Treatment with pumpkin seeds: indications, contraindications

Pumpkin seeds, like the pulp of this melon crop (Cucurbita pepo), contain a large number of useful substances, many of which have medicinal properties. Thus, raw pumpkin seeds ground with honey have long been used as an effective anthelmintic.

Indications pumpkin seeds

In our country, pumpkin seeds are officially classified as an anthelmintic, but today, when the biochemical composition of pumpkin seeds has been studied in more detail, the indications for the use of this natural product are not limited to helminthiasis, but include diseases of the cardiovascular system, intestines, liver, and prostate gland. Among the substances contained in these seeds, there are those that help with high cholesterol in the blood, VSD, low testosterone levels and decreased sexual function in men, etc.

However, doctors warn: despite all their potential medicinal properties, pumpkin seeds are an auxiliary remedy in the prescribed complex therapy.

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Release form

Pumpkin seeds (Semen cucurbitae) can be purchased in a pharmacy in packaged form - 130 g per package, as well as in powder form (obtained by grinding the seeds). Packaged and weighed raw seeds (peeled or in the shell) are sold in supermarkets.

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Pharmacodynamics

The description on the pharmacy packaging states that pumpkin seeds have activity against helminths (tapeworms). Pharmacodynamics is provided by the carbonic amino acid cucurbitin, which, when the seeds are digested in the gastrointestinal tract, is converted by decarboxylation into substances that have a detrimental effect on intestinal parasitic worms.

Since pumpkin seeds do have a wider range of therapeutic effects, we should dwell on their composition in more detail. Pumpkin seeds contain antioxidant vitamin E in the form of alpha-, gamma- and delta-tocopherols; retinoids and carotenoids; niacin, choline, pantothenic and folic acids. So pumpkin seeds are recommended for use to reduce the level of oxidative stress that occurs in many pathologies.

Phenolic acids (hydroxybenzoic, hydroxycinnamic, coumaric, etc.) in the seeds help fight inflammation, allergies, decreased vascular tone and liver dysfunction.

Tetrahydrofuran lignans (pinoresinol, larisiresinol) have antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, and exhibit hormone-stimulating activity. Due to this, pumpkin seeds are useful for benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate).

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (linoleic and alpha-linolenic) and omega-6 fatty acids strengthen the phospholipid membranes of cells and maintain the healthy condition of tissues of various organs.

Phytosterols (beta-sitosterol, desmosterol, campesterol, stigmasterol, spinasterol, d-stigmastenol, d7-avenasterol) help in reducing the level of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in the blood.

Pumpkin seeds also contain zinc, magnesium and potassium. Magnesium and potassium are necessary for the functioning of the myocardium and gastrointestinal tract, normal blood pressure and good condition of bone tissue. And zinc not only supports immunity, but also regulates cell growth and division, insulin secretion, skin condition, sleep, mood, and the level of male sex hormones.

Pumpkin seeds also contain amino acids, including tryptophan, leucine, and arginine. Sufficient tryptophan intake helps with sleep disorders, as it increases the synthesis of the pineal hormone melatonin. Leucine and arginine help restore tissue after inflammation, stabilize blood cholesterol levels, and increase testosterone levels in men.

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Dosing and administration

For the treatment of helminthiasis in adult children, it is recommended to do cleansing enemas for two days (twice a day - in the morning and before bed) before using pumpkin seeds, and take a laxative at the end of the second day.

Peeled seeds (300 g) should be crushed and mixed with 4-5 tablespoons of water (you can add a teaspoon of honey). The mixture is taken on an empty stomach - one spoon at a time (over 60 minutes, with short intervals).

After three hours, a laxative is taken, and then (after 25-30 minutes) an enema is done.

For children, the dose of seeds is reduced depending on age: 75 g - at 3-4 years, 100 g - at 5-7 years, 150 g - from 8 to 10 years, 200 g - 11-14 years.

The method of using pumpkin seeds for the treatment of other diseases involves introducing them into the diet in an amount not exceeding 25-30 g per day (with plenty of liquid to prevent digestive problems).

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Use pumpkin seeds during pregnancy

For medicinal purposes, use during pregnancy is not recommended.

Contraindications

Pumpkin seeds are not used in cases of increased stomach acidity, gastritis and gastric ulcer, spastic colitis, and low blood pressure.

Side effects pumpkin seeds

Side effects of pumpkin seeds include stomach upset with nausea, vomiting, diarrhea/constipation and flatulence, as well as headaches and allergic reactions with skin manifestations such as hives.

It should be borne in mind that eating rancid pumpkin seeds can lead to poisoning.

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Interactions with other drugs

Pumpkin seeds can be combined with other remedies to expel worms.

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Storage conditions

Fresh, dry pumpkin seeds should be stored in the refrigerator in a tightly sealed container.

Shelf life

If storage rules are followed, the shelf life of pumpkin seeds is up to 6 months.