Insights & Discussion
Pumpkin seed oil appears effective for improving men's health conditions such as enlarged prostate, overactive bladder, and hair loss due to its anti-inflammatory properties and radical scavenging.
The study methodology entailed the review of various clinical trials that examined the impacts of pumpkin seed oil on different health conditions common in men. These conditions included Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland), overactive bladder, and androgenic alopecia (a hair loss condition). The decision to focus on these conditions was based on the potential therapeutic value of the biochemical components of the oil, such as its rich contents of essential, highly unsaturated fatty acids and phytosterols.
In discussing the results, it was observed that the beneficial effects of pumpkin seed oil in treating the examined health conditions are potentially linked to the oil's contents of phytoestrogens and unsaturated fatty acids. It was suggested that these compounds may inhibit the enzyme 5-alpha reductase, which is an important factor in the enlargement of the prostate and hair loss. Additionally, the oil's anti-inflammatory properties and its capacity to scavenge free radicals might contribute to its therapeutic advantages. Furthermore, it is postulated that the oil may also have a relaxation effect on the bladder sphincter, thereby aiding patients with urination difficulties.
Discover Related Insights
Pumpkin seed oil can alleviate symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia with no side effects, though not as efficiently as tamsulosin.
2021 BMC Urology Pumpkin seed oil (Cucurbita pepo) versus tamsulosin for benign prostatic hyperplasia symptom relief: a single-blind randomized clinical trial Zerafatjou N, Amirzargar M, Biglarkhani M, Shobeirian F, Zoghi G
Randomised Controlled Trial Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Pumpkin Seed Tamsulosin
In this single-blind randomized clinical trial, patients aged 50 years or above suffering from benign prostatic hyperplasia were included. These patients were divided into two groups, with one group being administered tamsulosin nightly and the other receiving pumpkin seed oil twice a day. Variables such as age, weight, height and body mass index of the patients were taken into account. The international prostate symptom score was noted for each patient at the start, then after one and three months into the treatment. Other factors recorded include the quality of life associated with BPH, prostate-specific antigen serum, prostate and postvoid residual volume and maximum urine flow. Information regarding any drug side effects was also recorded.
Following a comparison of the two groups, it was observed that there was no significant difference in principal variables at any point during the trial. However, both groups saw a notable reduction in the international prostate symptom score and an improvement in quality of life. The decrease was comparatively more significant in the tamsulosin group after one and three months. Patients administered pumpkin seed oil experienced no side effects, unlike those in the tamsulosin group who experienced dizziness, headaches, retrograde ejaculation and erythema with pruritus.
Pumpkin seed treatment can potentially cause a significant reduction in symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia in men aged 50 to 80.
2014 Urologia Internationalis Effects of Pumpkin Seed in Men with Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms due to Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia in the One-Year, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled GRANU Study Vahlensieck W, Theurer C, Pfitzer E, Patz B, Banik N, Engelmann U
Randomised Controlled Trial Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Pumpkin Seed
In the GRANU study, 1,431 men aged 50-80 years, exhibiting symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia, were assigned randomly to one of three groups: those receiving pumpkin seeds, capsules filled with pumpkin seed extract, and a placebo group. The primary criterion for response was measured by a reduction in the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) after 12 months. The secondary outcomes were focused around the quality of life in relation to the IPSS, individual items on the IPSS and diary-recorded nocturia.
After a year, there was no statistical difference observed between the group taking pumpkin seed extract and the placebo group. However, the group treated with pumpkin seed showed a significant descriptive difference when compared with the placebo group. The treatment was well tolerated overall and showed a clinically relevant reduction in the IPSS among the men with benign prostatic hyperplasia who were treated with pumpkin seed for 12 months.