Pumpkin seed oil is a type of edible oil pressed from the yellow-orange to dark green colored seeds of pumpkins, squash, and other varieties of cucurbitaceae.
Pumpkin Seed Oil has been used in Europe since the 15th century as a natural remedy for various ailments. It is high in essential fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and other beneficial compounds. Pumpkin Seed Oil is known to have various health benefits, but it may also carry certain risks.
In this article, we’ll look at the potential health benefits and risks associated with pumpkin seed oil.
Pumpkin Seed Oil Benefits
Since pumpkin seed oil is rich in essential fats, vitamins, and minerals, it is believed to provide various health benefits. Some of its common health benefits are the following.
1. Pumpkin Seed Oil for Hair
Pumpkin seed oil is rich in zinc, which helps promote hair growth. It also contains vitamin A and essential fatty acids that moisturize the scalp and help to strengthen hair follicles. Additionally, it may help reduce scalp inflammation, which can lead to dandruff and other issues.
Pumpkin seed oil was evaluated in one research for its potential to reverse hair loss in males with mild to moderate thinning. Hair growth was increased by 30% in the pumpkin seed oil group compared to the placebo group. [1]
2. Pumpkin Seed Oil for Prostate Health
Pumpkin seed oil has been linked to improved prostate health in men. The oil is high in zinc, which helps promote testosterone production and supports healthy urination. Pumpkin seed oil also contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which may help reduce inflammation and improve prostate function. [2]
Chronic nonbacterial prostatitis, a bacterial condition commonly found in elderly men, has also been successfully treated with topical pumpkin seed oil. [3]
3. Pumpkin Seed Oil for Heart Health
Cholesterol and high blood pressure are risk factors for heart disease, but taking pumpkin seed oil regularly can help reduce these conditions.
Pumpkin seed oil is rich in monounsaturated fats, which are linked to improved heart health, and may also reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels while increasing HDL (good) cholesterol levels. This may occur because pumpkin seed oil is a much-preferred alternative to saturated and trans fats. [4]
4. Pumpkin Seed Oil for Women
Complex carbs, fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and zinc have all been demonstrated to improve fertility in women, in scientific studies. Pumpkin seeds include significant concentrations of omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants. This increases circulation to the genital organs, which is beneficial. It also ensures that the follicles have enough fluid so the eggs can develop normally.
The phytoestrogens found in pumpkin seeds mimic the effects of estrogen in the human body. For this reason, scientists are investigating whether or not menopause symptoms might be alleviated by consuming pumpkin seed oil. [5]
In a small pilot study conducted in 2011, scientists looked at how pumpkin seed oil affected cholesterol levels and menopausal symptoms. Thirty-five women past menopause were split between six researchers and given either pumpkin seed oil or wheat germ oil. Results showed that individuals who consumed pumpkin seed oil had improved HDL cholesterol levels and reduced diastolic blood pressure. [6]
Furthermore, menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, headaches, and joint pain were dramatically reduced in the pumpkin seed oil group.
5. Pumpkin Seed Oil for Urinary Health
Pumpkin seed oil is believed to help boost urinary health in both men and women. The high zinc content helps strengthen the bladder muscles, preventing incontinence issues.
Pumpkin seed oil has also been found to reduce symptoms of interstitial cystitis, a chronic condition that can cause painful urination and discomfort.
Some studies have shown that pumpkin seed oil can help manage urinary tract infections. For instance, one study of 45 people showed that consuming 10 grams of pumpkin seed oil daily for 12 weeks reduced symptoms of overactive bladder. [7]
4. Pumpkin Seed Oil for Gut Health
Healthy gut bacteria is essential for digesting fiber-rich meals. Pumpkin seeds and other dietary fiber help promote intestinal health by feeding beneficial bacteria.
Some people find relief from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms, including gas, bloating, abdominal discomfort, and a shift in bowel habits (diarrhea and constipation) by consuming pumpkin seed oil. These fatty acids aid digestion, reducing stomach upset and increasing nutrient absorption.
Pumpkin seed oil has also been useful against tapeworm attacks, for which it is frequently prescribed due to its lack of side effects. [8]
6. Pumpkin Seed for Inflammation
Scientific studies has repeatedly proven inflammation to be the underlying cause of several diseases. Natural anti-inflammatory supplements or foods, such as pumpkin seed oil, can aid the body in its battle against inflammation and in preventing illness.
A 2015 study found that when people with arterial plaque buildup (non-alcoholic fatty liver disease) switched from cocoa butter to pumpkin seed oil, the “phytochemical-rich virgin pumpkin seed oil produces extra anti-inflammatory actions, resulting in more dramatic health effects.”
The pumpkin seed oil has also shown promise in treating arthritis, a painful condition characterized by joint inflammation and stiffness. Research has shown that this oil is “safer and more effective” than conventional arthritis medications, which can cause serious side effects.
7. Pumpkin Seed Oil for Diabetes
The oil extracted from pumpkin seeds is a superb resource of both polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats. Unsaturated fats have been shown to lower blood cholesterol levels, which may help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.
In addition, pumpkin is a good source of the mineral zinc, which has been shown to have diabetic health benefits. According to studies, zinc has a role in controlling insulin receptors, which in turn helps maintain healthy blood sugar levels. [9]
Pumpkin Seed Oil Dosage
For the correct pumpkin seed oil dosage, refer to the product label. If you have health concerns, use medications, or are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should talk to your doctor before using pumpkin seed oil capsules for their alleged health advantages.
The following oral doses have been studied in scientific studies.
| Condition | Recommended Dosage |
| For male baldness | 400 mg per day |
| For benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) | 360 mg per day |
| For cholesterol and blood pressure | 1,000 mg |
| For menopausal symptoms | 2,000 mg |
Pumpkin Seed Oil Side Effects
There hasn’t been a lot of research done on pumpkin seed oil, but what there suggests that it shouldn’t have any negative side effects if you take it as prescribed.
However, people who are allergic or sensitive may have various symptoms, including those related to the digestive system or even a rash. Pumpkin seed oil may be beneficial, but it’s best to discuss its use with a medical professional first.
Pumpkin Seed Oil Risks
Never consume supplements or pumpkin seed oil that has become rancid. Pregnant or nursing women should also avoid using pumpkin seed oil in doses higher than those naturally occurring in food. Simply put, there is insufficient proof of its safety to recommend it for such populations.
Bottomline: Pumpkin Seed Oil Benefits, Risks, and Dosage
Pumpkin seed oil is a natural product with potential health benefits. Although pumpkin seed oil appears to be safe, more research is needed to evaluate its efficacy in humans. If you are considering taking pumpkin seed oil supplements, speak with your healthcare provider first to determine if they are right for you.
Disclaimer: This article is only a guide. It does not substitute the advice given by your own healthcare professional. Before making any health-related decision, consult your healthcare professional.
Editorial References and Fact Checking
- Cho YH, Lee SY, Jeong DW, Choi EJ, Kim YJ, Lee JG, Yi YH, Cha HS. Effect of pumpkin seed oil on hair growth in men with androgenetic alopecia: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2014;2014:549721. doi: 10.1155/2014/549721. Epub 2014 Apr 23. PMID: 24864154; PMCID: PMC4017725.
- Ng M, Baradhi KM. Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia. [Updated 2022 Aug 8]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK558920/
- Tantawy SA, Elgohary HM, Kamel DM. Trans-perineal pumpkin seed oil phonophoresis as an adjunctive treatment for chronic nonbacterial prostatitis. Res Rep Urol. 2018 Sep 18;10:95-101. doi: 10.2147/RRU.S167896. PMID: 30271759; PMCID: PMC6149936.
- El-Mosallamy AE, Sleem AA, Abdel-Salam OM, Shaffie N, Kenawy SA. Antihypertensive and cardioprotective effects of pumpkin seed oil. J Med Food. 2012 Feb;15(2):180-9. doi: 10.1089/jmf.2010.0299. Epub 2011 Nov 14. PMID: 22082068.
- Shaban A, Sahu RP. Pumpkin Seed Oil: An Alternative Medicine. Int J Pharmacogn Phytochem Res. 2017;9(2):11. doi: 10.25258/phyto.v9i2.8066. Epub 2017 Feb 25. PMID: 34924730; PMCID: PMC8681145.
- Gossell-Williams M, Hyde C, Hunter T, Simms-Stewart D, Fletcher H, McGrowder D, Walters CA. Improvement in HDL cholesterol in postmenopausal women supplemented with pumpkin seed oil: pilot study. Climacteric. 2011 Oct;14(5):558-64. doi: 10.3109/13697137.2011.563882. Epub 2011 May 5. PMID: 21545273.
- Nishimura M, Ohkawara T, Sato H, Takeda H, Nishihira J. Pumpkin Seed Oil Extracted From Cucurbita maxima Improves Urinary Disorder in Human Overactive Bladder. J Tradit Complement Med. 2014 Jan;4(1):72-4. doi: 10.4103/2225-4110.124355. PMID: 24872936; PMCID: PMC4032845.
- Li T, Ito A, Chen X, Long C, Okamoto M, Raoul F, Giraudoux P, Yanagida T, Nakao M, Sako Y, Xiao N, Craig PS. Usefulness of pumpkin seeds combined with areca nut extract in community-based treatment of human taeniasis in northwest Sichuan Province, China. Acta Trop. 2012 Nov;124(2):152-7. doi: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2012.08.002. Epub 2012 Aug 11. PMID: 22910218.
