in Pumpkins, but soft and round in other squashes. But varieties within and between the species can cross-pollinate to produce hybrids: hence the great number of shapes and sizes, and the difficulty of strict botanical distinctions.
Pumpkin is unknown in the wild. Traditional Pumpkin pie usually a mixture of Pumpkin, eggs, sugar and spice, all baked in a pastry shell. On its own, Pumpkin can be boiled, baked, roasted, mashed or made into soup. It is a good source of beta carotene and vitamin E.
The seed can be eaten raw or cooked, and oil can be extracted from it (see Pumpkin seed). The leaves and young stems can be cooked as a potherb, and the flowers and buds can be cooked or dried. The vines, leaves, flowers and fruits have decorative functions.
The seeds and pulp are often used for medicinal purposes. The leaves are applied externally to burns. The sap of the plant and the pulp of the fruit can also be employed in this way.
Clinical Relevance
IgE-mediated reactions
Pumpkin can induce symptoms of food allergy in sensitised individuals. Dermatitis, asthma, rhinoconjuctivitis, itching of the mouth, angioedema of the face and lips, generalised itching and mild dyspnoea after eating Pumpkin soup or thin vermicelli containing Pumpkin have been reported in a patient. IgE antibodies to Pumpkin have been measured using the Pharmacia CAP System in children with food allergies, adults with atopic dermatitis, and children with atopic dermatitis and respiratory allergy.
An immediate-type reaction after contact with the pulp of butternut squash (Cucurbita moschata), resulting in dermatitis, has been reported.
Other reactions
Pumpkin seeds may be aspirated into the trachea in young children.
Cross-Reactivity
An extensive cross-reactivity among the different individual species of the genus could be expected, as well as to a certain degree among members of the family Cucurbitaceae. Clinical cross-reactivity has been demonstrated among Pumpkin, Pumpkin seed, muskmelon, Watermelon, Cucumber and zucchini.
A cDNA clone encoding a Soybean allergen, Gly m Bd 28K, has been isolated. The polypeptide for the cDNA clone exhibits high homology with the MP27/MP32 proteins in Pumpkin seeds, and with the Carrot globulin-like protein. The clinical significance of this has not yet been determined.
The closely related zucchini has been implicated in Latex-fruit syndrome. Cross-reactivity was demonstrated with Hev b6.01, the chitin-binding protein.
References
- Figueredo E, Cuesta-Herranz J, Minguez A, Vidarte L, Pastor C, De Las Heras M, Vivanco F, Lahoz C. Allergy to pumpkin and cross-reactivity to other Cucurbitaceae fruits. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2000;106(2):402-3
- Matsumaru S, Artia M et al. Clinical evaluation of Pharmacia CAP System new allergens for fish, vegetables, fruits and grains. Paper presented at Jap Soc Ped Allergol 1992
- Konatsu H, Miyagawa K, Ikezawa Z. Study of clinical efficacy of Pharmacia CAP System new allergens in patients with atopic dermatitis. Paper presented at Japanese Soc of Allergology1992
- Yamada M, Torii S. Clinical evaluation of Pharmacia CAP System new food and inhalant allergens. Paper; Japanese Soc Allergol 1992.
- Potter TS, Hashimoto K. Butternut squash(Cucurbita moschata) dermatitis. Contact Dermatitis 1994;30(2):123
- Yuksel H, Coskun S, Onag A. Pumpkin seed aspiration into the middle of the trachea in a wheezy infant unresponsive to bronchodilators. Pediatr Emerg Care 2001;17(4):312-3
- Fritsch R, Ebner H, Kraft D, Ebner C. Food allergy to pumpkinseed--characterization of allergens. Allergy 1997;52(3):335-7
- Altmann F. Structures of the N-linked carbohydrate of ascorbic acid oxidase from zucchini. Glycoconj J 1998;15(1):79-82.
- Yman L. Botanical relations and immunological cross-reactions in pollen allergy. 2nd ed. Pharmacia Diagnostics AB. Uppsala. Sweden. 1982: ISBN 91-970475-09
- Tsuji H, Hiemori M, Kimoto M, Yamashita H, Kobatake R, Adachi M, Fukuda T, Bando N, Okita M, Utsumi S. Cloning of cDNA encoding a soybean allergen, Gly m Bd 28K. Biochim Biophys Acta 2001;1518(1-2):178-82
- Pereira C, Tavares B, Loureiro G, Lundberg M, Chieira C. Turnip and zucchini: new foods in the latex-fruit syndrome. Allergy 2007;62(4):452-3