Pumpkin seed oil

Pumpkin oil or pumpkin seed oil (Cucurbita pepo L.) is a natural remedy containing biologically active substances that help in the treatment of a wide range of metabolic pathologies, gastrointestinal tract, liver, blood vessels, skin, as well as some infectious and inflammatory diseases.

Some manufacturers classify pumpkin oil as a hypolipidemic and anti-sclerotic agent (reducing the level of lipids and cholesterol in the blood), while others classify it as an antiulcer, hepatotropic and choleretic herbal preparation.

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Indications Pumpkin seed oil

Pumpkin oil is recommended for use in complex therapy:

• hypercholesterolemia (for the purpose of preventing vascular atherosclerosis);
• hyperlipidemia type II;
• gastritis, duodenitis, gastric ulcer and duodenal ulcer (outside the acute stage);
• cholecystitis and biliary dyskinesia;
• fibrosis, cirrhosis and fatty degeneration of the liver;
• acute and chronic forms of hepatitis;
• enterocolitis, colitis, Crohn's disease;
• pathologies of the urinary system (overactive bladder);
• benign prostatic hyperplasia and its inflammation (prostatitis);
• hemorrhoids;
• cervical erosion, endocervicitis;
• dermatoses, atopic dermatitis and eczema;
• gingivitis and periodontal disease;
• burns (thermal and chemical).

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Release form

Pumpkin oil for oral and external use is available in vials (50-100 ml) and bottles (200-250 ml); Tykveol is also available in gelatin capsules (0.45 g) and as rectal suppositories.

Trade names: Natural pumpkin oil, Pumpkin seed oil, Unrefined pumpkin oil, Tykveol, Pumpkin oil.

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Pharmacodynamics

The therapeutic effect of pumpkin oil is provided by its components, which have biological activity (in particular, antioxidant) in relation to the cell membranes of tissues of various organs, and also improve tissue trophism, normalize metabolism (reduce cholesterol levels) and many physiological processes in the body.

Pumpkin oil, obtained from pumpkin seeds, contains saturated fatty acids (myristic), polyunsaturated fatty acids omega-3 (alpha-linolenic) and omega-6 (gamma-linolenic and arachidonic); vitamin A (alpha- and beta-carotene), vitamins C, E and K, biotin, niacin (nicotinic acid), choline, pantothenic and folic acids; vegetable sterols; phosphorus, magnesium, iron, zinc and magnesium.

Due to the anti-inflammatory action of polyunsaturated fatty acids, pumpkin oil can be an effective alternative in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia, inflammation of the mucous membranes of various localizations, and dermatological diseases.

Pumpkin seed oil taken internally has a positive effect on the condition of blood vessels, liver, gall bladder, intestines and even improves hair growth in alopecia.

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Dosing and administration

To reduce cholesterol levels, for gastrointestinal and liver pathologies (mentioned above), pumpkin oil is recommended to be taken orally (before meals) - one teaspoon twice a day (or two Tykveol capsules) for 1.5-2 months.

For benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostatitis, the duration of use is 4-5 weeks, after which the single dose is reduced by half, and for 4-5 months the oil should be taken half a teaspoon once a day.

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Use Pumpkin seed oil during pregnancy

Pumpkin oil is not prescribed for medicinal purposes during pregnancy.

Contraindications

Pumpkin oil is not used in cases of individual hypersensitivity, chronic diarrhea and dyspepsia, gallstones, and in children under 12 years of age.

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Side effects Pumpkin seed oil

Taking pumpkin seed oil internally may cause digestive problems and diarrhea.

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Overdose

It should be borne in mind that an overdose of pumpkin oil when used internally leads to the development of diarrhea.

Suppositories with pumpkin oil (Tykveol) are used to treat hemorrhoids and prostatitis rectally - two suppositories per day.

In case of cervical erosion, tampons with pumpkin oil are used (intravaginally). In case of periodontal inflammation, physiotherapy procedures with pumpkin oil are done.

The method of external use of pumpkin oil in dermatology is to lubricate the affected areas of the skin twice a day.

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Interactions with other drugs

The absorption of pumpkin oil and its effectiveness are reduced by the simultaneous use of bismuth-based antacids against heartburn, proton pump inhibitors and H2-histamine receptor blockers (used for increased stomach acidity).

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Storage conditions

Store in a dark place at a temperature of +15-18°C.

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Shelf life

2 years.

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