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.
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Pumpkin seed extract treatment could potentially offer symptomatic relief for patients experiencing moderate lower urinary tract symptoms suggestive of benign prostate hyperplasia.
2022 Clinical Phytoscience Beneficial effects of pumpkin seed soft extract on lower urinary tract symptoms and quality of life in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia: a meta-analysis of two randomized, placebo-controlled trials over 12 months Vahlensieck W, Heim S, Patz B, Sahin K
Meta-Analysis Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Pumpkin Seed
The study methodology involved a meta-analysis of two separate studies that were randomized and placebo-controlled, focusing on the effectiveness of pumpkin seed extract in addressing urinary tract symptoms indicative of benign prostate hyperplasia. The participants included in these studies were those patients whose International Prostate Symptom Score was 13 points or higher at the baseline. The method of analysis involved assessing the response rates of patients and the improvement in prostate symptom scores at a 12-month follow-up.
The discussion of results revealed that the response rates in the group receiving pumpkin seed extract were marginally higher than that of the placebo group, giving pumpkin seed extract a slight edge. Additionally, there was a minor difference observed in the change from the baseline to 12-month Prostate Symptom Score in favour of pumpkin seed extract. The meta-analysis in general indicates that a treatment involving pumpkin seed extract may result in symptomatic relief for patients suffering from moderate urinary tract symptoms associated with benign prostate hyperplasia.
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.