Pumpkin seed oil, derived from the seeds of Cucurbita pepo, is a nutrient-rich oil traditionally used in Central Europe for culinary and medicinal purposes.
When cold-pressed, the oil retains its full spectrum of beneficial compounds, offering a rich, dark green hue with a nutty, earthy aroma.
This gentle extraction process preserves delicate nutrients and antioxidants, making cold-pressed pumpkin seed oil particularly valuable as a functional food and wellness supplement.
Nutritionally, pumpkin seed oil is an abundant source of unsaturated fatty acids, including linoleic acid (omega-6) and oleic acid (omega-9).
It also contains notable amounts of vitamin E (alpha- and gamma-tocopherols), zinc, selenium, magnesium, phytosterols, and powerful antioxidants like carotenoids and squalene.
This oil has been associated with a wide range of health benefits. It supports prostate and urinary tract health, especially in aging men, thanks to its phytosterol content and potential 5-alpha-reductase inhibition.
It’s also believed to nourish skin and hair, help maintain healthy cholesterol levels, and contribute to hormonal balance, particularly in women experiencing menopause or PCOS.
Ideal as a finishing oil for salads, soups, and smoothies, pumpkin seed oil offers both culinary depth and therapeutic value—earning it a place in both the kitchen and natural health cabinet.
🌱 Overview
Common Names: Pumpkin Seed Oil, Pepita Oil
Family: Cucurbitaceae
Parts Used: Seeds (cold-pressed oil)
Origin: Native to North America; traditionally used in Europe (especially Austria and Slovenia)
🔬 Key Constituents
Phytosterols (including beta-sitosterol)
Essential Fatty Acids (omega-6 and omega-9)
Vitamin E (tocopherols and tocotrienols)
Zinc, Magnesium, Selenium
Carotenoids (lutein, zeaxanthin)
Antioxidants (polyphenols, squalene)
⚕️ Traditional & Modern Uses
Prostate Health: Traditionally used to reduce symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and support male reproductive health.
Urinary Tract Support: Helps improve bladder function and may reduce overactive bladder symptoms in both men and women.
Cardiovascular Health: Rich in unsaturated fats and antioxidants that promote healthy cholesterol and blood pressure levels.
Skin & Hair Nourishment: Applied topically or consumed internally to support hydration, reduce inflammation, and promote hair growth.
Hormonal Balance: May assist in regulating hormones, especially during menopause and for PCOS support.
🍽️ Culinary & Supplement Use
Used as a finishing oil in salads, soups, and dips (not recommended for high-heat cooking).
Available in softgel supplements for targeted prostate and urinary health support.
Refrigerate after opening to preserve freshness.
🧠 Modern Research
Modern scientific research has begun to validate many of the traditional uses of pumpkin seed oil, particularly in the areas of prostate health, urinary function, and androgenic aloepecia.
Rich in phytosterols, antioxidants, and essential fatty acids, pumpkin seed oil exhibits a variety of therapeutic actions that are now being explored in clinical settings.
🧔♂️ Male Pattern Baldness (Androgenetic Alopecia)
One of the most notable studies on pumpkin seed oil’s effects on hair loss was a 2014 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial published in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine.
In this study, 76 men with mild to moderate androgenetic alopecia were given either 400 mg/day of pumpkin seed oil or a placebo for 24 weeks.
- The treatment group showed a 40% increase in hair count, compared to 10% in the placebo group.
- The oil was well-tolerated, with no significant side effects reported.
Researchers believe the mechanism may involve inhibition of 5-alpha-reductase, the enzyme that converts testosterone to DHT—a hormone associated with hair follicle shrinkage in androgenetic alopecia. – [1]
Pumpkin seed oil (PSO) has emerged as a natural DHT-blocking agent due to its rich content of phytosterols, linoleic acid, delta-7-sterols, and antioxidants—all of which may support hair follicle health and modulate hormonal pathways involved in AGA.
⚠️ Precautions
Pumpkin seed oil is considered safe for most people when used in food or supplement form. However:
- May cause mild digestive upset in high doses
- Consult with a healthcare provider before use if taking diuretics or managing prostate or bladder conditions medically
🌐 Fun Fact
Traditional Styrian pumpkin seed oil from Austria has a protected geographical indication (PGI) and is so thick and dark green it appears almost black—earning it the nickname “green gold.”