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Pumpkin

Other Name(s):

Calabaza, Citrouille, Cucurbita galeottii, Cucurbita mammeata, Cucurbita pepo, Cucurbitea Peponis Semen, Cucumis pepo, Field Pumpkin, Graine de Citrouille, Huile de Graines de Citrouille, Pepo, Pumpkin Seed, Pumpkin Seed Oil.

Overview

Pumpkin is a plant. The seed and its oil are used to make medicine.

Pumpkin is used for treating bladder irritation, kidney infections, intestinal worms, and trouble urinating due to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

Pumpkin is sometimes used in combination with herbs to treat symptoms of BPH.

The roasted pumpkin seeds are considered a snack food.

How does it work?

The chemicals in the pumpkin seed cause an increase in urination (diuretic effect), which helps relieve bladder discomfort. Pumpkin seed also contains a chemical that might kill intestinal worms.

Uses & Effectiveness

Possibly Effective for...

  • Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Taking pumpkin seed oil extract by mouth alone, or with saw palmetto, may help BPH symptoms.

Insufficient Evidence to Rate Effectiveness for...

  • Intestinal worms.
  • Bladder irritation.
  • Kidney infections.
  • Other conditions.
More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of pumpkin for these uses.

Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate (detailed description of each of the ratings).

Side Effects

Pumpkin is safe in food amounts and considered POSSIBLY SAFE in medicinal amounts for most people. It may cause ejaculation problems in some men.

Special Precautions & Warnings

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Not enough is known about the use of pumpkin in medicinal amounts during pregnancy and breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and stick with usual food amounts.

Interactions

LithiumInteraction Rating: Moderate Be cautious with this combination.Talk with your health provider.

Pumpkin might have an effect like a water pill or "diuretic." Taking pumpkin might decrease how well 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

The following doses have been studied in scientific research:

BY MOUTH:

  • For benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH): 480 mg of pumpkin seed oil extract per day in 3 divided doses in combination with saw palmetto and other herbs.