6 Potential Health Benefits of Pumpkin Seed Oil | Everyday Health

Does Pumpkin Seed Oil Offer Health Benefits?

Does Pumpkin Seed Oil Offer Health Benefits?
Alla Bondaruk/Adobe Stock
By
and
Updated on May 30, 2025
by

Note: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not approve supplements for safety or effectiveness. Talk to a healthcare professional about whether a supplement is the right fit for your individual health, and about any potential drug interactions or safety concerns.

Pumpkin seed oil might not get as much attention as, say, olive oil or avocado oil. However, certain seed oils — such as pumpkin seed oil — are associated with numerous potential health benefits.

Pumpkin seed oil has been touted for the prevention of ailments like prostate disease and in the potential treatment of diabetes, anxiety, and even cancer.

 And you might be familiar with its purported ability to treat hair loss.

Here, we’ll explore the potential health benefits of pumpkin seed oil — and what the experts say about the available research.

Pumpkin Seed Oil Nutrition Facts

Here’s a closer look at what’s in 1 tablespoon of pumpkin seed oil:

  • Calories: 120
  • Total fat: 14 grams (g)
  • Saturated fat: 2.5 g
  • Monounsaturated fat: 2.5 g
  • Polyunsaturated fat: 9 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 g

The Best and Worst Oils for Your Health

Discover which cooking oils to limit or avoid for a healthier diet.
The Best and Worst Oils for Your Health

Next up video playing in 10 seconds

6 Possible Health Benefits of Pumpkin Seed Oil

Pumpkin seed oil may offer benefits such as hair growth and help with menopause symptoms, though more research is needed. Here are some of the possible benefits of the oil, and what the current research says.

Pumpkin Seed Oil May Promote Hair Growth

The internet is awash with claims that a daily dose of pumpkin seed oil will help you grow (or regrow) a lush head of hair — but is the hype justified? Some experts are hopeful. “There is potential for pumpkin seed oil (PSO) to be an effective treatment for hair loss,” says Kristin Draayer, RDN, owner of Kristin Draayer Nutrition and Fitness in Kalamazoo, Michigan. “PSO is rich in nutrients like fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals.” Theoretically, these may support hair growth and health, though research proving those results is limited.

Pumpkin seed oil may also help combat hair loss because it lowers dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that makes testosterone and can contribute to hair loss.

Several studies have investigated the effects of pumpkin seed oil on hair loss. Draayer points to one small study from South Korea in which 76 men with mild-to-moderate androgenetic alopecia, which is a common form of hair loss, took PSO supplements or a placebo daily for 24 weeks. The group that received PSO saw a significant increase in hair count, compared with the placebo group.

Other research has examined the oil’s effects on women. Another study compared the efficacy of pumpkin seed oil with minoxidil 5 percent topical foam, a medication used to stimulate hair growth, in women with female-pattern hair loss. After three months of treatment, both groups had improved measures of hair shaft diversity (meaning a healthier mix of hair strands, commonly used as a sign of hair regrowth). The study’s authors concluded that pumpkin seed oil has a promising role to play in treating female-pattern hair loss.

“Pumpkin seed oil is rich in phytosterols, which may block DHT, a hormone linked to hair loss,” says Trista Best, a registered dietitian at The Candida Diet, in Dalton, Georgia. “It contains omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants that support scalp health and hair follicles.”

Still, the oil is not a magic bullet for full, flowing tresses. “It’s important to note that the studies on PSO for hair loss have some limitations,” Draayer says. “Many of the trials have small sample sizes and lack diversity in their participants. Additionally, the mechanisms behind how PSO affects hair growth are not yet fully understood.” Draayer encourages speaking with a board-certified dermatologist before trying pumpkin seed oil for hair growth.

Pumpkin Seed Oil May Support Heart Health

Like its more well-known counterpart olive oil, pumpkin seed oil may support cardiovascular health. One study examined the effects of PSO supplementation on 127 people with various medical conditions that affect heart health, including dyslipidemia, hypertension, diabetes, and obesity. Subjects who received a 1,000 milligram (mg) pumpkin seed oil supplement (in addition to a prescription for a healthy diet and lifestyle habits) experienced a significant reduction in LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and diastolic blood pressure, as well as an increase in HDL (“good”) cholesterol, compared with controls who received only healthy diet and lifestyle guidance.

“Pumpkin seed oil is high in healthy fats, including omega-9 and omega-6, which can help balance cholesterol levels,” says Best. “It also contains antioxidants like vitamin E, which protect against oxidative stress and inflammation.”

Possible Health Benefits of Pumpkin Seed Oil, may boost hair growth, may support heart health, may aide in bladder control, may support prostate health
Everyday Health

Pumpkin Seed Oil May Reduce Menopause Symptoms 

Could hot flashes be cooled with a bit of pumpkin seed oil? “Pumpkin seed oil may help balance hormones naturally due to phytoestrogens,” says Best. “Some studies show reduced hot flashes, joint pain, and mood swings in menopausal women.”

A small past study, for example, found that a 2,000 mg PSO supplement taken for 12 weeks reduced symptoms such as headaches, hot flashes, and joint pain in postmenopausal women, when compared with controls who took another oil, wheat germ.

 That said, this was a small pilot study from 2011 and it hasn’t been replicated, so more research is needed.

Pumpkin seed oil may mimic estrogen in the body, helping to ease the side effects of low estrogen during menopause. “Because phytoestrogens can bind to estrogen receptors, they are [potentially] able to have an estrogen-like effect on the body. This results in improved menopause symptoms,” explains Amy Brownstein, RDN, of Nutrition Digested in Oakland, California.

Pumpkin Seed Oil May Help an Overactive Bladder 

If you have an overactive bladder, you’re far from alone, as a reported 23.3 percent of American adults live with this condition.

Pumpkin seed oil is believed to support bladder muscle function and reduce urgency,” says Best. “Clinical trials have shown improvement in urinary frequency and nighttime urination.”

A small past study of 45 participants from Japan found that PSO was linked with improvements in both frequency and urgency in participants with overactive bladder symptoms who received 10 g of pumpkin seed oil (specifically Cucurbita maxima, a pumpkin species from Japan) daily for 12 weeks.

That said, 10 g of pumpkin seed oil is a lot of PSO. “A standard dose for a pumpkin seed oil supplement is 500 to 1,000 mg [0.5 to 1 g] per day,” says Brownstein. Ten grams is 10 to 20 times that dose. Brownstein adds that the mechanism behind pumpkin seed oil for an overactive bladder is still unclear.

For urinary health or any other purpose, speak with your doctor or registered dietitian before starting a pumpkin seed oil supplement, to ensure it’s right for you and to get clarity on what an appropriate dosage for you may be.

Pumpkin Seed Oil May Improve Prostate Health

Pumpkin seed oil may also affect another component of the urinary tract in men: the prostate.

“Pumpkin seed oil supports prostate function by reducing inflammation and possibly lowering DHT levels,” says Best. “It’s often used as a natural remedy for symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia [enlarged prostate].”

In a small study out of Iran involving 73 men, both PSO and tamsulosin, a prescription medication used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia, led to a reduction in enlarged prostate symptoms. Although the PSO wasn’t as effective as the tamsulosin, it didn’t result in dizziness, headaches, or other side effects reported by the group taking tamsulosin.

Similarly, in an older study out of Korea involving 47 men, subjects with an enlarged prostate received either pumpkin seed oil, palmetto oil, a combination of pumpkin seed and palmetto oils, or a placebo for 12 months. Those in the PSO group experienced improved urinary flow rate and reported better quality of life after three months. These results were achieved with just 320 mg of PSO per day — a relatively low amount to take in via pills or capsules. Even better news: No side effects were reported from supplementation.

Pumpkin Seed Oil May Support Mental Health

Research from Egypt in animals has shown that pumpkin seed oil works as well or even better than venlafaxine (an antidepressant) in reversing the effects of depression induced by stress.

 Other animal research has found that pumpkin seeds in general can relieve symptoms of anxiety and depression while also improving memory.

 However, these are early findings and they weren’t performed in humans, so large-scale clinical trials are needed to confirm safety and effectiveness.

Potential Risks and Side Effects of Pumpkin Seed Oil

Similar to how research is limited on the possible benefits of PSO, there is also little known about possible reactions or other risks associated with this oil. Because of this, it’s essential to first talk with your healthcare team to find out if PSO makes sense for you.

Risks

As with most things, there’s a possibility that pumpkin seed oil may interact with certain medications. For instance, one animal study performed in hypertensive rats found that it increased the effects of drugs used to lower high blood pressure, like captopril and felodipine.

 Always be sure talk to your doctor before incorporating any new dietary supplement into your routine, to ensure efficacy and safety for your individual health needs.

Side Effects

Research on pumpkin seed oil has generally not reported significant side effects.

 That said, allergic reactions and skin irritation are the most common side effects of pumpkin seed oil.

 Don’t take pumpkin seed oil if you’re allergic to pumpkin — and if you experience side effects, contact your doctor.

Practical Tips on Using or Consuming Pumpkin Seed Oil

Pumpkin seed oil is easy to incorporate into your everyday meals. Here’s what to look for and how to use it.

Usage Examples

You can find pumpkin seed oil at some grocery stores. It will be in a dark bottle or can, which prevents light exposure, and it should be stored in a cool place, like your refrigerator.

 Use it to make salad dressing, blend it into smoothies, or drizzle it over your favorite dishes, like eggs or soups.

Keep in mind that pumpkin seed oil can be more expensive than other oils and difficult to find. If you don’t see it at your go-to grocery store, try a specialty health food store, in person or online.

Supplements aren’t regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, so it’s important to find one from a reputable company. To choose a quality supplement, check the label for certifications by USP, NSF, or ConsumerLab. This means the product has undergone third-party testing for quality and purity.

The Takeaway

  • Pumpkin seed oil may support hair growth, heart health, and prostate health, and it may ease symptoms of menopause or an overactive bladder. However, many of the studies involving PSO have been small or performed on animals. Speak with your doctor or registered dietitian before incorporating it into your routine.
  • You can add pumpkin seed oil to salads and soups, or drizzle it over eggs or ice cream.
  • Side effects of pumpkin seed oil may include skin irritations, and people who are allergic to pumpkin or are taking medication to lower their blood pressure should not use it.
  • The emerging research on pumpkin seed oil for health is promising but limited; newer, larger studies with humans are needed.
EDITORIAL SOURCES
Everyday Health follows strict sourcing guidelines to ensure the accuracy of its content, outlined in our editorial policy. We use only trustworthy sources, including peer-reviewed studies, board-certified medical experts, patients with lived experience, and information from top institutions.
Resources
  1. Shaban A et al. Pumpkin Seed Oil: An Alternative Medicine. International Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemical Research. February 25, 2017.
  2. Cho YH et al. Effect of Pumpkin Seed Oil on Hair Growth in Men With Androgenetic Alopecia: A Randomized, Double‐Blind, Placebo‐Controlled Trial. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. January 2014.
  3. Organic Pumpkin Seed Oil. U.S. Department of Agriculture. July 29, 2021.
  4. What Pumpkin Seed Oil Could Do for Your Hair. Cleveland Clinic. August 1, 2024.
  5. Ibrahim IM et al. Pumpkin Seed Oil vs. Minoxidil 5% Topical Foam for the Treatment of Female Pattern Hair Loss: A Randomized Comparative Trial. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. September 2021.
  6. Majid AK et al. Effect of Pumpkin Seed Oil on Cholesterol Fractions and Systolic/Diastolic Blood Pressure. Food Science and Technology. August 7, 2020.
  7. Gossell-Williams M et al. Improvement in HDL Cholesterol in Postmenopausal Women Supplemented With Pumpkin Seed Oil: Pilot Study. Climacteric. October 2011.
  8. Reynolds WS et al. The Burden of Overactive Bladder on US Public Health. Current Bladder Dysfunction Reports. January 23, 2016.
  9. Nishimura M et al. Pumpkin Seed Oil Extracted From Cucurbita maxima Improves Urinary Disorder in Human Overactive Bladder. Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine. January 1, 2014.
  10. Zerafatjou N et al. Pumpkin Seed Oil (Cucurbita pepo) Versus Tamsulosin for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Symptom Relief: A Single-Blind Randomized Clinical Trial. BMC Urology. October 19, 2021.
  11. Hong H et al. Effects of Pumpkin Seed Oil and Saw Palmetto Oil in Korean Men With Symptomatic Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia. Nutrition Research and Practice. December 01, 2009.
  12. El-Azma MH et al. Pumpkin Seed Oil Exerted Antidepressant Effects Through Ameliorating the Oxidative Stress and Neuroinflammation in the Hippocampus of Depressed Rats. Egyptian Journal of Chemistry. May 1, 2025.
  13. Wahid S et al. Cucurbita maxima Seeds Reduce Anxiety and Depression and Improve Memory. Behavioural Neurology. March 22, 2023.
  14. Zuhair HA et al. Pumpkin-Seed Oil Modulates the Effect of Felodipine and Captopril in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats. Pharmacological Research. May 1, 2000.
  15. What About Pumpkin Seed Oil? Gundersen Health System.
  16. Thurrott S. Pumpkin Seed Oil: Why You Might Want to Try This Nutty-Flavored Oil. Banner Health. September 26, 2023.
Meet Our Experts
See Our Editorial PolicyMeet Our Health Expert Network
Reyna-Franco-bio

Reyna Franco, RDN

Medical Reviewer
Member of American College of Lifestyle Medicine

Reyna Franco, RDN, is a New York City–based dietitian-nutritionist, certified specialist in sports dietetics, and certified personal trainer. She is a diplomate of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine and has a master's degree in nutrition and exercise physiology from Columbia University.

In her private practice, she provides medical nutrition therapy for weight management, sports nutrition, diabetes, cardiac disease, renal disease, gastrointestinal disorders, cancer, food allergies, eating disorders, and childhood nutrition. To serve her diverse patients, she demonstrates cultural sensitivity and knowledge of customary food practices. She applies the tenets of lifestyle medicine to reduce the risk of chronic disease and improve health outcomes for her patients.

Franco is also a corporate wellness consultant who conducts wellness counseling and seminars for organizations of every size. She taught sports nutrition to medical students at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, taught life cycle nutrition and nutrition counseling to undergraduate students at LaGuardia Community College, and precepts nutrition students and interns. She created the sports nutrition rotation for the New York Distance Dietetic Internship program.

She is the chair of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine's Registered Dietitian-Nutritionist Member Interest Group. She is also the treasurer and secretary of the New York State Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, having previously served in many other leadership roles for the organization, including as past president, awards committee chair, and grant committee chair, among others. She is active in the local Greater New York Dietetic Association and Long Island Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, too.

See full bio
Sarah-Garone-bio

Sarah Garone

Author
Sarah Garone is a licensed nutritionist, registered nutrition and dietetics technician, freelance health and wellness writer, and food blogger in Mesa, Arizona. She has written for The Washington Post, Healthline, Greatist, Verywell, and Eat This, Not That, among other outlets. She is a member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
See full bio

Kelsey Kloss

Author

Kelsey Kloss is a health and wellness journalist with over a decade of experience. She started her career as an in-house editor for brands including Reader’s Digest, Elle Decor, Good Housekeeping, Prevention, Woman's Day, and Redbook, and her work has been featured in over 50 publications.

See full bio
See Our Editorial PolicyMeet Our Health Expert Network