What is HEMANI PUMPKIN SEED OIL?
Pumpkin seed oil is dark green or amber and has a nutty scent. It’s derived from the hulled seeds of pumpkins (Cucurbita pepo), often via cold pressing.
The oil contains multiple nutrients which provide benefits for health and for skin. These include:
linoleic acid (0mega-6 fatty acid)linolenic acid (0mega-3 fatty acid)tocopherols (vitamin E)sterolsvitamin Ccarotenoids (antioxidants)zincmagnesiumpotassiumPumpkin seed oil can be used for food preparation and topically for skin care. It’s also available as a nutritional supplement and as an ingredient in skin care products.
Can you use pumpkin seed oil to treat acne?
Pumpkin seed oil can be used as a topical, spot treatment to reduce the inflammation associated with acne.
Pumpkin Seed Oil for Hair Loss
A study published in Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine found that when men took 400 milligrams of pumpkin seed oil per day (in capsule form) for 24 weeks, they saw an increase in hair growth.4 Those who took pumpkin seed oil saw a 40 percent increase in hair count, whereas men who took a placebo saw a 10 percent increase in hair count. The study was funded by a private company but study authors reported no conflict of interest.
Relief of Menopausal Symptoms
A pilot study conducted on 35 menopausal women found that those who took pumpkin seed oil (rather than wheat germ oil) experienced increases in HDL cholesterol, a decrease in diastolic blood pressure, and fewer menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, headaches, and joint pain.5 Study authors suggested that more research is needed to confirm their results.
Overactive Bladder Relief
A study published in the Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine found that when study participants consumed pumpkin seed oil as an extract for 12 weeks, some found relief from overactive bladder symptoms.6 However, not all symptom changes were statistically significant and a double-blind, randomized controlled study is needed to confirm the results.
Possible Treatment for Metabolic Disease
A study published in the Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture examined the use of pumpkin seed oil on metabolic disease in rats.7 Scientists found that pumpkin seed oil may be helpful in the prevention or treatment of metabolic disorder in rats who were fed a high-fat diet. However, rodent studies don't provide strong evidence that humans will experience the same benefit. These studies simply offer clues to researchers so that further studies can be developed.
Possible Treatment for Blood Pressure, Prevention of Heart Disease
A study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food found that pumpkin seed oil may have the potential to lower blood pressure and provide other benefits to prevent heart disease.8 This study, however, was performed on rats, so it is unclear whether humans would experience these same benefits.
Some research suggests replacing saturated fats with 0mega-3 fatty acids or taking 0mega-3 supplements may reduce the risk of heart disease, however, a meta-analysis of 20 studies published in JAMA found supplementing with 0mega-3s is not associated with a lower risk of cardiac death, heart attack, or stroke.9
Furthermore, the 0mega-3s studied are typically EPA and DHA, which are found in fish, and not ALA, the 0mega-3s found in plants, which has a different impact on the body. More research is needed to determine if pumpkin seed oil has an impact on heart disease.