Pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo)
Synopsis of pumpkin
Pumpkin refers to the fruit of various cultivars of Cucurbita pepo, Cucurbita maxima, or Cucurbita moschata, members of the squash family native to the Americas. Both the flesh and seeds of pumpkin are nutritionally rich and used in culinary, medicinal, and supplemental forms. Pumpkin flesh is high in beta-carotene (a precursor to vitamin A), vitamin C, potassium, and fiber, while pumpkin seeds (also called pepitas) are dense in zinc, magnesium, omega-6 fatty acids, phytosterols, and amino acids such as tryptophan.
Pumpkin flesh is primarily used for antioxidant support, eye health, and immune function, with beta-carotene contributing to reduced oxidative stress and enhanced skin integrity. Its fiber supports digestive regularity, while its potassium helps regulate blood pressure and heart function.
Pumpkin seeds, however, are better known in the context of men’s health, particularly for prostate support, urinary health, and testosterone balance. They have mild diuretic, anti-inflammatory, and antiparasitic properties, and are also used to support bladder function, especially in cases of overactive bladder or nocturia.
Both components of pumpkin are available as food, extracts, or oil supplements and are valued in functional nutrition for their broad spectrum of nutritional and therapeutic effects.
Historical Use in Medicine:
Pumpkin has a long history of medicinal use, especially among Native American tribes, who consumed the flesh and seeds for digestive health, wound healing, and urinary tract function. They also used mashed pumpkin topically to soothe burns and skin irritations, and the seeds to expel intestinal worms—a traditional use that has been supported by modern studies showing antiparasitic activity.
In European herbal medicine, pumpkin seeds became popular in the 17th and 18th centuries for treating tapeworm and other intestinal parasites, and were listed in pharmacopoeias for this purpose. By the 20th century, they were also being studied for prostate conditions, especially benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and were included in natural urinary support formulas.
In Ayurveda, pumpkin (known as Kushmanda) is used as a cooling, nourishing fruit that balances Pitta dosha, helps restore strength after illness, and is especially useful for acid reflux, ulcers, and inflammatory conditions.
Pumpkin is used for these health conditions
Abdominal Pain (Traditional)
Acid Indigestion (Traditional)
Anemia (Traditional)
Appetite (deficient) (Traditional)
Arthritis (Traditional)
Asthma (Traditional)
Cancer (natural therapy for) (Traditional)
Cancer (prevention) (Scientific)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects) (Scientific)
Cholesterol (high) (Scientific)
Colds (general) (Traditional)
Colds (prevention) (Traditional)
Constipation (adults) (Scientific)
Constipation (children) (Traditional)
Cough (general) (Traditional)
Diabetes (Scientific)
Digestion (poor) (Traditional)
Edema (Traditional)
Gastritis (Traditional)
Inflammation (Scientific)
Kidney Stones (Traditional)
Liver Detoxification (Traditional)
Memory and Brain Function (Scientific)
Night Blindness (Scientific)
Pain (general remedies for) (Traditional)
Parasites (general) (Traditional)
Parasites (nematodes, worms) (Traditional)
Parasites (tapeworm) (Traditional)
Pets (supplements for) (Scientific)
Prostatitis (Scientific)
Skin Care (general) (Scientific)
Ulcers (Traditional)
Urinary Tract Infections (Traditional)
Wounds and Sores (Traditional)
pumpkin is used to support these body systems
Arteries (Scientific)
Bladder (Traditional)
Blood (Traditional)
Brain (Scientific)
Digestive System (Scientific)
Eyes (Scientific)
Gastrointestinal Tract (Scientific)
Glandular System (Traditional)
Hair (Scientific)
Heart (Traditional)
Hepatic System (Traditional)
Immune System (Scientific)
Intestinal System (Scientific)
Kidneys (Traditional)
Large Intestines (Colon) (Traditional)
Liver (Traditional)
Lungs (Traditional)
Male Reproductive System (Scientific)
Ovaries (Traditional)
Prostate (Scientific)
Reproductive System (Traditional)
Skin (Traditional)
Small Intestines (Traditional)
Spleen (Traditional)
Stomach (Traditional)
Urinary System (Scientific)
