Pumpkin Seed Oil

Latin (Botanical) Name:   Cucurbita sp.

Plant Family:   Cucurbitaceae

Common Extraction Method:   Cold press

Typically Used Plant Part:    Seed

Color:   Dark green

Aromatic Characteristic:   Intense nutty aroma

 

Pumpkin seed oil, also called “Green Gold,” has an ancient history. It originates from Central America and has been cultivated as a cultivar for thousands of years, mainly in Mexico. After the "discovery" of America, pumpkin was imported to Europe and Asia, where it is still a popular vegetable. However, extraction of seed oil, began long after.

In the 18th century, the availability of pumpkin seeds was known. A reference book from 1739 writes about pumpkin seeds: “… they are often used to make cooling emulsions and milks, as well as other beverages and soups. A white, sweet oil is squeezed out that makes smooth skin…”. Three years later, a document from 1742 mentions the inheritance of 14 kilos of pumpkin seed oil in the Styrian village of Rassach.

In 1773, Empress Maria Theresia of Austria ordered that, pumpkin seeds would not be used as a normal food, but given to chemist shops to produce "ointments".

Before the First World War, pumpkin seed oil was not a commercial product, it was only used by farmers to meet their own needs. It became a commercial product with post-war industrialization.

Pumpkin seed oil is a rich natural source of phytosterols, proteins, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), antioxidant vitamins, carotenoids and tocopherols and various elements, and is recommended to be in the human diet for health. It offers many benefits with its rich content.

      KEY COMPONENTS / ACTIVE INGREDIENTS

• Linoleic acid (Omega 6)
• Oleic acid (Omega 9)
• Palmitic acid
• Stearic acid

 

      BENEFITS

• Skin and hair friendly:

Various studies have proven that pumpkin seed oil contains high antioxidant vitamins such as tocopherol and carotenoids [1]. It helps moisturize the skin and hair and reduce the effects of aging. There are also studies that support hair growth thanks to the linoleic acid it contains. [2] [3] It has shown positive effects on hair growth, especially in men [4].

• Heart friendly:

Pumpkin seed oil is rich in unsaturated fatty acids. It helps to lower bad cholesterol and support heart health [5] [6] [7].

• It supports prostate health:

Prostate enlargement is a common condition. This can be extremely painful and block the flow of urine. Pumpkin seed oil helps reduce these problems caused by prostate enlargement [8] [9].

• It supports urinary tract health:

Studies have shown that pumpkin seed oil positively affects the health of the urinary tract, which includes the kidneys, bladder, and urethra [10] [11].

• It shows anti-inflammatory characteristic:

      WARNINGS

• Avoid contact with eyes, in case of contact rinse with plenty of water.
• Do not use the product if you have a known allergy to any of its ingredients.
• It is recommended that children, pregnant or breastfeeding women, people using medication should consult their doctor before using pumpkin seed oil.

      ACADEMIC STUDIES

[1] B. Lestari, E. Meiyanto (2018). A Review: The Emerging Nutraceutical Potential of Pumpkin Seeds. Indones. J. Cancer Chemoprevent., 9(2), 92-101

[2] Ryu, H.S.; Jeong, J.; Lee, C.M.; Lee, K.S.; Lee, J.-N.; Park, S.-M.; Lee, Y.-M. Activation of Hair Cell Growth Factors by Linoleic Acid in Malva verticillata Seed. Molecules 2021, 26, 2117.

[3] V. Hajhashemi, P. Rajabi, M. Mardani (2019). Beneficial effects of pumpkin seed oil as a topical hair growth promoting agent in a mice model. AJP, Vol. 9, No. 6, Nov-Dec 2019.

[4] Y. H. Cho, S. Y. Lee, D. W. Jeong, E. J. Choi, Y. J. Kim, J. G. Lee, Y. H. Yi, H. S. Cha (2014). Effect of Pumpkin Seed Oil on Hair Growth in Men with Androgenetic Alopecia: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2014; 2014: 549721.

[5] H. F. Ayyildiz, M. Topkafa, H. Kara (2019). Pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo L.) Seed Oil. Chemistry and Functionality, May 19, (pp.765-788).

[6] Qamar Abbas Syed, Mafia Akram, Rizwan Shukat. Nutritional and Therapeutic Importance of the Pumpkin Seeds. Biomed J Sci & Tech Res 21(2)- 2019. BJSTR. MS.ID.003586.

[7] 1. El Mosallamy AE, AA Sleem, OM Abdel Salam, N Shaffie, SA Kenawy (2012) Antihypertensive and cardioprotective effects of pumpkin seed oil. Journal of Medicinal Food 15(2): 180-189.

[8] Gossell-Williams M, Davis A, O’Connor N, authors. Inhibition of testosterone-induced hyperplasia of the prostate of Sprague-Dawley rats by pumpkin seed oil. J Med Food. 2006;9:284–6.

[9] H. Hong, C.-S. Kim, S. Maeng (2009). Effects of pumpkin seed oil and saw palmetto oil in Korean men with symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia. Nutr Res Pract. 2009 Winter; 3(4): 323–327.

[10] M. Nishimura, T. Ohkawara, H. Sato, H. Takeda, J. Nishihira (2014). Pumpkin Seed Oil Extracted From Cucurbita maxima Improves Urinary Disorder in Human Overactive Bladder. J Tradit Complement Med. 2014 Jan-Mar; 4(1): 72–74.

[11] Caili, F., Huan, S. and Quanhong, L., 2006, A Review on Pharmacological Activities and Utilization Technologies of Pumpkin, Plant Foods Hum. Nutr., 61(2), 73–80.

[12] Fahim, A. T., Abdel-Fattah, A. A., Agha, A. M. and Gad, M. Z., 1995, Effect of Pumpkin Seed Oil on The Level of Free Radical Scavengers Induced During Adjuvant-arthritis in Rats, Pharmacol. Res., 31(1), 73–79.

[13] A. A. Ibrahim, T. F. M. Salih, S. J. Ibrahim, T. H. Al-Noor (2018). Facial Acne Therapy by Using Pumpkin Seed Oil with Its Physicochemical Properties. App. Sci. Report. 23 (1), 2018: 39-47.