Pumpkin Seed Extract
Also known as: Cucurbita pepo seed extract, pumpkin seed oil (related), Cucurbita pepo
Pumpkin seed extract is derived from the seeds of Cucurbita pepo and is rich in phytosterols, tocopherols, and zinc-bearing proteins. It is used in men's health and urinary comfort products, commonly alongside saw palmetto and nettle root, and also appears in some hair and bladder formulas for women. A randomized trial compared pumpkin seed oil with a standard prescription in men with prostate-related urinary symptoms. Both defatted powder extracts and oil are sold; this row covers the dry extract.
Research summary
Phytosterols studied for effects on androgen metabolism and bladder smooth-muscle tone.
Dosage
Daily amounts, of extract.
| Lowest studied | Typical range | Highest studied | Upper limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 500 mg | 500–1,000 mg | — | — |
Taken once or twice daily with food. Oil-based trials used a different form; dry extract dosing is based on common product ranges.
Standardization: Seed extract (commonly 4:1); phytosterol content varies
Source material: seed extract (defatted)
Format suitability
- Capsule
- Powder
- Tablet
- Softgel
- Gummy
- Liquid
Oil versions require softgels and are a separate row.
Formulation notes
Often stacked with saw palmetto, nettle root, and zinc.
Sources
Related ingredients
Saw Palmetto Berry Extract
BotanicalA lipid-sterol extract of saw palmetto berries, standardized to fatty acids, that is the most widely used botanical in men's prostate and urinary-comfort products.
Typical: 320 mg
Zinc Gluconate
MineralThe most common zinc salt in multivitamins, lozenges, and immune products, containing about 14.3% elemental zinc.
Typical: 10–25 mg
L-Selenomethionine
MineralThe organic selenium form found in Brazil nuts, grains, and selenium yeast, in which selenium replaces sulfur in the amino acid methionine.
Typical: 50–200 mcg
Zinc Picolinate
MineralZinc chelated with picolinic acid, a tryptophan metabolite that is proposed to aid mineral transport across the gut wall.
Typical: 10–25 mg
Biotin
VitaminBiotin is a water-soluble B vitamin that serves as the cofactor for five carboxylase enzymes in fatty acid, glucose, and amino acid metabolism.
Typical: 300–5,000 mcg