MikroScore
Science-backed ingredient evidence
Weak Evidence Safety: Likely safe Study dose: 1000 mg/day

Pumpkin Seed Oil

Also known as: Pumpkin Seed Oil, Cucurbita pepo, Kürbiskern-Extrakt

Summary Weak Evidence

Pumpkin seed oil contains phytosterols and delta-7 sterols linked to prostate and bladder health. Moderate evidence from small RCTs.

EU Health Claims: No approved claims

No approved health claims for pumpkin seed oil in the EU.

AI Summary

Quick verdict

Pumpkin seed oil contains phytosterols and delta-7 sterols linked to prostate and bladder health. Moderate evidence from small RCTs.

What the evidence supports

Several small RCTs show improvements in BPH symptoms (IPSS score). Mechanisms via 5-alpha-reductase inhibition and phytosterols.

What is NOT supported

Clinical human trials are absent or very weak. Long-term safety in humans is largely unexplored.

EU/EFSA status

Not approved. No approved health claims for pumpkin seed oil in the EU.

Safety

Likely safe

This AI summary is generated from the structured data on this page.

Mechanism of Action

Pumpkin seed oil from Cucurbita pepo contains phytosterols (particularly beta-sitosterol and delta-7 sterols), unsaturated fatty acids, and carotenoids. The proposed mechanisms in BPH include mild inhibition of 5-alpha-reductase (similar to finasteride but significantly weaker) and anti-inflammatory effects via phytosterols.

Evidence

The largest study (Vahlensieck 2015, n=1431) showed significant IPSS improvements in mild BPH. However, the effect size was moderate and the study was partially industry-funded. For bladder health in women, initial positive data exists (Nishimura 2014) but with a small sample size only.

Safety

Pumpkin seed oil is considered very safe. No notable side effects reported in studies. May cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort in rare cases.

Dosage

1000–3000 mg pumpkin seed oil per day, typically divided into 2-3 doses with meals.

Key Studies

Effects of pumpkin seed in men with lower urinary tract symptoms due to benign prostatic hyperplasia in the one-year, randomized, placebo-controlled GRANU study

Vahlensieck W et al. (2015) n=431

RCT (n=1431): Pumpkin seed oil significantly improved IPSS score vs. placebo after 12 months in mild BPH.

PubMed PMID 25196580

Effects of pumpkin seed oil on urinary disorders in postmenopausal women

Nishimura M et al. (2014)

RCT (n=45): Pumpkin seed oil reduced overactive bladder symptoms in postmenopausal women after 12 weeks.

PubMed PMID 24420785

Pumpkin seed oil and phytosterol-F for benign prostatic hyperplasia

Gossell-Williams M et al. (2006)

Pilot study: Pumpkin seed oil alone and combined with saw palmetto improved BPH symptoms and quality of life.

PubMed PMID 17004914
Editorial notice: For most ingredients described here, no health claims are approved in the EU (Regulation (EC) 1924/2006). Evidence levels are editorial assessments of research quality — not health promises. This content is not a substitute for medical advice and does not constitute a recommendation to treat, alleviate, or prevent any disease.