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Cucurbita pepo

Cucurbita pepo includes pumpkins, squash, zucchini, and gourds. Pumpkin seed oil and extracts are used primarily for prostate health (BPH) and urinary symptoms. Some human evidence supports benefits for BPH symptoms and overactive bladder, often in combination with saw palmetto. Contains phytosterols (beta-sitosterol), fatty acids, and zinc. Also studied for hair loss, diabetes, and parasites. The Styrian pumpkin seed oil is the most studied form.

Quick Answer

What it is

Cucurbita pepo includes pumpkins, squash, zucchini, and gourds. Pumpkin seed oil and extracts are used primarily for prostate health (BPH) and urinary symptoms.

Key findings

  • Grade B: BPH Symptom Relief
  • Grade C: Overactive Bladder Symptoms
  • Grade D: Blood Sugar Reduction

Safety

No specific caution or interaction language was detected in the current summary/outcome notes.

ℹ️ Quick Facts: Cucurbita pepo

Quick Facts: Cucurbita pepo

  • Best Evidence:Grade B
  • Conditions Studied:0
  • Research Outcomes:5
  • Grade B Findings:1
Outcomes by grade:
A0
B1
C1
D3
0 conditions · 5 outcomes

Detailed Outcomes

B
BPH Symptom Relief
Several small RCTs show pumpkin seed oil (320-480mg/day, alone or combined with saw palmetto) significantly improves IPSS scores and urinary symptoms in men with BPH. One 12-month placebo-controlled RCT demonstrated significant symptom improvement. Widely used as a phytomedicine for prostate health in Germany, where it is approved by the German Commission E.
moderate↑Improves
C
Overactive Bladder Symptoms
Limited human trials suggest pumpkin seed oil extract reduces overactive bladder symptoms in postmenopausal women, including decreased urinary frequency and urgency. The proposed mechanism involves relaxation of bladder smooth muscle.
small↓Improves
D
Blood Sugar Reduction
Animal studies suggest pumpkin seed extracts may have hypoglycemic effects and improve insulin sensitivity. Human evidence is very limited and preliminary. Not supported as a first-line intervention for diabetes management.
small↓Improves
D
Hair Growth
A single RCT found that pumpkin seed oil (400mg/day) improved hair count in men with androgenetic alopecia compared to placebo. The proposed mechanism is 5-alpha reductase inhibition reducing DHT. This finding requires replication.
small↑Improves
D
Antiparasitic Activity
Traditional use of pumpkin seeds as an antiparasitic, particularly for tapeworms, is attributed to the amino acid cucurbitin which may paralyze intestinal worms. This was a historical remedy before modern antiparasitics, but limited modern clinical evidence exists to confirm efficacy.
small↓Worsens

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Pumpkin Seed Extract

1 shared outcome · 3 outcomes

Pumpkin seed extract is used for prostate health (BPH), hair loss, and overactive bladder. Contains phytosterols (beta-sitosterol), lignans, zinc, and delta-7-sterols. Mechanism involves 5-alpha reductase inhibition (like finasteride but weaker) and anti-androgen effects. Meta-analyses support modest benefit for BPH symptoms. One RCT showed hair growth benefit. Oil extract (Styrian pumpkin) commonly used. Generally safe with low side effect profile compared to pharmaceutical options.