Pumpkin seed oil
Mediterranean-source oil with EMA-monograph BPH framing and preliminary signal for androgenetic alopecia.
Why
Pumpkin seed (Cucurbita pepo) seeds and oil hold an EMA HMPC monograph at Traditional Use for symptomatic treatment of micturition complaints associated with mild BPH and overactive bladder. The Vahlensieck 2015 RCT reported IPSS improvements at 12 months. A separate small RCT (Cho 2014) supports topical or oral pumpkin seed oil for male androgenetic alopecia, hair-count improvements at 24 weeks.
How it works
Phytosterols (β-sitosterol) and lignans (secoisolariciresinol) modulate androgen metabolism, relevant to both BPH and AGA indications. Zinc content supports prostate function. Cucurbitin and unsaturated fatty acids may contribute additional mechanisms.
Expected onset · BPH symptoms over 3–6 months; AGA over 6 months
How to take
Dosage
BPH: 500 mg pumpkin seed oil twice daily or 5 g of seeds daily. AGA: 400 mg/day pumpkin seed oil orally for 24 weeks (Cho protocol).
Timing
Once or twice daily with food
On the label
Cold-pressed pumpkin seed oil (Cucurbita pepo) or standardised seed extract. Stated mg per serving.
Ideal for
Men with mild-to-moderate BPH symptoms seeking complementary support; men or women with mild-pattern hair thinning exploring nutritional approaches.
Safety
Evidence
EMA classifies pumpkin seed as Traditional Use for mild BPH-related micturition complaints. Vahlensieck 2015 RCT (n=1,431 men): pumpkin seed extract improved IPSS by 6.8 points vs 5.0 on placebo over 12 months. Cho 2014 small AGA RCT (n=76 men): 400 mg/day pumpkin seed oil improved hair count by 40% vs 10% on placebo at 24 weeks.
- EMA HMPC monograph, Cucurbita pepo L., semen (Traditional Use)
- Vahlensieck et al., Urol Int 2015, effects of pumpkin seed in men with lower urinary tract symptoms due to benign prostatic hyperplasia (RCT)
- Cho et al., Evid Based Complement Alternat Med 2014, effect of pumpkin seed oil on hair growth in men with androgenetic alopecia (RCT, n=76)
Where to get it
Shop Pumpkin seed oil on AmazonSponsored · As an Amazon Associate, Healicus earns from qualifying purchases.