Overview

Pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo) is a plant native to South America that now grows worldwide. The seed and its oil are used to make medicine.

The chemicals in pumpkin seed can increase urination, which might help relieve bladder and prostate discomfort. Some chemicals might also reduce swelling in the prostate. The pumpkin fruit and seed are commonly used in foods.

People commonly use pumpkin for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). It is also used for balding, UTIs, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these other uses.

Uses & Effectiveness ?

Possibly Effective for

There is interest in using pumpkin for a number of other purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Pumpkin is likely safe when eaten in foods. It is possibly safe to take pumpkin seed or pumpkin seed oil in medicinal amounts. Side effects from pumpkin products are rare, but might include stomach discomfort, diarrhea, and nausea. It might also cause itching, rash, and allergic reactions in some people.

When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if pumpkin seed oil is safe or what the side effects might be.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: Pumpkin is likely safe when eaten in foods. It is possibly safe to take pumpkin seed or pumpkin seed oil in medicinal amounts. Side effects from pumpkin products are rare, but might include stomach discomfort, diarrhea, and nausea. It might also cause itching, rash, and allergic reactions in some people.

When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if pumpkin seed oil is safe or what the side effects might be.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if pumpkin is safe to use in medicinal amounts when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and stick with usual food amounts.

Interactions ?

    Moderate Interaction

    Be cautious with this combination

  • Lithium interacts with PUMPKIN

    Taking pumpkin might decrease how quickly the body gets rid of lithium. This could increase how much lithium is in the body and result in serious side effects. Talk with your healthcare provider before using this product if you are taking lithium. Your lithium dose might need to be changed.

Dosing

Pumpkin fruit and seed are commonly eaten in foods. As a supplement, there isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of pumpkin might be. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult a healthcare professional before using.
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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020.