Pumpkin Seed Extract
Research reviewed: Up until 03/2026
Pumpkin Seed Extract (Cucurbita pepo (Pumpkin Seed Oil / Hydroethanolic Extract)) is a dietary supplement with 5 published peer-reviewed studies involving 1,850 participants, researched for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), Hair Loss (Androgenetic Alopecia), Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms.
Evidence at a Glance
Strength is scored by study design, sample size, study type, and outcomes
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
StrongHair Loss (Androgenetic Alopecia)
ModerateLower Urinary Tract Symptoms
ModerateResearch Visualised
Visual breakdown of the clinical data.
Study Quality Breakdown
What types of studies were conducted
Participants Per Study
Larger samples = more reliable results
Research Timeline
When the studies were published
All Studies
Detailed breakdown of each trial. Click to expand.
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
To evaluate the effects of pumpkin seed and pumpkin seed extract on LUTS in men with BPH over 1 year.
Study Type
Randomised, placebo-controlled (GRANU study)
Purpose
To evaluate the effects of pumpkin seed and pumpkin seed extract on LUTS in men with BPH over 1 year.
Dose
Pumpkin seed 5 g twice daily OR pumpkin seed extract 500 mg twice daily
Participants
1,431 men aged 50-80 with BPH/LUTS
Duration
12 months
Results
Both pumpkin seed and extract significantly reduced IPSS scores vs placebo. LUTS improved progressively over 12 months. Quality of life improved significantly. Well tolerated with no serious adverse effects.
How They Measured It
IPSS, urinary flow rate, quality of life (QoL)
To compare pumpkin seed oil with tamsulosin for BPH symptom relief.
Study Type
Randomised, single-blind controlled
Purpose
To compare pumpkin seed oil with tamsulosin for BPH symptom relief.
Dose
360 mg pumpkin seed oil twice daily vs 0.4 mg tamsulosin daily
Participants
60 men with BPH
Duration
3 months
Results
Pumpkin seed oil was comparable to tamsulosin in reducing IPSS. Urinary flow improved in both groups without significant between-group difference. Pumpkin seed oil represents a well-tolerated natural alternative.
How They Measured It
IPSS, maximum urinary flow rate (Q-max), prostate volume (TRUS)
To evaluate the beneficial effects of pumpkin seed soft extract on LUTS and QoL in men with BPH across two 12-month studies.
Study Type
Meta-analysis of two RCTs
Purpose
To evaluate the beneficial effects of pumpkin seed soft extract on LUTS and QoL in men with BPH across two 12-month studies.
Dose
480 mg/day pumpkin seed soft extract
Participants
Pooled analysis of two placebo-controlled RCTs
Duration
12 months
Results
Pumpkin seed extract significantly improved IPSS, QoL, and urinary flow vs placebo. Benefits appeared from month 3 and progressively increased. Excellent long-term safety profile.
How They Measured It
IPSS, urinary flow rate, QoL
Hair Loss (Androgenetic Alopecia)
To evaluate the effect of pumpkin seed oil on hair growth in men with androgenetic alopecia.
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To evaluate the effect of pumpkin seed oil on hair growth in men with androgenetic alopecia.
Dose
400 mg/day pumpkin seed oil
Participants
76 men aged 20-65 with androgenetic alopecia
Duration
24 weeks
Results
Hair count increased by 40% in pumpkin seed oil group vs 10% in placebo. Patient self-assessment significantly favoured treatment. Hair thickness also improved. Proposed mechanism: 5-alpha-reductase inhibition reducing DHT.
How They Measured It
Standardised hair count, self-satisfaction scores, hair thickness
Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms
To evaluate an oil-free hydroethanolic pumpkin seed extract on LUTS frequency and severity in men with BPH.
Study Type
Open-label pilot study
Purpose
To evaluate an oil-free hydroethanolic pumpkin seed extract on LUTS frequency and severity in men with BPH.
Dose
Standardised pumpkin seed extract 500 mg twice daily
Participants
47 men with BPH and LUTS
Duration
12 weeks
Results
IPSS scores significantly reduced from baseline. Micturition frequency decreased. Residual urine volume improved. The oil-free extract was well tolerated and effective for LUTS management.
How They Measured It
IPSS, micturition diary, residual urine volume
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Pumpkin Seed Extract research
There are currently 9 peer-reviewed studies on Pumpkin Seed Extract (Cucurbita pepo (Pumpkin Seed Oil / Hydroethanolic Extract)), involving 1,850 total participants. Research covers Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), Lower urinary tract symptoms, Hair loss (androgenetic alopecia) and 1 more areas. The overall evidence strength is rated as Very Strong.
The evidence is currently rated as "Very Strong Evidence". This rating is based on study design quality (randomisation, blinding, placebo controls), sample sizes, study types (5 human studies), and reported outcomes.
Pumpkin Seed Extract has been researched for: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), Lower urinary tract symptoms, Hair loss (androgenetic alopecia), Prostate health. Each area has its own body of evidence which you can explore in the study breakdowns above.
Yes, 5 out of 9 studies are human trials. Human trials carry more weight in our evidence scoring system.
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