The beneficial effects of Pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo L.) seed oil for health condition of men

摘要

Pumpkin seed oil, a dark greenish red oil, extracted from Cucurbita pepo L. oval seeds, is rich in essential highly unsaturated fatty acids with predominant oleic and linoleic acid content, and phytosterols. The aim of this review article was to evaluate the efficacy of pumpkin seed oil in men's health. We used the clinical trials on the efficacy of pumpkin seed oil on different health conditions of men. The clinical trials were focused on the administration of pumpkin seed oil as alternative treatment in Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), overactive bladder, and androgenic alopecia. The effects of the oil are related to phytoestrogens and unsaturated fatty acids content. The proposed mechanisms related to these efficacies are due to its inhibitory effects on 5--reductase, anti-inflammatory effects or the ability to scavenge free radicals. Also, relaxation effects on bladder sphincter may help the patients with difficulties in urination. Therefore, there is a need for further evaluation of these and other biological effects of pumpkin seed oil in pharmacological and clinical trials.