Pumpkin seed oil is gaining great notoriety as an edible oil that is beneficial to health.
In fact, it is increasingly easy to find it on the market, both alone and in mixtures with other oils, such as flaxseed oil and hemp oil, in order to make the final product well-balanced in terms of fatty acids.
It must be said that the fame for pumpkin oil is truly deserved, as confirmed by very recent scientific research.
But let's try to understand better.
Nutrients
As indicated by an article published a few days ago in the prestigious journal Scientific Reports by an Egyptian team, pumpkin seed oil is suitable for inclusion in a healthy diet, capable of providing health benefits. In fact, this oil contains [1]:
- unsaturated fatty acids, among which linoleic acid stands out, present at 57% and belonging to omega 6, oleic acid, present at 18%, protective for the heart and belonging to omega 9, with traces of alpha linolenic acid, an omega 3
- phenolic compounds, among which gallic acid stands out
- tocopherol
- carotenoids, such as lutein
- chlorophyll
- traces of selenium and zinc
- phytosterols, among which beta sitosterol stands out, with an anti-inflammatory and protective action for the prostate
Pumpkin seed oil, therefore, is not only a source of fatty acids that are precious for health, such as omega 6, omega 9 and omega 3, but it also has a powerful antioxidant action, proven by science [2].
Beneficial for the colon
A very recent research, just published in the journal Cell Biochemistry and Biophysics by an international team that involved scientists from Germany, India, Egypt and Pakistan, studied the effect of pumpkin seed oil on the colon [3].
Inflammation of the colon, which is the basis of colitis, ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, if prolonged over time can increase the risk of cellular degeneration of the colon. Hence the importance of keeping inflammation under control.
The scientists developed a study, performed in the laboratory on a population of mice, all with inflammation of the colon, which were then administered pumpkin seed oil, 0.5 ml per kilo of body weight.
Here is what emerged after about 3 weeks:
- triglycerides, total cholesterol, free radicals and C-reactive protein, which is an indicator of the inflammatory state, decreased
- the expression of a gene, called KRT-14, associated with the integrity of the colon wall, increased. This means that pumpkin seed oil is able to preserve the structural integrity of the colon, which instead tends to alter in the case of persistent inflammation, becoming thicker and shortened
- the functionality of the intestinal barrier improved, which instead tends to be damaged in the case of inflammation. A well-functioning barrier prevents intestinal pathogens from reaching the rest of the body, entering the bloodstream, which would increase the inflammatory state
- intestinal transit was found to be regularized, with a counteracting action on diarrhea, which often accompanies these inflammatory states of the colon
Other benefits
Pumpkin seed oil also has other benefits, proven by science in previously published studies. In particular, this oil:
- is capable of counteracting benign prostatic hypertrophy
- counteracts diabetes and helps keep blood sugar levels under control
- modulates the immune system
- counteracts the increase in cholesterol
- is anti-hypertensive
- helps counteract cellular degeneration
- counteracts arthritis
- improves mood and counteracts depression
- is anti-inflammatory
Also useful for hair
Pumpkin seed oil can be used both orally, as a dressing, and topically, applied to the hair to bring precious benefits. In particular, both oral intake and topical application stimulate hair growth. This was observed after [4]:
- an oral intake of 400 mg of pumpkin seed oil for 6 months, even in men with androgenetic alopecia, or common baldness
- the topical application of pumpkin oil on the scalp. In particular, the beneficial effects were observed after 3 weeks of applications.
Uses and applications
Pumpkin seed oil can be found in supermarkets and specialized shops and should be enjoyed raw, so as not to lose its properties. You can therefore use it to season:
- salads
- vegetables
- marinades
- other dishes, but only after cooking
Nowadays, pumpkin seed oil can also be found in the form of a supplement, in pharmacies, herbalist's shops and online. To take it, follow the instructions on the package.
We have also seen that pumpkin seed oil can be applied locally to stimulate hair growth.
Before shampooing, you can massage a couple of tablespoons of pumpkin seed oil onto your damp scalp, to which you may have added 2-3 drops of lavender essential oil, useful against hair loss. Leave it on for 10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with shampoo.
Warnings and contraindications
Pumpkin seed oil is very delicate and can easily degrade. Hence the importance of always storing it in dark glass bottles, even better if inside the packaging cardboard, and in the refrigerator [1].
Then, although rare, a possible allergy to this oil is reported in literature [5].
Although beneficial, pumpkin seed oil should be taken in moderation. In fact, it still provides high quantities of omega 6 fatty acids, which are necessary for the body but not in excessive quantities.
If you decide to use supplements, always ask your doctor for advice.
Sources
[3]Mukhtar et al, Cell Biochemistry and Biophysics, 2025
