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Head-to-head evidence comparison — which supplement is right for you?
Ashwagandha vs Pumpkin Seed Oil: Ashwagandha has the stronger overall evidence (7.5 vs 4.5/10); they're alternatives for testosterone & cortisol balance — the best pick depends on your goals. Take the 60-second quiz for a pick tailored to your goals.
Ashwagandha wins 2 of 3 categories. Both are solid choices — the best pick depends on your specific goals.
Verdict
Likely helps
13 of 13 studies with measurable effects showed benefit.
Top outcomes
Verdict
Mostly mechanism / observational
Top outcomes
300-600mg daily (standardized extract)
Morning for daytime stress, Evening for sleep support
KSM-66 or Sensoril standardized extract
1000–2000 mg daily (oral capsule) or 3 g/day for cardiovascular benefit
With meals (lunch or dinner), Split dose morning and evening with food
Cold-pressed softgel capsule
and 1 more not shown
2-4 weeks
2-4 weeks
2-4 weeks
First week
4-12 weeks
8-12 weeks
6 weeks
8-12 weeks
Effects of Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera) on stress and anxiety: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Explore (NY) (2024) · Meta analysis · n=873
Significant effect on the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) (MD = -4.72, 95 % CI = [-8.45 to -0.99]).
Effects of Withania somnifera Extract in Chronically Stressed Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Nutrients (2024) · Rct · n=131
Our findings demonstrate the stress-reduction capabilities of this well-characterized aqueous extract of WS (root and leaf) at the low dose of 125 mg/day, in a dose-dependent manner, via the modulation of the HPA axis.
Plant-derived nootropics and human cognition: A systematic review
Critical reviews in food science and nutrition (2023) · Systematic review
Bacopa monnieri improves language, learning and memory.
Evaluation of the Safety and Effectiveness of Nutritional Supplements for Treating Hair Loss: A Systematic Review.
JAMA Dermatology (2023) · Systematic review
30 articles were included comprising 17 RCTs, 11 clinical studies, and 2 case series in individuals without known nutritional deficiency
Pumpkin seed oil (Cucurbita pepo) versus tamsulosin for benign prostatic hyperplasia symptom relief: a single-blind randomized clinical trial.
BMC Urology (2021) · Rct · n=73
Both tamsulosin and pumpkin seed oil (360 mg twice daily) produced significant decreases in IPSS and improvements in quality of life over 3 months
The effects of pumpkin seed oil supplementation on arterial hemodynamics, stiffness and cardiac autonomic function in postmenopausal women.
Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice (2019) · Rct · n=23
Augmentation index (AIx), brachial and central systolic blood pressure significantly decreased following PSO (3 g/day for 6 weeks) but not placebo (P<0.05)
Based on meta-analysis showing significant HAM-A score reduction (p=0.0007) and RCT evidence at 125mg dose. High heterogeneity (I2=98%) in pooled analysis suggests variable response. Extract standardization affects bioavailability.
Based on RCT showing PSO 360mg twice daily improved IPSS scores but was less effective than tamsulosin. Conservative estimates given limited dose-response data and small study size (n=73).
AI-estimated from published studies. Interpret as directional guidance.
Ashwagandha has a higher evidence score (7.5/10 vs 4.5/10) and wins in 2 of 3 categories.
For testosterone & cortisol balance, Ashwagandha has a higher relevance score (78 vs 75).
No known interactions between Ashwagandha and Pumpkin Seed Oil have been documented in our database. However, always consult a healthcare provider before combining supplements.
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The right pick depends on your goals. Answer a few quick questions for a personalised recommendation — or dig into the full evidence on each.