Pumpkin seed oil (Cucurbita pepo, Cucurbita maxima)

In mild-to-moderate benign prostatic hyperplasia, Sogabe 2009 RCT (n=47, Korean men) and the larger Vahlensieck 2015 study (n=1431, German Pumpkin Study) showed moderate IPSS reduction of 4-6 points with pumpkin seed oil 320-1000 mg/day × 12 months vs placebo. The effect is clinically smaller than alpha-1 blockers (tamsulosin, silodosin). AUA 2023 and EAU 2024 list alpha-1 blockers (tamsulosin, silodosin) first-line for male LUTS with BPH; with prostate volume >40 mL and progression risk – 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors (finasteride, dutasteride). EMA HMPC 2012 recognises «traditional use for BPH symptoms». If pumpkin seed oil was recommended for severe symptoms with urinary retention or after acute retention, consider seeking a second opinion from a urologist.

Nishimura 2014 RCT (n=39, Japan) showed moderate reductions in urgency incontinence episodes and urinary frequency with pumpkin seed oil from Cucurbita maxima 10 g/day × 12 weeks in overactive bladder patients. EMA HMPC 2012 recognises «traditional use for overactive bladder symptoms» for Cucurbita pepo. AUA/SUFU 2024 for overactive bladder list behavioural therapy (bladder training, pelvic floor exercises) first-line, antimuscarinics (solifenacin, tolterodine, mirabegron) second-line, and botulinum toxin and neuromodulation third-line. Pumpkin seed oil is not in guidelines as standalone therapy. If pumpkin seed oil was recommended for severe urgency incontinence or nocturnal polyuria without workup (urodynamics, voiding diary), consider seeking a second opinion from a urologist.