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Pumpkin Seed, Cucurbita pepo, Cucurbita maxima

Proposed Uses: Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), Kidney Stones; Parasites

Pumpkin seed oil has become popular as a treatment for prostate enlargement and was approved for this use in 1985 by Germany’s Commission E. However, there is no meaningful evidence that pumpkin seed is helpful for this condition.

Two studies evaluated a combination product containing pumpkin seed oil and the herb saw palmetto. These studies did suggest benefit with the combination product, but since saw palmetto is thought to be effective for BPH, it is not clear whether pumpkin seed oil made any additional contribution.

In highly preliminary research, pumpkin seed or its constituent curcurbitin has shown some activity against intestinal parasites.

These studies, however, can only be regarded as highly preliminary investigations of a traditional use; they were not designed in such a way that they could prove effectiveness.

Two studies performed in Thailand hint that pumpkin seed snacks might help prevent kidney stones among children at high risk for developing them. However, this research only looked at chemical changes in the urine suggestive of a possible preventive effect, not actual reduction of stones. Furthermore, the design of the studies did not reach modern standards.

Dosage
In studies, the dose of pumpkin seed oil used for the treatment of BPH was 160 mg three times daily. For the prevention of kidney stones, the dose of pumpkin seed snack tried was 5–10 grams per day.

Safety Issues
As a widely eaten food, pumpkin seeds are presumed to be safe. There are as yet no known or suspected safety risks with pumpkin seed oil.

Feature Article

The Fountain of Youth?

What if I told you that it may be possible for you to live to age 100 or even longer, in better health than you are in right now? And, if you are already experiencing the ill effects of aging, what if I told you that it may be possible for you to look and feel 20 years younger and stay that way beyond the age of 100.

Aside from the fact that you'd probably call me crazy, I have to tell you that we have never been as close as we are today to actually being able to extend human life!

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