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PSO4.5
Pumpkin Seed Oil Research
Mostly mechanism / observational
18 peer-reviewed studies
What the evidence says
Mostly mechanism / observational
Most Pumpkin Seed Oil studies are mechanism or observational rather than RCTs that measure a clinical effect — keep findings provisional.
Most evidence is from high-quality meta-analyses and randomised trials published 2011–2026 with a typical study size of 100 participants.
Based on 18 studies · 1 meta-analysis · 4 RCTs · 2,054 total participants
Confidence
Moderate confidence
By outcome
BPH & lower urinary tract symptoms
Mostly mechanism / observational7 studies
Hair & nails
Mostly mechanism / observational7 studies
Safety profile
Mostly mechanism / observational7 studies
Men's vitalityReduced DHT-mediated effects via 5-alpha reductase inhibition, supporting prostate and hair health · 8-12 weeks · BPH symptom relief and urinary support · 6-12 weeks
Mostly mechanism / observational6 studies
Women's healthImproved HDL cholesterol and arterial hemodynamics in postmenopausal women · 6-12 weeks · Modulation of DHT levels and androgen-sensitive tissues via phytosterol activity · 8-12 weeks
Mostly mechanism / observational3 studies
Heart & blood pressureModest reductions in systolic blood pressure and arterial stiffness in postmenopausal women · 6-8 weeks
Too few graded studies2 studies
Cholesterol & lipidsModest reductions in systolic blood pressure and arterial stiffness in postmenopausal women · 6-8 weeks
Too few graded studies1 study
Immune support
Too few graded studies1 study
By the numbers
Pulled from 9 studies with measurable effects
Likely real effects
50%
across studies
People studied
2,054
typical study: 100 people
Strongest designs
5
1 pooled, 4 randomised
How long studies ran
1–3 months
2
3+ months
1
Populations Studied
Menopausal women1
individuals with hair loss1
Patients with androgenetic alopecia1
Benign prostatic hyperplasia patients1
Active research area
15 studies in the last 5 years · Latest meta-analysis: 2024
201120182026
1Review2026
Continued research is warranted to explore their bioactivity, health effects in humans, and innovative applications in modern diets.
Kassa MG, Teferi DA. · Food science & nutrition (2026)
From a food science perspective, pumpkin seeds are versatile, being incorporated into snacks, bakery products, salads, soups, functional foods, and dietary supplements.
Pumpkin seed oil is valued for its favorable fatty acid profile and antioxidant content.
Integration of pumpkin seeds into food formulations enhances both nutritional quality and functional properties.
This healthy vegetable oil was reported by several in vitro and in vivo studies to have potential protective roles in oxidative stress, inflammation, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases.
Hu Z, Hu C, Li Y, Jiang Q, Li Q, Fang C. · Journal of the science of food and agriculture (2024)
From previous literature, PSO contains a large proportion of unsaturated fatty acids, with linoleic acid as the main component, and an amount of tocopherol, phytosterol, and phenolic acids.
Some differences in the yield, composition, and physicochemical properties of PSO can be associated with the pumpkin's cultivars and the extraction methods.
Some novel technologies involved in supercritical fluid extraction, enzyme-assisted aqueous extraction, and ultrasound-assisted extraction have been replacing the conventional technologies gradually as promising methods for the safe, non-polluting, and effective recovery of PSO.
3Cardiovascular and hormonal health benefitsReview2022
Clinical studies have shown that pumpkin seed oil may be beneficial in the treatment of cardiovascular problems of menopausal women and ailments associated with imbalance of sex hormones.
Šamec D et al. · Comprehensive reviews in food science and food safety (2022)
We provide a comprehensive overview of pumpkin seed oil chemical composition, phytochemical content, biological activity, and safety, as well as the overview of production processes and contemporary use.
The main phytochemicals in pumpkin seed oil with health-related properties are polyphenols, phytoestrogens, and fatty acids, but carotenoids, squalene, tocopherols, and minerals may also contribute to health benefits.
Most studies have been conducted in vitro and support the claim that pumpkin seed oil has antioxidant and antimicrobial activities.
Studies of nutritional interventions with the highest-quality evidence showed the potential benefit of Viviscal, Nourkrin, Nutrafol, Lamdapil, Pantogar, capsaicin and isoflavone, omegas 3 and 6 with antioxidants, apple nutraceutical, total glucosides of paeony and compound glycyrrhizin tablets, zinc, tocotrienol, and pumpkin seed oil.
Drake L et al. · JAMA Dermatology (2023)
30 articles were included comprising 17 RCTs, 11 clinical studies, and 2 case series in individuals without known nutritional deficiency
Pumpkin seed oil was among the nutritional interventions with highest-quality evidence for hair loss treatment
Adverse effects were rare and mild for all nutritional therapies evaluated including pumpkin seed oil
6hair loss treatment efficacy and safetyReview2025
Due to this variation in the quality of evidence, further well-designed randomized trials with larger sample sizes are required to confirm the efficacy of these HRs.
Ahmed A, Alali AM, Abdullah E, Alharbi MN, Alayoubi HM. · Skin appendage disorders (2025)
Key messages Natural and HRs show promise in treating HL.
However, many of these studies have limitations such as lack of long-term follow-up, small sample sizes, and short treatment durations.
Due to this variation in the quality of evidence, further well-designed randomized trials with larger sample sizes are required to confirm the efficacy of these HRs.
Zhou L, Zhu W, Chen Y. · Frontiers in nutrition (2025)
Results showed that compared with placebo, standardized plant extracts (Nutrafol), apple extract (AMSbzs, AMS), tocotrienols, pumpkin seed oil (PSO), and a compound extract of Cistanche and Laminaria (MK-R7) significantly improved hair density.
Conclusion Dietary supplements have a positive impact on hair density, terminal hair density, and blind doctor evaluations in patients with androgenetic alopecia, with good tolerability.
They may serve as beneficial adjuncts or alternatives to conventional treatments.
Key message Additional investigations through the conduct of high quality randomized, controlled trials with larger numbers of patients will help determine the effectiveness and safety of this class of compounds, either as monotherapy or as an addition to current pharmacological interventions.
Gupta AK, Wang H, Wang T, Talukder M. · Skin appendage disorders (2025)
The available data demonstrate considerable improvements in one or more parameters: total hair density, terminal hair density and hair diameter.
Procyanidin and cetirizine were investigated in more investigator-blinded, randomized controlled trials than other agents.
Minimal adverse events were observed; however, more robust clinical trial and long-term safety and efficacy data are warranted.
The review proposes and endorses careful utilization of conventional medications that may be investigated further to discover possible PDE-5, 5 alpha-reductase, an alpha-blocker inhibitor for managing BPH.
Krishnamoorthi R et al. · Journal of ethnopharmacology (2024)
The review proposes and endorses careful utilization of conventional medications that may be investigated further to discover possible PDE-5, 5 alpha-reductase, an alpha-blocker inhibitor for managing BPH.
Even though most conventional formulations, such as 5 alpha-reductase, are readily available, systemic assessment of the effectiveness and mechanism of action of the herbal constituents is still necessary to identify novel chemical moieties that can be further developed for maximum efficacy.
However, there exist abundant botanicals and medicinal plants across several regions of Africa, Asia, and the Americas, which can be further studied and developed for utilization as a potential phytotherapeutic for the management of BPH.
There is a need for more scientific research to better explore the efficacy of currently identified CAMs in treating AGA.
Ufomadu P. · Proceedings (Baylor University. Medical Center) (2024)
Results Natural ingredients like pumpkin seed oil, saw palmetto, melatonin extract, caffeine extract, and rosemary oil were effective in treating AGA either when compared to baseline or a definite AGA Western medication, such as minoxidil.
These natural agents also presented minimal side effects.
Conclusion Certain CAMs can be promising for hair loss treatment.
This review article will not only provide a detailed background on this ancient herbal component but will additionally overview all other major herbal alternatives including peppermint oil, tea tree oil, green tea, pumpkin seed oil, saw palmetto, and lavender oil and will summarize the latest clinical studies, which have tested their efficacy for the management of androgenetic alopecia.
Bin Rubaian NF, Alzamami HFA, Amir BA. · Clinical, cosmetic and investigational dermatology (2024)
To date, the only FDA approved medications for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia are finasteride and minoxidil.
A plethora of studies have been conducted testing the efficacy of various herbal compounds, but additional research is needed to further establish the concrete efficacy of such natural remedies in treating androgenetic alopecia.
Of late, rosemary oil has gained mass popularity as a promising natural alternative.
An updated meta-analysis consolidating the evidence base for pumpkin seed oil in BPH-related LUTS, directly relevant to the supplement's primary clinical indication.
Vahabi S et al. · Journal of Ethnopharmacology (2024)
Pumpkin seed oil significantly reduced IPSS scores compared to placebo across included trials
Peak urinary flow rate improved meaningfully in pumpkin seed oil groups
Adverse event profiles were comparable to placebo, supporting safety
16Augmentation index reductionRCTCited 6×n=23 · very small study2019
PSO improved arterial hemodynamics in postmenopausal women and therefore might be effective in the prevention and treatment of hypertension in this population.
Wong A et al. · Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice (2019)
Borderline
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)
Arterial stiffness index (SI) and heart rate variability parameters remained unchanged in both PSO and placebo groups
PSO supplementation improved arterial wave reflection and reduced central hemodynamic load in postmenopausal women with elevated blood pressure
Prostafit is an effective and safe treatment in Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia but not as much as prozasin.
Shirvan MK et al. · JPMA: The Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association (2014)
One hundred patients with BPH were randomly divided into two equal groups receiving prostafit (pumpkin seed oil) and prazosin
International Prostatic Symptom Score had significant differences at baseline and 6 months after treatment in both groups
No complications were observed during and after treatment, and PSA level did not change in either group
18PilotCited 20×n=35 · small study2011
Women receiving pumpkin seed oil showed a significant increase in high density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations (0.92 ± 0.23 mmol/l vs. 1.07 ± 0.27 mmol/l; p = 0.029) and decrease in diastolic blood pressure (81.1 ± 7.94 mmHg vs. 75.67 ± 11.93 mmHg; p < 0.046).
Gossell-Williams M et al. · Climacteric: The Journal of the International Menopause Society (2011)
Women receiving pumpkin seed oil (2 g/day for 12 weeks) showed a significant increase in HDL cholesterol versus baseline (p = 0.029)
PSO group also showed a significant decrease in diastolic blood pressure (p < 0.046) and improvement in menopausal symptom scores (p < 0.030)
Wheat germ oil placebo group reported being more depressed and having more unloved feelings