Pumpkin seed oil contains nutrients that may offer a range of health benefits for your skin, urinary tract, and other body parts. While you can cook with it, you can also find it in capsule form.
You may think of pumpkin as a festive fall decoration or the ingredient for the perfect pie, but pumpkin has other uses. Pumpkin seed oil, for example, may have certain health benefits.
Some research suggests pumpkin seed oil may promote urinary and heart health. It’s full of vitamins and has a number of anti-inflammatory properties, along with linoleic and oleic acid.
Below, learn more about pumpkin seed oil’s potential health benefits and how to include it in your lifestyle.
Effects on mental health
According to a 2020 review, pumpkin seeds may contain antidepressant compounds. Some research in the study likened pumpkin seed’s antidepressant potential to that of hydroxytryptophan and tryptophan, which are both potential remedies for depression.
However, the review authors highlight that more research is necessary to understand how pumpkin seeds may help with depression.
Effects on hair and skin
According to a 2014 studyTrusted Source, pumpkin seed oil may positively affect hair growth. In the study, males who took 400 milligrams of pumpkin seed oil every day for 24 weeks had 40% hair growth, compared to 10% hair growth among those in the placebo group.
Another 2019 studyTrusted Source examined pumpkin seed oil’s hair growth potential in mice. The researchers concluded that topical pumpkin seed oil promoted hair growth in the mice and shows potential as an alternative treatment for male pattern alopecia.
Effects on heart health
According to the American Heart Association (AHA)Trusted Source, eating lots of saturated fats can increase low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or “bad,” cholesterol. This can increase your risk of health issues like stroke and heart disease.
However, pumpkin seed oil is a polyunsaturated fat, meaning it’s the “good” kind of fat. Unsaturated fats like pumpkin seed oil can actually promoteTrusted Source a healthy heart.
A 2019 studyTrusted Source also suggests that pumpkin seed oil may help to prevent and manage hypertension in postmenopausal populations by improving blood flow and pressure in the arteries.
Effects on prostate health
According to the 2020 review, pumpkin seed oil’s effects may be beneficial for people with prostate disorders.
Animal and human studies in the review highlight pumpkin seed oil’s potential to relieve symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), which involves noncancerous prostate enlargement.
One such study in the review found positive results in symptom reduction when participants received a mixture of pumpkin seed oil and saw palmetto oil.
However, more research is necessary to understand the exact mechanisms behind these potential benefits.
Effects on urinary health
According to research in a 2017 reviewTrusted Source, pumpkin oil’s properties may help to treat and prevent certain urinary disorders, such as an overactive bladder and urinary dysfunction due to BPH.
However, more research is necessary to learn pumpkin seed oil’s effectiveness and potential for managing urinary health, particularly urinary issues unrelated to BPH.
Effects on menopause
A 2024 studyTrusted Source examined the effect of pumpkin seed oil’s antioxidant properties on aging and menopause-related issues in rats without ovaries.
The study authors highlight that pumpkin seeds are a rich source of fatty acids that help to regulate the immune system and create hormones.
They suggest that pumpkin seed oil may help prevent conditions and symptoms linked to menopause, such as:
- weight gain
- oxidative stress
- inflammation
- osteoporosis
- heart diseases
However, they emphasize that more research is necessary, particularly since menopause and aging are complicated processes.
Risks and side effects of pumpkin seed oil
According to the AHATrusted Source, if you don’t usually eat much fiber, you may experience some stomach upset when you start eating pumpkin seeds. This is because they’re such a good source of fiber.
They also caution you to be aware of other ingredients in products that contain pumpkin seed oil or pumpkin, like pumpkin-flavored desserts or drinks that may be high in sugar.
How can I get pumpkin seed oil?
Like flax seed, you’ll find pumpkin seed oil in a liquid or concentrated pill form. You can usually find it in health stores or through an online health retailer.
Although some research suggests pumpkin seed oil is clinically safeTrusted Source, a 2020 review on pumpkin seeds concludes that more research is necessary to understand their safety and effectiveness as a functional food.
You should always speak with your doctor if you want to start taking a new supplement. Your doctor can advise you on the best dosage of pumpkin seed oil to take to ensure you’re getting the right amounts of nutrients.
They can also help if you experience any side effects after eating pumpkin seeds, such as an upset stomach.
The bottom line
Pumpkin seed oil may contain antioxidant and antidepressant qualities that may benefit our health. Some research suggests potential benefits for urinary, heart, and mental health in humans.
However, it’s important to remember that more research is necessary for professionals to understand the safety and effectiveness of pumpkin seed oil, including its potential as a remedy for various conditions.
Speak with your doctor if you want to start taking pumpkin seed oil. They can advise you on the safest dosage to take and any other treatment options to address specific health concerns.
Reference: https://www.healthline.com/health/pumpkin-seed-oil#takeaway