Pumpkin Seed
Also known as: Cucurbita pepo, pumpkin seed oil, PSO, pumpkin seed extract
Effective Dosage
360 mg twice daily (oil) for BPH; doses vary by condition
What the Science Says
Pumpkin seed oil is a natural oil pressed from the seeds of Cucurbita pepo. Clinical trials suggest it may modestly reduce urinary symptoms in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), though it works more slowly and less powerfully than the prescription drug tamsulosin. Early research also shows it may support hair regrowth in women with pattern hair loss, and a combination formula containing pumpkin seed extract helped reduce urinary incontinence symptoms in women over 90 days.
What It Doesn't Do
Not a replacement for prescription BPH medications — it works slower and less effectively than tamsulosin. No solid evidence it treats diabetes in humans. No proven cancer-fighting effects in people. Won't regrow a full head of hair on its own. The COVID-19 squalene studies are about an extracted compound, not pumpkin seed itself.
Evidence-Based Benefits
Pumpkin seed oil is a natural oil pressed from the seeds of Cucurbita pepo. Clinical trials suggest it may modestly reduce urinary symptoms in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), though it works more slowly and less powerfully than the prescription drug tamsulosin. Early research also shows it may support hair regrowth in women with pattern hair loss, and a combination formula containing pumpkin seed extract helped reduce urinary incontinence symptoms in women over 90 days.
Weak EvidenceEffective at: 360 mg twice daily (oil) for BPH; doses vary by condition
Source: auto-research
Absorption & Bioavailability
Unknown — no pharmacokinetic studies were provided. The oil form is likely better absorbed than raw seed powder, but no direct bioavailability data exists in the provided studies.
Red Flags to Watch For
- Most studies are small (under 80 participants) and short-term — long-term safety data is lacking
- One study on pumpkin seed oil for sun protection was retracted, raising quality-control concerns in this research area
- Combination products (like Femaxeen) make it impossible to isolate pumpkin seed's specific contribution
- Animal and in-vitro studies (diabetes, cancer, mucositis) cannot be directly applied to human use
- High-dose topical application showed dose-dependent cell toxicity in nasal epithelial cells — concentration matters
Products Containing Pumpkin Seed
See how Pumpkin Seed is used in these analyzed products:
NOW Zinc Glycinate 120 Softgels
Supplement
Prostate Support
Supplement
Origin Nutrition Daily Plant Protein (Vanilla)
Supplement
NOW 30 mg Albion Zinc Glycinate
Supplement
310 Nutrition Vanilla Crème Shake
Supplement
Perfect Form Herbal Digestive Supplement
Supplement
310 Organic Vanilla Shake
Supplement
Smartvita Men's Total Synergy Multivitamins
Supplement
Texas SuperFood Original Capsules
Supplement
Xtressé™ Hair Growth Gummies
Supplement
Research Sources
- PubMed
- NIH DSLD
This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen. Last updated: 2026-04-11