Pumpkin Seed Oil
Research reviewed: Up until 03/2026
Pumpkin Seed Oil (Cucurbita pepo seed oil) is a dietary supplement with 6 published peer-reviewed studies involving 430 participants, researched for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, Urinary Tract Health, Hair Loss and 1 more areas.
Evidence at a Glance
Strength is scored by study design, sample size, study type, and outcomes
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
StrongUrinary Tract Health
ModerateHair Loss
ModerateCardiovascular Health
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
To compare pumpkin seed oil with tamsulosin for benign prostatic hyperplasia symptom relief.
Study Type
Single-blind randomised clinical trial
Purpose
To compare pumpkin seed oil with tamsulosin for benign prostatic hyperplasia symptom relief.
Dose
160 mg pumpkin seed oil soft gel capsules twice daily
Participants
90 patients with BPH
Duration
3 months
Results
Both pumpkin seed oil and tamsulosin significantly improved IPSS scores from baseline. Pumpkin seed oil showed comparable efficacy to tamsulosin for BPH symptom relief with no significant side effects.
How They Measured It
IPSS, peak urinary flow rate (Qmax), post-void residual urine, PSA
To evaluate the effects of pumpkin seed supplementation in men with BPH-related lower urinary tract symptoms.
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To evaluate the effects of pumpkin seed supplementation in men with BPH-related lower urinary tract symptoms.
Dose
5 g pumpkin seed oil or pumpkin seed extract daily
Participants
1431 men with BPH (GRANU study)
Duration
12 months
Results
Pumpkin seed supplementation led to a clinically relevant reduction in IPSS compared to placebo at 12 months. IPSS improvement was statistically significant, supporting pumpkin seed as an option for BPH-related LUTS.
How They Measured It
IPSS, Qmax, post-void residual volume, nocturia
Urinary Tract Health
To evaluate the effect of pumpkin seed oil on overactive bladder symptoms in healthy volunteers.
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To evaluate the effect of pumpkin seed oil on overactive bladder symptoms in healthy volunteers.
Dose
10 g pumpkin seed oil daily for 12 weeks
Participants
45 healthy volunteers with overactive bladder
Duration
12 weeks
Results
Pumpkin seed oil significantly improved OABSS scores and reduced daytime frequency and nocturia compared to placebo. The authors suggest a role for pumpkin seed oil in managing overactive bladder.
How They Measured It
OABSS, frequency volume chart, nocturia episodes, urgency score
To evaluate a Cucurbita pepo seed extract combination on stress urinary incontinence in women.
Study Type
Clinical study
Purpose
To evaluate a Cucurbita pepo seed extract combination on stress urinary incontinence in women.
Dose
CELcomplex containing Cucurbita pepo seed extract 160 mg daily
Participants
32 women with stress urinary incontinence
Duration
8 weeks
Results
The Cucurbita-containing formula significantly reduced incontinence episodes and pad weight, and improved quality of life in women with stress urinary incontinence.
How They Measured It
Incontinence episodes per day, pad weight test, quality of life questionnaire
Hair Loss
To evaluate pumpkin seed oil for treatment of androgenetic alopecia in men.
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To evaluate pumpkin seed oil for treatment of androgenetic alopecia in men.
Dose
400 mg pumpkin seed oil capsule daily
Participants
76 men with mild-to-moderate androgenetic alopecia
Duration
24 weeks
Results
Men in the pumpkin seed oil group showed a 40% increase in hair count compared to 10% increase in the placebo group. Investigator and patient assessments also significantly favoured pumpkin seed oil treatment.
How They Measured It
Hair count, hair thickness, patient self-assessment, investigator assessment
Cardiovascular Health
To investigate the effects of pumpkin seed oil on blood pressure and cardiovascular risk markers in postmenopausal women.
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, controlled
Purpose
To investigate the effects of pumpkin seed oil on blood pressure and cardiovascular risk markers in postmenopausal women.
Dose
2 g pumpkin seed oil daily
Participants
35 postmenopausal women
Duration
12 weeks
Results
Pumpkin seed oil significantly reduced diastolic blood pressure and increased HDL cholesterol compared to wheat germ oil. Oestradiol levels were also higher in the pumpkin seed oil group, suggesting phytoestrogenic activity.
How They Measured It
Systolic and diastolic BP, serum lipids, HDL, LDL, triglycerides, oestradiol
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Pumpkin Seed Oil research
There are currently 8 peer-reviewed studies on Pumpkin Seed Oil (Cucurbita pepo seed oil), involving 430 total participants. Research covers Benign prostatic hyperplasia, Urinary tract health, Hair loss and 1 more areas. The overall evidence strength is rated as Strong.
The evidence is currently rated as "Strong Evidence". This rating is based on study design quality (randomisation, blinding, placebo controls), sample sizes, study types (6 human studies), and reported outcomes.
Pumpkin Seed Oil has been researched for: Benign prostatic hyperplasia, Urinary tract health, Hair loss, Cardiovascular health. Each area has its own body of evidence which you can explore in the study breakdowns above.
Yes, 6 out of 8 studies are human trials. Human trials carry more weight in our evidence scoring system.
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