Evidence supporting the use of: Pumpkinseed Oil
For the health condition: Benign Prostate Hyperplasia
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2
Pumpkinseed oil has been studied for its potential role in supporting or treating Benign Prostate Hyperplasia (BPH). The main rationale for its use is based on its content of phytosterols, which are believed to modulate hormone levels and inhibit enzymes such as 5-alpha-reductase, potentially reducing the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT)—a mechanism implicated in BPH development.
Some clinical trials and observational studies have evaluated pumpkinseed oil, often in combination with other herbal extracts (e.g., saw palmetto). For example, a 2014 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study published in Urologia Internationalis found that pumpkinseed oil supplementation led to improvements in International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and quality of life in men with BPH, although the effect size was modest. Other studies, such as those in Nutrition Research and Practice (2009) and Andrologia (2016), have reported similar mild benefits, often with good tolerability and safety profiles. However, the overall quality and size of the studies are limited, and the results are not uniformly positive.
While there is some scientific evidence supporting the use of pumpkinseed oil for BPH, particularly regarding symptom relief, it is not robust and does not reach the level of evidence supporting standard medical therapies. Major clinical guidelines do not currently recommend it as first-line therapy. Thus, scientific backing exists, but it is still relatively weak (rated 2/5).
More about Pumpkinseed Oil
More about Benign Prostate Hyperplasia
Other ingredients used for Benign Prostate Hyperplasia
beta-sitosterolblack cumin
curcumin
DIM (diindolylmethane)
green tea
lignans
lycopene
nettle
pomegranate
pygeum
reishi mushroom
saw palmetto
tomato
tribulus
zinc
lingzhi
cistanche
dodder
Equol (proprietary)
Alpha phytosterol
berry
Ba Ji Tian
Butea superba
Cucurbita
Curcuma
Crinum latifolium
Other health conditions supported by Pumpkinseed Oil
Benign Prostate HyperplasiaCholesterol (high)
Inflammation
Kidney Stones
Prostatitis
Triglycerides (high)
Urinary Tract Infections