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Pumpkin seed oil shows promising potential in treating female pattern hair loss, with results comparable to the effects of minoxidil 5% foam.
The study conducted involved a random assignment of patients with female pattern hair loss to either apply pumpkin seed oil or minoxidil 5% foam for three months. Assessments of these patients were carried out clinically and dermoscopically at the start of the trial, halfway through, and at the end.
The group allocated pumpkin seed oil (group A) demonstrated a notable decrease in hair shaft diversity from before and after the treatment, as well as a decrease in vellus hairs (non-pigmented, fine hairs). There was also a significant increase in upright regrowing hairs after treatment.
For the group assigned to the minoxidil foam (group B), there was also a similar significant decrease in hair shaft diversity and vellus hair numbers from before to after treatment. This suggests that both pumpkin seed oil and minoxidil 5% foam have beneficial effects in treating female pattern hair loss.
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Pumpkin seeds are recognised for their medicinal, nutritional, and cosmetic benefits, including anti-diabetic, heart disease prevention, anti-cancer, and antioxidant qualities.
2024 The Natural Products Journal Pumpkin Seeds (Cucurbita spp.) as a Nutraceutical Used In Various Lifestyle Disorders Wal A, Singh MR, Gupta A, Rathore S, Rout RR, Wal P
Review Article Anti-Parasite Anticancer Antioxidant
The review article undertakes a comprehensive exploration of the nutraceutical importance of pumpkin seeds. The methodology includes an examination of the various known substances in the seeds, such as phytoestrogens, unsaturated fatty acids, and vitamin E. The study then delves into the different benefits and therapeutic uses of these components stretching from medicinal to nutritional to cosmetic applications.
The results of this research are diverse and impressive, with implications for several major health sectors. Their potential anti-diabetic and hypoglycemic properties could suggest a significant role in the management and prevention of diabetes. Meanwhile, the seeds' potential in cardiovascular disease prevention could help to address one of the most pressing global health issues. Moreover, potential anti-cancer properties imply that these seeds could even have a part to play in cancer prevention. The review also described potential additional qualities, such as antidepressant, anti-helminthic (parasite-removing), and antioxidant effects.
Pumpkin seeds have been shown to provide neuropharmacological benefits such as reducing anxiety and depression, and improving memory.
2023 Behavioural Neurology Cucurbita maxima Seeds Reduce Anxiety and Depression and Improve Memory Wahid S, Alqahtani A, Khan RA
Animal Study Depression Pumpkin Seed
The study evaluated the effects of pumpkin seeds on four areas - anxiety, depression, memory, and motor coordination. Anxiety was tested using models like light and dark apparatus, elevated plus maze, head dip, and open field test, while depression was assessed by the forced swim test and tail suspension test. Memory and learning abilities were gauged through the passive avoidance test, stationary rod apparatus, and Morris's water maze test. The effect on motor skilled learning was assessed by stationary rod and rotarod apparatus. Finally, the levels of brain biogenic amines were determined using reversed phase high-pressure liquid chromatography.
In the results evaluation, it was found that pumpkin seeds exhibit properties that help reduce anxiety and alleviate depression, while also enhancing memory. However, they showed no significant effects on motor coordination. An elevated level of norepinephrine was observed, possibly contributing to its antidepressant effects. Furthermore, a reduction in the weight of the animal was observed after chronic administration. These benefits are probably due to the seeds' secondary metabolites like cucurbitacin, beta-sitosterol, polyphenolic compounds, citrulline, kaempferol, arginine, beta-carotene, quercetin, and other antioxidants.
Pumpkin seeds, in combination with other plants, show potential as an alternative treatment method for diabetes mellitus.
2022 Open Access Macedonian Journal of Medical Sciences Pumpkin Seed Intervention to Control Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review Tasya Z, Amiruddin R, Syam A, Thamrin Y
Systematic Review Pumpkin Seed Type 2 Diabetes
Using a comprehensive review of literature, the study identified the interventions and impacts of incorporating pumpkin seeds in the treatment of diabetes mellitus. A series of experiments on lab animals were performed where the consumption of pumpkin seeds was combined with other plant supplements. The objective of these experiments was to observe any potential hypoglycemic activity that could then be utilised in controlling diabetes.
The results derived from these experiments showed that pumpkin seeds present significant advantages in promoting and maintaining health, particularly in relation to diabetes mellitus. The evidence suggests that the unique combination of pumpkin seeds with other plant substances resulted in hypoglycemic activity. This finding posits pumpkin seeds as a viable option for complementary therapy in treating individuals with diabetes mellitus, by providing a more natural alternative to conventional drugs.
Pumpkin seed supplementation can significantly reduce fasting blood glucose levels in Indian women suffering from metabolic syndrome.
2022 Arabian Journal of Chemistry Chemical composition of pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima) seeds and its supplemental effect on Indian women with metabolic syndrome Jane Monica S, John S, Madhanagopal R, Sivaraj C, Khusro A, Arumugam P, et al.
Randomised Controlled Trial Blood Sugar Metabolic Syndrome Pumpkin Seed
The researchers initially assessed the antioxidant activities of pumpkin seed extract using standard in vitro methods. There was also an investigation into the antidiabetic effects of the seed extract by conducting alpha-amylase, alpha-glucosidase, and dipeptidyl peptidase IV inhibition effects tests as well as a glucose uptake assay using 3T3-L1 cell lines. Identification of fatty acids and various plant compounds in the seed extract was accomplished with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Indian women aged between 30-50 years who had metabolic syndrome were then recruited, divided into two groups: intervention and control. The women in the intervention group received 5g of pumpkin seeds for 60 days while both groups followed certain dietary guidelines throughout the study period.
The results demonstrate that the pumpkin seeds had sharp reducing power and acted as scavengers of DPPH and ABTS free radicals. They also inhibited certain enzymes and notably, improved glucose uptake by a significant percentage. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry further identified the presence of certain compounds within the seed extract. Comparing the changes between the intervention and control groups showed a significant reduction of fasting plasma glucose in the intervention group after 60-day supplementation with pumpkin seeds, thus suggesting its beneficial effect on metabolic syndrome.
Pumpkin seed oil, with its phytochemical content, shows beneficial properties against cardiovascular problems in menopausal women and hormone imbalances.
2022 Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety The potential of pumpkin seed oil as a functional food—A comprehensive review of chemical composition, health benefits, and safety Šamec D, Loizzo MR, Gortzi O, Çankaya T, Tundis R, Suntar , et al.
Review Article Cardiovascular Disease Menopause Pumpkin Seed
The study focused on gathering scientific information that highlights the potential of pumpkin seed oil as a health-benefiting food ingredient. Its focus is on the oil’s chemical composition, phytochemical content, biological activity, safety measures alongside the various production processes. The researchers examined major phytochemicals found in the oil, including polyphenols, phytoestrogens, and fatty acids, while also noting the potential health benefits of carotenoids, squalene, tocopherols, and minerals present in it.
In terms of methodology, most studies within this review were conducted in vitro to validate the oil's antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. Furthermore, there were clinical studies undertaken specifically to observe the effect of the oil in addressing cardiovascular challenges in menopausal women and conditions related to sex hormone imbalances. The comprehensive overview covers a wide array of data on the composition and potential uses of pumpkin seed oil.
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