Evidence supporting the use of: Pumpkin Seed Oil
For the health condition: Menopause

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Pumpkin seed oil has been traditionally used in some cultures to support women during menopause, particularly for alleviating symptoms such as hot flashes, headaches, and joint pain. Its use is largely rooted in folk medicine and anecdotal practices, rather than robust scientific research. The rationale is typically attributed to the oil's content of phytoestrogens—plant compounds that can weakly mimic estrogen in the body—and its rich supply of nutrients like vitamin E, essential fatty acids, and antioxidants, which are believed to offer general health benefits during menopause.

Scientific evidence supporting pumpkin seed oil for menopause is limited. A small, single-blinded study published in Clinical Phytoscience (2014) found that women taking pumpkin seed oil capsules for 12 weeks reported improvements in some menopause symptoms, including reduced severity of hot flashes, fewer headaches, and better joint mobility. However, the study was small, lacked rigorous controls, and has not been widely replicated. No large-scale, high-quality clinical trials exist to confirm these findings, and the mechanisms remain speculative.

In summary, while there is some tradition and preliminary evidence suggesting pumpkin seed oil may help with menopause symptoms, the scientific validation is weak and insufficient for strong recommendations. Most support for its use remains anecdotal or based on traditional practices.

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Products containing Pumpkin Seed Oil

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