Choosing the Best Pumpkin Oil: Your Ultimate Guide to Benefits for Body and Hair, Nutrients, and Uses!

A close-up of a bowl containing dried pumpkin seeds, highlighting their irregular shapes and golden-brown hue.

Common Name: Hulless Seed Pumpkin, Pumpkin Oil

Scientific Name: Cucurbita pepo var. Styriaca cv. Pepo

History and Origin

The genus Cucurbita is composed of the following five species: C. pepo, C. moschata, C. maxima, C. turbaniformis, and C. ficifolia. ⁽¹⁾ Different species of pumpkin plant (Cucurbita sp.) are now grown extensively in many of the temperate and warmer climates of the world. ⁽²⁾North America is the natural habitat of C. pepo, which has been grown there for many millennia. When it comes to fruit qualities in particular, this species varies the most. ⁽¹⁾ C. pepo variety styriaca, known as medicinal pumpkin, is an annual plant from the Cucurbitaceae family. ⁽³⁾ This variation resulted from an accidental spontaneous mutation and led to a very thin outer hull (naked or hull-less seeds) that significantly speeds up the extraction of pumpkin seed oil. Also, this mutation causes the dark green color of pumpkin seeds. ⁽⁴⁾ The southern parts of Austria (the province of Styria) and the neighboring countries of Slovenia and Hungary are major producers of hull-less or naked pumpkin seed. ⁽¹⁾ It has been used as a vegetable and medicine since ancient times but has been cultivated as a valuable medicinal plant and for therapeutic purposes only in recent decades. ⁽³⁾ The fresh and dried seeds are its medicinal parts. ⁽⁵⁾

Pumpkin Plant Structure

C. pepo is a plant 3 to 8 m long. The stem has longitudinal grooves and hairy spines. The leaves are alternate, very large and bristly, petiolate, with 5 to 7 lobes. The flower is yellow and very large. The male flower has a longer pedicle. The fruit is very large and has many seeds. The flesh is fibrous, yellow-orange to white. The seeds are 7 to 15 mm long, narrow, broad, or narrow-ovate. The seeds taste somewhat like almonds. ⁽⁵⁾The fruits, flowers, and seeds of the pumpkin are edible portions. Also, this plant is planted for ornamental reasons. ⁽⁶⁾

Pumpkin Oil Health Benefits

1. Improving Urinary Tract Function

According to the clinical trials, orally prescribing pumpkin oil can improve benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in men and overactive bladder in both men and women. ⁽⁷⁾ Pumpkin seed is approved for irritable bladder and prostate complaints by the German regulatory agency for medicinal supplements, Commission E. ⁽⁵⁾

These effects of pumpkin oil are related to unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs) and phytoestrogen content. The mechanisms of action for the efficacy of the oil in BPH, overactive bladder, and generally health conditions in men include:

- Its inhibitory effects on the 5α-reductase enzyme and its anti-androgenic effects due to its phytosterol content;

- Its anti-inflammatory activity or antioxidant property due to its phenolic content and β-carotene component;

- Its tonic effect on the bladder function and relaxation of the sphincter at the neck of the bladder; and

- The relaxation effects of pumpkin oil on human bladder tissue. ⁽⁷⁾

2. Strengthening Hair

According to studies, orally consumption of pumpkin oil is an effective treatment for androgenic alopecia in men due to the present high levels of phytosterols. Phytosterols reduce hair loss through an inhibitory effect on 5α-reductase and anti-androgenic effects. ⁽⁷⁾

3. Regulating Blood Pressure

According to a 2000 study on hypertensive rats, concomitant orally administration of pumpkin oil with high blood pressure drugs like felodipine or captopril can improve their therapeutic effects and retard the progression of hypertension. The researchers explained the results in light of the antioxidant properties of pumpkin oil. ⁽⁸⁾

4. Regulating Blood Fat Levels

According to a 2014 study on hypercholesterolemic rats, incorporating pumpkin oil into the diet can reduce the T-Ch/HDL-Ch and TG/HDL-Ch ratios in plasma, which may afford protection from atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases.

The cardio-protective effect of pumpkin oil may be due to the presence of a high percentage of unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs), phytosterols, tocopherols, phenolic compounds, and carotenoids.

-Phytosterols decrease LDL-Ch in hypercholesterolemic subjects by suppressing cholesterol absorption.

- Tocopherols may be capable of reducing lipid peroxidation and acting as antioxidants.

- Omega-6 fatty acids (n-6 PUFA) have an anti-atherogenic effect. ⁽²⁾

Atherogenesis is the process of forming plaques in the intima layer of the arteries.

Abbreviations: T-Ch = total cholesterol; HDL-Ch = high-density lipoprotein cholesterol; TG = triglycerides; LDL-Ch = low-density lipoprotein cholesterol; CVDs = cardiovascular diseases.

5. Relieving Menopause Symptoms

According to a 2011 study on postmenopausal women, administration of pumpkin oil to postmenopausal women (2 g per day for a 12-week period) improved the menopausal symptoms, including a decrease in the severity of hot flushes, fewer headaches, and fewer joint pains. Also, pumpkin oil has some benefit in reducing the cardiovascular complications associated with a lack of estrogen. These effects are attributed to phytoestrogens in the pumpkin oil, mainly secoisolariciresinol.⁽⁹⁾

6. Anti-Microbial

Pumpkin oil has antibacterial and antifungal activity against the most common bacteria and fungi that cause infection in humans. ⁽¹⁰⁾

7. Preventing Skin Aging and Repairing Damaged Skin

Topical use of pumpkin oil can increase collagen production and promote the healing of burn wounds. ⁽¹¹⁾ This oil is also useful for treating several inflammatory skin disorders. ⁽¹²⁾

The mechanisms contributing to the wound healing properties of pumpkin oil include:

- It may stimulate the development of fibroblasts and the synthesis of collagen.

-The healing effect of this oil can result from a balance between its pro-inflammatory effect (through the polyunsaturated fatty acids, mainly oleic and linolenic acids) and its anti-inflammatory effect (through the antibacterial and antioxidant activities). ⁽¹¹⁾

- The healing role of pumpkin oil in skin injuries is due to the presence of antioxidant and antimicrobial agents, unsaturated fatty acids, tocopherols, and sterols. ⁽¹³⁾

Pumpkin oil is a rich source of unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs), which may impact inflammation via a number of mechanisms. Pumpkin oil modifies the inflammatory response by interfering with the actions of molecules and cells that are engaged in inflammatory pathways that are triggered by inflammatory substances. One possible explanation for this action might be the appropriate ratio of ω-6 and ω-9 UFAs in the oil. ⁽¹²⁾

What Are Pumpkin Oil Side Effects?

- When taken by mouth, pumpkin oil is likely safe for most people when eaten in amounts commonly found in food. In medical doses, pumpkin oil may be safe to consume. Pumpkin oil side effects are uncommon; however, they might include nausea, diarrhea, and an upset stomach.

- Topical use: There isn't enough trustworthy data available to determine if pumpkin oil is safe to apply to the skin or what potential negative effects there could be. ⁽¹⁴⁾

Therefore, it’s a good idea to check for an allergic reaction before using pumpkin oil. An easy way to do this is to do a patch test on your skin. Apply some of this natural oil to your forearm and wait for a few hours. Avoid use if you notice any adverse effects like redness, swelling, itching, rashes, inflammation, or burning sensations.

- Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Pumpkin oil safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding is unknown due to a lack of trustworthy information. Please discuss the benefits and risks with your healthcare provider before taking pumpkin oil. Before consumption, consult with your doctor about the benefits or risks of using pumpkin oil during these periods.

- Children: When considering the oral or topical use of pumpkin oil in children, it's crucial to consult with a pediatrician.

- Allergies: In some individuals, pumpkin oil may also result in rashes, itching, and allergic responses. If you experience allergic reactions following the consumption of this oil, discontinue use immediately and seek the advice of a medical professional. ⁽¹⁴⁾

Generally, every person may be allergic to certain herbs and spices. This sensitivity must first be diagnosed by the person and, secondarily, by the physician. However, these allergic reactions do not cause chronic or acute side effects, and after identifying the allergenic plant and removing it from the diet, allergy-related complications will be eliminated. No company or product can be aware of the allergic reactions of different bodies in advance. The body's incompatibility with one or more specific herbs rarely occurs, but consumers may encounter it anyway.

Nutritional Information

The pumpkin seeds yield approximately 50% fatty oil. ⁽¹⁵⁾ The oil is rich in phytosterols, fatty acids, squalene, and tocopherols. ⁽⁷⁾

Pumpkin Oil Daily Dosage

One teaspoon, which is equivalent to 3 to 5 milliliters.

Bioactive Compounds

It mostly contains linoleic and oleic acids and tocopherol, but the putative active constituents are delta-7-sterols (avenasterol, spinasterol) and delta-5-sterols (sitosterol, stigmasterol). About 98% of the total fatty acids in pumpkin oil consist of four fatty acids: linoleic (a polyunsaturated omega-6 fatty acid), oleic (a mono-unsaturated omega-9 fatty acid), palmitic, and stearic acids. ⁽¹⁵⁾

Best Time to Consume

The best time to use pumpkin oil depends on your specific needs and preferences. For example, use it for cooking, skincare, haircare, aromatherapy, massage, or dietary purposes.

Possible Drug Interactions

Lithium: Consuming pumpkin oil may slow down the body's metabolism of lithium. Serious negative effects might arise from this and raise the body's lithium levels. If you use lithium, see your doctor before using this oil. Maybe you should adjust your dosage of lithium. ⁽¹⁴⁾

Traditional Use

In folk medicine, the fresh and dried seeds are used for kidney inflammation, intestinal parasites, particularly tapeworm, and wounds. ⁽⁵⁾

Some Questions about Pumpkin Oil

Is pumpkin oil good for cooking or frying?

Pumpkin oil, also known as pumpkin seed oil, is not typically recommended for cooking or frying at high temperatures. Pumpkin oil has a low smoke point, which means it can produce unpleasant flavors and potentially harmful compounds when exposed to high heat. If you want to enjoy the unique flavor of pumpkin oil, it's best to use it as a drizzle over cooked dishes, in salad dressings, or as a finishing touch to soups or roasted vegetables.

What is the taste of pumpkin oil?

Pumpkin oil has a distinct and rich flavor. The oil is often described as having a robust, toasted pumpkin seed or roasted nut aroma. The flavor is deep and can be described as intense and savory. It's always a good idea to try small amounts of this oil in your dishes to see how its distinct flavors enhance the overall taste.

How much pumpkin oil do you use per day?

Moderation is key! There is no specific recommended daily dosage for pumpkin oil, but it's generally advisable to use it in moderation and follow the recommended dosage on the product packaging. You can use a small amount of pumpkin oil (3 to 5 milliliters) in your diet.

Is pumpkin seed oil good for an enlarged prostate?

According to the studies and anecdotal evidence, pumpkin oil is a natural remedy for various prostate-related issues, including an enlarged prostate, a condition also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Phytosterols found in pumpkin seeds may have potential benefits for prostate health and help reduce symptoms associated with BPH. If you're considering using pumpkin seed oil for prostate health, it's crucial to consult with a healthcare professional. They can provide personalized advice based on your individual health status.

It is recommended to consume pumpkin seed oil along with Nettle + Olive Leaf + Green Tea. Nettle also helps to alleviate urinary tract symptoms linked with BPH.

Is pumpkin oil good for your hair?

Yes, pumpkin oil contains various nutrients and compounds, such as fatty acids, vitamin E, and phytosterols, that may contribute to the overall well-being of your hair. The presence of antioxidants, particularly vitamin E, in pumpkin oil may help protect the hair and scalp from free radical damage.

This oil has potential benefits for hair loss, particularly in relation to conditions like androgenetic alopecia (pattern baldness).

You can apply a small amount of pumpkin oil directly to your scalp and hair or incorporate pumpkin oil into DIY hair masks.

It's a good idea to perform a patch test before applying the oil to your scalp to ensure you don't have any adverse reactions.