Pumpkin

Seed Oil

 

Cucurbita pepo 

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Vitaklenz: 250mg

Vitaklenz for Kidz: 250mg

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Traditionally pumpkin seed has been taken to expel intestinal worms 11 with particular effectiveness on tapeworms and roundworms. 1 2 Early settlers in North America mixed ground pumpkin seeds with water, milk or honey to provide a remedy for worms. 3 The United States Pharmacopoeia listed pumpkin seeds as an official medicine for eliminating parasites from 1863 until 1936, and this use was practiced by eclectic physicians at the end of the 19th century. Traditional uses within the USA also included treating bacterial infections of the kidneys and urinary tract infections. 5 6

 

Berberine and Palmatine have also been found in C. pepo extracts. These have both demonstrated antileishmaniasis, antimalarial, anti-schistosomiasis and Toxaplasma gondii inhibitory properties. Berberine has also been proven to reduce liver damage and oxidative stress common to parasitic infections which may aid in recovery. 7

 

Studies have demonstrated that cucurbitin, a chief constituent in pumpkin seed, has anti-parasitic activity. Human trials in China show that pumpkin seed is helpful to people suffering from schistosomiasis. Other human studies in China and Russia have demonstrated the effectiveness of pumpkin seed against tapeworm infestations. 6

 

Pumpkin seed is taken orally for bladder irritations and intestinal worms. 4 It is thought to be a particularly safe and effective deworming agent, particularly in children for whom aggressive and toxic preparations are inappropriate. 3 Recent studies have confirmed the nematocidal activity of pumpkin seed extracts, with anthelmintic action noted against eggs, larval development and adult worm motility against the rodent intestinal worm Heligmosomoides bakeri. 7

 

Pumpkin seeds contain a fixed oil that is mostly linoleic acid (43-56%) and oleic acid (24-38%). Other constituents include protein, sterols, cucurbitin, vitamin E, beta-carotene and minerals (including iron, zinc and selenium). 3 Pumpkin Seed Oil (PSO) extract protects against formaldehyde-induced damage to major organs, including brain, liver and kidneys. This is attributed to the antioxidant effect of PSO’s free radical scavenging properties. 8 Pumpkin seed has also demonstrated potential as a hypoglycemic food in trials, with participants showing remarkable reduced postprandial glycemia following acute consumption of pumpkin seeds, 8 and has additionally proven ability to fortify iron levels following consumption. 9

 

Pumpkin seed and pumpkin seed oil have been demonstrated as hampering a broad range of microbes, including Acinetobacter baumanii, Aeromonas veronii biogroup sobria, Candida albicans, Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumonia, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella enterica (serotype typhimurium), Serratia marcescens, Staphylococcus aureus, Botrytis cinerea, Fusarium oxysporum and Mycosphaerella arachidicola. 10

 

Generally pumpkin seed is regarded as safe when taken appropriately. Due to the lack of reliable evidence on the effect of pumpkin seed on pregnancy and lactation, it should be avoided during these times. 4

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