Evidence supporting the use of: Pumpkin
For the body system: Kidneys
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo) has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems, particularly in Asia and parts of Europe, as a food that may benefit kidney health. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), pumpkin is sometimes recommended as a food that supports the Spleen and helps promote urination, thereby indirectly benefiting the Kidneys by assisting in fluid metabolism and reducing water retention. Similarly, some traditional herbal texts in Europe mention pumpkin seeds and flesh as mild diuretics, which could theoretically support kidney function by encouraging urine production and potentially aiding in the elimination of waste products.
However, scientific evidence directly supporting the use of pumpkin for kidney health is limited. While pumpkin seeds are known for their antioxidant content and their use in supporting prostate and urinary tract health, substantial clinical studies specifically linking pumpkin or its seeds to improved kidney function or disease prevention are lacking. Most modern use for kidney support is still rooted in traditional practices rather than robust scientific validation. As such, while pumpkin is generally considered a healthy food due to its fiber, vitamins, and antioxidant compounds, its reputation for supporting the kidneys is primarily based on traditional rather than scientific evidence, and the strength of this evidence is modest.
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black garlic
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burdock
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celery
chicory
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dandelion
melon
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garlic bulb
gokhru
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grape
green tea
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horseradish
horsetail
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lemon
lophatherum leaf
lovage
mannitol
marshmallow
methenamine
moringa
nettle
oleanolic acid
parsley
pear
phellodendron amurense
plantain
potassium
pumpkin
rehmannia glutinosa
rhizome
rhubarb root
scrophularia root
stevia
tribulus
vegetable blend (proprietary)
vitamin B
vitamin D
vitamin D3
seaweed
water
watercress
watermelon
mulberry
sarsaparilla
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punarnava
smilax
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swertia
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goldenrod
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eucommia
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birch
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hydrangea
purslane
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polyporus
cleavers
noni
millet seed
herbal blend (proprietary)
AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)
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gravel root
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Arbutin
Agrimony
Antrodia camphorata
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Aerva lanata
Astragaloside
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Adzuki bean
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Black Gram
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Bee products
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Borassus aethiopum
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Bassia scoparia
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Boerhavia diffusa
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Curculigo orchicides
Cowpea
Chinese Mountain Ant
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Cucurbita
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Clerodendrum phlomidis
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Eucommia ulmoides
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Flavonoids
Garlic
Lotus
Lily
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Orchid
Rhubarb
Other body systems supported by pumpkin
ArteriesBladder
Blood
Brain
Digestive System
Eyes
Gastrointestinal Tract
Glandular System
Hair
Heart
Hepatic System
Immune System
Intestinal System
Kidneys
Large Intestines (Colon)
Liver
Lungs
Male Reproductive System
Ovaries
Prostate
Reproductive System
Skin
Small Intestines
Spleen
Stomach
Urinary System
Products containing pumpkin
Vitabase
Prostate Complex (Formerly Prostate Complete)
Vitabase
Prostate Support
Pure Encapsulations
Saw Palmetto Plus with Nettle Root
Pure Encapsulations
Saw Palmetto Plus with Nettle Root
Pure Encapsulations
Saw Palmetto Plus with Nettle Root
Douglas Laboratories
Uro-Pro ®