PUMPKIN SEEDS

Health benefits and concerns

Acrodermatitis enteropathica

Acrodermatitis enteropathica is a rare inherited disorder that results in the inability to absorb adequate amounts of zinc from the diet. Anyone who is severely zinc deficient can develop the symptoms of the inherited form of this disorder. Pumpkin seeds, pecans, and Brazil nuts are all high in zinc. However, people with acrodermatitis enteropathica also need to take zinc supplements.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)

Pumpkin seed oil has been used in combination with saw palmetto, in two double-blind trials, to effectively reduce symptoms of BPH. Only one preliminary trial has evaluated the effectiveness of pumpkin seed oil alone for BPH. Researchers have suggested the zinc, free fatty acid, or plant sterol content of pumpkin seeds might account for their benefit in men with BPH, but this has not been confirmed. Animal studies have shown that pumpkin seed extracts can improve the function of the bladder and urethra; this might partially account for BPH symptom relief. Pumpkin seed oil extracts standardized for fatty acid content have been used in BPH studies in the amount of 160 mg three times per day with meals.

Depression

Pumpkin seeds contain L-tryptophan, and for this reason have been suggested to help remedy depression. However, research is needed before pumpkin seeds can be considered for this purpose. It is unlikely the amount of L-tryptophan in pumpkin seeds would be sufficient to relieve depression.

Kidney stones

Two studies have found that eating pumpkin seeds as a snack can help prevent the most common type of kidney stone, called a calcium oxalate stone. Pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo) seeds appear to reduce levels of substances that promote stone formation in the urine and increase levels of substances that inhibit stone formation. The active constituents of pumpkin seeds responsible for this action have not been identified. Approximately 5–10 grams per day of pumpkin seeds may be needed for kidney stone prevention.

Parasites

Pumpkin seeds have purported effects against tapeworms. Given their safety, they are often recommended as an addition to other, more reliable therapies. In Germany, 200–400 grams (about 6–13 ounces) are ground and taken with milk and honey, followed by castor oil two hours later. Tapeworms can cause severe illness and should be treated only with medical supervision. Human studies conducted in China have shown pumpkin seeds to be helpful for people with acute schistosomiasis, a severe parasitic disease transmitted from snails that occurs primarily in Asia and Africa. The assistance of a physician is required to help diagnose and treat any suspected intestinal parasite infections.

Health benefits and concerns for nuts and seeds
Many health benefits and concerns associated with this food are applicable to other nuts and seeds. Read about health benefits and concerns for nuts and seeds for a full description.