Pumpkin Seed Oil

CRiFSaFS

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.

View Article

BU

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.

View Article

Pumpkin seed oil shows promising potential in treating female pattern hair loss, with results comparable to the effects of minoxidil 5% foam.

2021 Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology Pumpkin seed oil vs. minoxidil 5% topical foam for the treatment of female pattern hair loss: A randomized comparative trial Ibrahim IM, Hasan MS, Elsabaa KI, Elsaie ML

Randomised Controlled Trial Female Pattern Hair Loss Minoxidil Pumpkin Seed

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.

View Article

Pumpkin seed oil and pumpkin seeds can effectively reduce obstructive urinary symptoms in patients dealing with symptomatic benign prostatic hypertrophy, performing as well as saw palmetto and prazosin.

2018 Evidence-Based Practice Do pumpkin seeds or pumpkin supplements reduce symptoms of BPH? Edwards R, Shadiack A

Randomised Controlled Trial Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Pumpkin Seed

In the methodology of this research, the scientists observed and compared the effects of pumpkin seed oil, pumpkin seeds, pumpkin seed extract, saw palmetto and prazosin on patients suffering from symptomatic benign prostatic hypertrophy. The main purpose of the experiment was to determine which substances could alleviate obstructive urinary symptoms to the greatest extent. Effects of these substances were noted on a consistent basis to accurately gauge their efficacy.

In the discussion of results, it was found that both pumpkin seed oil and pumpkin seeds exhibited a notable reduction in obstructive urinary symptoms among the patients. Pumpkin seed extract was observed to not perform better than placebo, implying it didn't contribute significantly to symptom relief. Interestingly, pumpkin seed oil was found to be on par with saw palmetto and prazosin in terms of alleviating BPH-related symptoms. This discovery positions pumpkin seed oil and pumpkin seeds as potential natural solutions for addressing urinary symptoms linked to benign prostatic hypertrophy.

View Article

Pumpkin seed oil supplementation may increase good cholesterol levels, lower diastolic blood pressure, and alleviate menopausal symptoms in postmenopausal women.

2011 Climacteric Improvement in HDL cholesterol in postmenopausal women supplemented with pumpkin seed oil: pilot study Gossell-Williams M, Hyde C, Hunter T, Simms-Stewart D, Fletcher H, McGrowder D, et al.

Randomised Controlled Trial HDL-C Menopause

In this pilot study employing a randomized, double-blinded and placebo-controlled design, 35 women that were either naturally menopausal or had prematurely entered menopause due to benign surgical intervention partook. Over the span of 12 weeks, participants received either pumpkin seed oil or wheat germ oil (serving as the placebo) at a dosage of 2 grams daily. Measurements of serum lipids, fasting plasma glucose, blood pressure and completion of a questionnaire regarding menopausal symptoms were taken before and after the supplementation period, and changes across these factors were evaluated.

Following supplementation, women who received pumpkin seed oil displayed increased concentrations of high density lipoprotein cholesterol (commonly known as good cholesterol) and a reduction in diastolic blood pressure. Additionally, there was a notable decline in the severity of menopausal symptoms, including hot flushes, headaches, and joint pain, thanks to this supplementation. Contrarily, symptoms of depression and feelings of being unloved heightened among women in the group that received wheat germ oil.

View Article