Pumpkin seeds have been a part of traditional medicine for hundreds of years, typically administered as a tea made from crushed seeds. Today pumpkin seeds continue to be used medicinally for various health problems. However, human studies evaluating the medicinal benefits of pumpkin seed are limited, and the results are inconsistent. It is therefore important to first consult with your health care provider before using pumpkin seeds medicinally.
Identification and Dosing
Pumpkin is also known as field pumpkin, pepo, calabaza, citrouille, cucurbita galeottii and chilacayote, among other names. It is a plant whose seed and oil are used medicinally. There are no official dosage recommendations for pumpkin seed, but clinical studies have used daily doses of 1.4 g of pumpkin seed extract for benign prostatic hyperplasia and 30 g of pumpkin seed for iron supplementation.
Uses
According to the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, or NMCD, pumpkin seed has chemicals that help the kidneys and bladder to eliminate water. This effect makes pumpkin seed useful for treating certain health conditions such as inflammation of the bladder, kidney infection, and urinary retention caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH. Pumpkin seed also contains a chemical that is effective against intestinal worms, and the seeds are used for this indication, as well.
Effectiveness
Based on preliminary information, pumpkin alone or in combination with saw palmetto is considered to be possibly effective for treating symptoms of BPH, says NMCD. However, few clinical studies exist evaluating pumpkin seeds and there is currently insufficient information to confirm the effectiveness of pumpkin seeds for treating BPH or other health problems.
Considerations
Pumpkin seed is considered to be safe in when taken in food amounts and possibly safe when taken in amounts that produce medicinal effects, says NMCD. Human studies with pumpkin have reported few side effects, although ejaculation problems have occurred in some men. Also, there is the potential for allergic reactions to pumpkin. Medicinal amounts of pumpkin seed should not be taken during pregnancy or lactation.
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