Components of a plant that have antifungal properties (Source: Peptides, June 2002, pages 1019–1024) and antitumor properties, by preventing synthesis of certain proteins (Source: Life Sciences, January 2002, pages 899–906). They also have anti-inflammatory properties (Source: www.naturaldatabase.com). They may also be toxic to skin-cancer cells (Source: Melanoma Research, October 1998, pages 465–467). When the fruit from the luffa plant is dried it is used as an abrasive sponge.