Pumpkin Seed Oil: Why It’s Popularity is rising and it’s benefits for Hair, Hormones and Prostate Health

Pumpkin Seed Oil: Why It’s Popularity is rising and it’s benefits for Hair, Hormones and Prostate Health

Over the past two decades, Pumpkin Seed Oil has moved from being a traditional remedy to a scientific backed supplement. Our Waihi Bush Organics Pumpkin Seed Oil is cold-pressed directly from the certified organic pumpkin seeds or Curcurbita pepo which produces a rich green oil packed with essential fatty acids, zinc, magnesium, phytosterols, and fat-soluble antioxidants. We’re going to take a dive into what current research says about this remarkable oil, and how it can help support your everyday wellbeing.

 

What exactly is Pumpkin Seed Oil?

Pumpkin Seed Oil is a natural oil predominantly composed of unsaturated fatty acids, or omegas. The main fatty acids found in Pumpkin Seed Oil are linoleic acid (omega-6) and oleic acid (omega-9) along with meaningful amounts of alpha-linolenic acid (omega-3). It also contains:

  • Phytosterols (particularly delta-7-sterine), which are plant compounds structurally similar to cholesterol.
  • Vitamin E (tocopherols), providing antioxidant protection.
  • Palmitic & Stearic acids saturated fats that help nourish skin and support metabolic and cellular function.

This nutritional profile underpins most of the health benefits explored below.

 

1. Pumpkin Seed Oil for Hair Loss & Hair Growth1

One of the most interesting areas of research around Pumpkin Seed Oil involves androgenetic alopecia otherwise known as pattern hair loss in both men and women.

In 2014 a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study1a was published in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine that followed 76 men with androgenetic alopecia for 24 weeks. Participants received either 400 mg of Pumpkin Seed Oil daily or a placebo. The study found that men taking the Pumpkin Seed Oil experienced a 40% increase in hair count, compared to just 10% in the placebo group. Researchers suggested that Pumpkin Seed Oil may work to increase hair count by inhibiting 5-alpha reductase, which is the enzyme that helps convert testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT) the hormone most associated with pattern baldness.

A further study in 20211b looked at female pattern hair loss (FPHL) and the effects of using Pumpkin Seed Oil topically against a common topical foam used to treat FPHL. The study found that there is a promising potential role for Pumpkin Seed Oil to treat FPHL.

The researchers concluded that while further large-scale trials are needed, the early results are promising, particularly for those seeking a plant-based approach to supporting hair density.

2. Pumpkin Seed Oil for Prostate Health and BPH2

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) otherwise known as an enlarged prostate, affects a significant proportion of men over 50. BPH can cause symptoms such as reduced urinary flow, night-time urination, and discomfort. BPH is one of the most researched issues on Pumpkin Seed Oil use.

The high concentration of phytosterols and zinc found in Pumpkin Seed Oil are believed to help support prostate tissue. Zinc is found in higher concentrations in the prostate than almost any other organ in the body, and several studies have observed that men with BPH tend to have lower zinc levels.

A study published in the Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine found that Pumpkin Seed Oil taken for 12 weeks significantly reduced Overactive Bladder Symptom Scores (OABSS) in participants, suggesting meaningful benefits for urinary comfort and bladder function.

Separate research undertaken compared Pumpkin Seed Oil with saw palmetto found both oils individually improved maximum urinary flow rate. When both oils were combined, they also decreased serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels which medical professionals use as a marker of prostate inflammation and activity.

**Please Note:** Pumpkin Seed Oil is a complementary food supplement and should not replace medical treatment for BPH or prostate conditions. Always consult your healthcare provider.

3. Pumpkin Seed Oil for Menopause and Hormonal Health in Women3

Pumpkin Seed Oil also shows promise for women navigating menopause. Its phytosterols have a mild oestrogen-like activity in the body, which may help address some of the hormonal symptoms of perimenopause and menopause.

A study involving postmenopausal women3a found that 3 grams of Pumpkin Seed Oil daily produced significant improvement in blood vessel function and arterial stiffness, which are an important marker for cardiovascular health, that increases in risk after menopause. A separate study in postmenopausal women3b found that Pumpkin Seed Oil supplementation increased HDL (good) cholesterol levels.

Participants in these studies also reported reduced severity of hot flushes and headaches and the improvements were commonly attributed to the oil's phytoestrogenic compounds.

 

4. Pumpkin Seed Oil for Cardiovascular Support4

Heart health is another area where Pumpkin Seed Oil research is encouraging.

Animal studies have found that Pumpkin Seed Oil may help improve cholesterol and triglyceride levels while reducing blood pressure. While human trials are still limited, the postmenopausal women's studies referenced above carried out by the same team, showed measurable improvements in blood vessel elasticity which is a meaningful cardiovascular outcome.

Given that Pumpkin Seed Oil contains a favourable ratio of unsaturated to saturated fats, incorporating it into a balanced diet is consistent with general heart-health dietary advice.

 

5. Pumpkin Seed Oil for Anti-Inflammatory Skin Benefits

The fatty acids and vitamin E in Pumpkin Seed Oil have well-established antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Topical application of Pumpkin Seed Oil has been shown to reduce skin inflammation and support new cell growth, making it popular in natural skincare as well as dietary use. This antioxidant activity helps neutralise free radicals, which are associated with premature ageing and chronic disease.


How to Use Waihi Bush Pumpkin Seed Oil

Pumpkin Seed Oil has a rich, nutty flavour that pairs beautifully with salads, roasted vegetables, and grain dishes. Like all cold-pressed oils high in polyunsaturated fatty acids, it should not be used for frying or high-heat cooking, as this destroys the delicate fatty acids.

Ideas for everyday use:

  • Drizzle over a warm pumpkin soup just before serving
  • Use as a salad dressing with apple cider vinegar and mustard
  • Stir through roasted beetroot or kumara
  • Add it to a smoothie for a nutritional boost
  • Apply a small amount to the scalp and hair as a leave-in treatment

Dosage: Our recommend daily serving size is 15mls or 1 tablespoon.

Most studies we have referenced in this article have used between 1–3 grams per day for cardiovascular effects and up to 400 mg in capsule form for hair loss.

 

The Bottom Line

Pumpkin Seed Oil is one of the most multi-purpose plant oils available. The research supporting its benefits for hair growth, prostate health, menopause, and cardiovascular function is growing steadily, and while no supplement is a cure-all, Pumpkin Seed Oil (particularly when cold-pressed and organic like our Waihi Bush Organics Pumpkin Seed Oil) is a genuinely valuable addition to your everyday wellbeing and a whole-food, health-conscious diet.

Explore our Waihi Bush Organics certified organic Pumpkin Seed Oil and Pumpkin Seed Protein.

Please Note: This article is for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult a qualified health professional before starting any new supplement.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is pumpkin seed oil good for hair loss?

Early clinical research suggests pumpkin seed oil may support hair count in both men and women with pattern hair loss, though larger trials are still needed.

Does pumpkin seed oil help with an enlarged prostate?

Studies point to potential benefits for urinary symptoms associated with BPH, largely attributed to the oil's phytosterol and zinc content — but it should complement, not replace, medical treatment.

Can pumpkin seed oil help with menopause symptoms?

Research in postmenopausal women has linked pumpkin seed oil to improved cholesterol levels and blood vessel function, along with reports of reduced hot flushes and headaches.

How much pumpkin seed oil should I take daily?

Waihi Bush recommends 15ml (1 tablespoon) daily. Studies referenced in this article used 1–3 grams per day for cardiovascular benefits and up to 400 mg (capsule form) for hair-related outcomes.


References:
  1. a) Cho YH et al. Effect of Pumpkin Seed Oil on Hair Growth in Men with Androgenetic Alopecia. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2014.
    b) Ibrahim IM, Hasan MS, Elsabaa KI, Elsaie ML. Pumpkin seed oil vs. minoxidil 5% topical foam for the treatment of female pattern hair loss: A randomized comparative trial. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2021 
  2. Nishimura M et al. Pumpkin Seed Oil Extracted from Cucurbita maxima Improves Urinary Disorder in Human Overactive Bladder. Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine. 2014
  3. a) Wong A, Viola D, Bergen D, Caulfield E, Mehrabani J, Figueroa A. The effects of Pumpkin Seed Oil supplementation on arterial hemodynamics, stiffness and cardiac autonomic function in postmenopausal women. Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2019
    b) Gossell-Williams M, Hyde C, Hunter T, Simms-Stewart D, Fletcher H, McGrowder D, Walters CA. Improvement in HDL cholesterol in postmenopausal women supplemented with Pumpkin Seed Oil: pilot study. Climacteric. 2011
  4. Gossell-Williams M, Lyttle K, Clarke T, Gardner M, Simon O. Supplementation with Pumpkin Seed Oil improves plasma lipid profile and cardiovascular outcomes of female non-ovariectomized and ovariectomized Sprague-Dawley rats. Phytother Res. 2008 
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