Pumpkinseed oil (Cucurbita pepo) has a history of traditional use for urinary and prostate health, particularly in Europe. In recent years, a growing body of scientific research has explored its potential benefits for supporting the prostate, especially in the context of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a common condition in older men characterized by prostate enlargement and urinary symptoms.

Several human clinical trials and animal studies have investigated the effects of pumpkinseed oil on BPH. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study published in Urologia Internationalis (2014) found that men with BPH who took pumpkinseed oil extract for 12 months experienced a significant reduction in International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and improved quality of life compared to placebo. Other research suggests that phytosterols, fatty acids, and antioxidant compounds in pumpkinseed oil may inhibit 5-alpha-reductase, an enzyme involved in the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which is implicated in prostate growth.

While results are promising, the total number of high-quality, large-scale human studies remains limited. Systematic reviews conclude that pumpkinseed oil appears safe and may provide mild to moderate symptom relief for BPH, but more robust evidence is needed to confirm its efficacy and clarify mechanisms. Thus, its use is supported by both traditional use and moderate scientific validation, meriting an evidence rating of 3 out of 5.