Evidence supporting the use of: Pumpkin
For the health condition: Parasites (general)

Links: Go back one page, Tool main page, Ingredients list, Health conditions list, Body systems list

Synopsis

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

Pumpkin seeds have a long history of traditional use as a remedy for intestinal parasites, particularly in folk medicine practices across the world, including China, Europe, and the Americas. The seeds contain a compound called cucurbitacin, which is believed to have anthelmintic (anti-parasitic) properties. Historical records and ethnobotanical surveys note the use of pumpkin seeds in treating tapeworms and other intestinal worms. While tradition strongly supports their use, scientific validation is limited. Some in vitro and animal studies suggest that pumpkin seed extracts can paralyze or expel certain parasitic worms, but robust human clinical trials are lacking. The World Health Organization lists pumpkin seeds as a traditional remedy, but not as a primary treatment for parasitic infections, due to insufficient high-quality evidence. In summary, while pumpkin seeds are widely used in traditional medicine for parasites and some laboratory studies show promise, the scientific evidence supporting their efficacy in humans is weak, resulting in a low to moderate evidence rating.

More about pumpkin
More about Parasites (general)