Evidence supporting the use of: Cucurbita
For the health condition: Urinary Tract Infections
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1
Synopsis: Cucurbita species, such as pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo), have a long history of use in traditional medicine for various urinary tract and bladder-related conditions, particularly in European phytotherapy. The seeds and their extracts have been used to support bladder function and alleviate symptoms associated with lower urinary tract discomfort. Traditional use is mostly centered around benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and overactive bladder, rather than acute urinary tract infections (UTIs) caused by bacterial pathogens.
Some traditional herbal texts and European herbal monographs mention Cucurbita seeds as a supportive remedy for urinary tract health, often due to their supposed diuretic and anti-inflammatory properties. However, the rationale is based on empirical and anecdotal use rather than on well-established antibacterial effects or clinical evidence specific to the treatment or prevention of UTIs.
There is a lack of robust scientific studies directly investigating the efficacy of Cucurbita for treating or preventing UTIs. Most modern research focuses on its potential role in managing symptoms of BPH and overactive bladder, not infectious conditions. Therefore, while there is a tradition of using Cucurbita to support urinary tract function, its use specifically for UTIs is not scientifically validated and the strength of evidence is low.
Other ingredients used for Urinary Tract Infections
alfalfaaloe vera
anthocyanins
asparagus
astragalus
bacillus subtilis
barberry
bearberry
berberine
berry flavor
black currant
radish
cassia bark
celery
cranberry
cucumber
D-mannose
dandelion
dong quai root
melon
echinacea purpurea
elderberry
fennel
fenugreek
fruit blend (proprietary)
fu ling
gokhru
goldenseal
green tea
hibiscus
Indian gum arabic tree
honeysuckle
knotweed
lactobacillus acidophilus
lactobacillus brevis
lactobacillus casei
lactobacillus crispatus
lactobacillus fermentum
lactobacillus gasseri
lactobacillus jensenii
lactobacillus paracasei
lactiplantibacillus plantarum
lactobacillus rhamnosus
lactobacillus salivarius
lophatherum leaf
methenamine
okra
ophiopogon root
pumpkin
pygeum
sage
vitamin C
watercress
watermelon
mulberry
sarsaparilla
cardamom
smilax
swertia
goldenrod
pau d'arco
juniper berries
cornsilk
buchu
birch
couch grass
sheep's sorrel
hydrangea
purslane
coix
shepherd's purse
goji berry
gravel root
akebia
Apple Cider Vinegar
Angelica
Arbutin
Agave
Agrimony
Aronia melanocarpa
Achyranthes
Anamu
Abrus
Alchornea
Alchemilla
Asafoetida
Aucubin
Aerva lanata
Adzuki bean
Agrimonia pilosa
Alisma
Abuta
Allium tuberosum
Amor seco
bergenin
Berberis (unspecified)
Big Quaking Grass
Bael
Black Gram
Bauhinia
Baobab
Baicalin
Bergenia
Bottle gourd
Cloudberry
Cucurbita
Coriander
Clerodendrum phlomidis
Carvacrol
Chanca Piedra
Coconut Water
Cistus
Cubeb
Crinum latifolium
Coin-leaf desmodium
Corn
Carambola
Cynodon dactylon
Currant
Dwarf Morning Glory
Desmodium
Euryale seed
Other health conditions supported by Cucurbita
Abdominal PainBenign Prostate Hyperplasia
Bladder Infection
Burns and Scalds
Cancer (prevention)
Constipation (adults)
Diabetes
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Edema
Gastritis
Hemorrhoids
Kidney Stones
Pain (general remedies for)
Prostatitis
Urinary Tract Infections
Wounds and Sores