PUMPKIN Overview Information
Pumpkin is a plant. The seed and its oil are used to make medicine.
Pumpkin is used for treating bladder irritation, kidney infections, intestinal worms, and trouble urinating due to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
Pumpkin is sometimes used in combination with herbs to treat symptoms of BPH.
The roasted pumpkin seeds are considered a snack food.
How does it work?
The chemicals in the pumpkin seed cause an increase in urination (diuretic effect), which helps relieve bladder discomfort. Pumpkin seed also contains a chemical that might kill intestinal worms.
Possibly Effective for:
- Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Taking pumpkin seed oil extract by mouth alone, or with saw palmetto, may help BPH symptoms.
- Intestinal worms.
- Bladder irritation.
- Kidney infections.
- Other conditions.
PUMPKIN Side Effects & Safety
Pumpkin is safe in food amounts and considered POSSIBLY SAFE in medicinal amounts for most people. It may cause ejaculation problems in some men.
Special Precautions & Warnings:Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Not enough is known about the use of pumpkin in medicinal amounts during pregnancy and breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and stick with usual food amounts.
Moderate Interaction Be cautious with this combination
- Lithium interacts with PUMPKIN
Pumpkin might have an effect like a water pill or "diuretic." Taking pumpkin might decrease how well 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.
The following doses have been studied in scientific research:
- For benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH): 480 mg of pumpkin seed oil extract per day in 3 divided doses in combination with saw palmetto and other herbs.