PUMPKIN: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews

Overview

Pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo) is a plant native to South America that now grows worldwide. The seed and its oil are used to make medicine.

The chemicals in pumpkin seed can increase urination, which might help relieve bladder and prostate discomfort. Some chemicals might also reduce swelling in the prostate. The pumpkin fruit and seed are commonly used in foods.

People commonly use pumpkin for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). It is also used for balding, UTIs, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these other uses.

Uses & Effectiveness

Possibly Effective for

Enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH). Taking pumpkin seed or pumpkin see oil products by mouth might help relieve BPH symptoms.

There is interest in using pumpkin for a number of other purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Pumpkin is likely safe when eaten in foods. It is possibly safe to take pumpkin seed or pumpkin seed oil in medicinal amounts. Side effects from pumpkin products are rare, but might include stomach discomfort, diarrhea, and nausea. It might also cause itching, rash, and allergic reactions in some people.

When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if pumpkin seed oil is safe or what the side effects might be.

Special Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if pumpkin is safe to use in medicinal amounts when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and stick with usual food amounts.

Interactions

Moderate Interaction

Be cautious with this combination

Lithium interacts with PUMPKIN
Taking pumpkin might decrease how quickly the body gets rid of lithium. This could increase how much lithium is in the body and result in serious side effects. Talk with your healthcare provider before using this product if you are taking lithium. Your lithium dose might need to be changed.

Dosing

Pumpkin fruit and seed are commonly eaten in foods. As a supplement, there isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of pumpkin might be. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult a healthcare professional before using.

View References

REFERENCES:

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Olszewski AJ, Szostak WB, McCully KS. Plasma glucosamine and galactosamine in ischemic heart disease. Atherosclerosis 1990;82:75-83. View abstract.

Ossendza RA, Grandval P, Chinoune F, Rocher F, Chapel F, Bernardini D. [Acute cholestatic hepatitis due to glucosamine forte]. Gastroenterol Clin Biol. 2007 Apr;31(4):449-50. View abstract.

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Assouly P. Hair loss associated with cucurbit poisoning. JAMA Dermatol. 2018 May 1;154(5):617-618. View abstract.

Carbin BE, Larsson B, Lindahl O. Treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia with phytosterols. Br J Urol 1990;66:639-41. View abstract.

Cho YH, Lee SY, Jeong DW, et al. Effect of pumpkin seed oil on hair growth in men with androgenetic alopecia: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med 2014;2014:549721. View abstract.

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De Bellis L, Gonzali S, Alpi A, et al. Purification and characterization of a novel pumpkin short-chain acyl-coenzyme A oxidase with structural similarity to acyl-coenzyme A dehydrogenases. Plant Physiol 2000;123:327-34. View abstract.

Durante M, Lenucci MS, Mita G. Supercritical carbon dioxide extraction of carotenoids from pumpkin (Cucurbita spp.): a review. Int J Mol Sci 2014;15(4):6725-40. View abstract.

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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

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PUMPKIN - Uses, Side Effects, and More