Pumpkin seed

Synonym(s): Curcubitae semen, pumpkin seed extract

Nutrient group: plant extracts & active ingredients

Sources

Dietary sources
The pumpkin belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family (Cucurbitaceae). It is originally native to America, but domesticated species are cultivated worldwide today. The seeds of special shell-free seeded pumpkins, such as the garden pumpkin, are mainly used for the production of pumpkin seed oil. This contains selenium, vitamin A and vitamin E and is mainly used with salads, soups, beef and egg dishes.

Detailed information

Pumpkin seeds to support the prostate

Although herbal substances cannot reverse benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), they can have a strengthening and invigorating effect on the weakened urinary organs and significantly improve the symptoms (1). The phytosterols contained in pumpkin seeds such as beta-sitosterol, curcurbitacin and various bioflavonoids have a stabilizing effect on the prostate metabolism. The antiprostatic mechanism of action is not yet known, but it is certain that sitosterol´s have anti-inflammatory and anti-edematous effects. Overall, the symptoms of early BPH can be improved by these plant extracts (2).

Support for bladder weakness in men and women

In addition to BPH, pumpkin seed extract can also be used for irritable bladder and general bladder weakness. It can significantly improve urination, urinary incontinence during cough and exertion as well as the frequency of micturition during day and night (1).

Indications

Effect	Indication	Dosage
Physiological effects at a low intake	To improve urination problems with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)	200 mg/d
	For supportive nutritive therapy for irritable bladder in men and women	200 mg/d
	For urinary disorders of various genesis such as urgency, irritable bladder and urinary incontinence	200 mg/d

Administration

General mode of administration
When	Pumpkin seed extract should be taken between meals.
Side effects
No side effects are known to date.
Contraindications
Pregnancy and lactation, hypertension.

Interactions

Drug or nutrient interactions
None	No relevant interactions are known to date.

References

1) Wagner, H., Wiesenauer, M. 2003. Phytotherapie. Phytopharmaka und pflanzliche Homöopathika.
2) Cabin, B. E. et al. 1990. Treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia with phytosterols. Br J Urol. 66(6):639-41

References Interactions
Stargrove, M. B. et al. Herb, Nutrient and Drug Interactions: Clinical Implications and Therapeutic Strategies, 1. Auflage. St. Louis, Missouri: Elsevier Health Sciences, 2008.
Gröber, U. Mikronährstoffe: Metabolic Tuning –Prävention –Therapie, 3. Auflage. Stuttgart: WVG Wissenschaftliche Verlagsgesellschaft Stuttgart, 2011.
Gröber, U. Arzneimittel und Mikronährstoffe: Medikationsorientierte Supplementierung, 3. aktualisierte und erweiterte Auflage. Stuttgart: WVG Wissenschaftliche Verlagsgesellschaft Stuttgart, 2014.