Pumpkin Seed Oil
Pumpkin seed oil, also known as squash seed oil, is a vegetable oil extracted from pumpkin seeds. In addition to being a food source, both the seeds and the pumpkin are recognized for their significant medicinal properties. People use them to address conditions such as prostate enlargement or high cholesterol.
The medicinal qualities of this oil were so impressive that in 1773, Empress Maria Theresa of Austria issued a decree: “This healthful oil is exceptional and far too valuable to be used in delicious meals; instead, it should be considered as a medicine. It should no longer be employed for culinary purposes but should be exclusively collected and distributed by pharmacists.
Is it effective for hair loss?
Pumpkin seed oil has been extensively researched. This means that we currently have a substantial amount of information and studies regarding its potential connection to hair loss.
In general, vegetable oils share very similar compositions, and pumpkin seed oil is no exception.
Here is the fatty acid composition of pumpkin seed oil:
- Linoleic acid: 45%
- Oleic acid: 26%
- Palmitic acid: 16%
- Stearic acid: 11%
- Other components include moderate levels of vitamin E, beta-sitosterol, and various minerals.
Based on my findings, pumpkin seed oil may act on hair loss in the following ways:
A study on female androgenetic alopecia: Minoxidil vs. Pumpkin seed oil
In a 2021 study led by Ibrahim M. and their research team, the effects of pumpkin seed oil were compared to minoxidil in women with androgenetic alopecia.
The participants were split into two groups:
- Group 1: 5% minoxidil applied once daily.
- Group 2: Pumpkin seed oil used once daily.
After a three-month treatment period, both pumpkin seed oil and minoxidil were effective in reducing hair loss. However, the minoxidil group experienced superior hair regrowth.
This recent study highlights the potential effectiveness of pumpkin seed oil as a treatment for androgenetic alopecia.
Properties of pumpkin seed oil against DHT
Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is a naturally occurring androgenic hormone in our bodies, synthesized from testosterone in various tissues with the help of an enzyme known as 5-alpha-reductase (5aR). DHT plays a significant role in androgenetic alopecia, contributing to the inflammatory process on the scalps of individuals genetically predisposed to hair loss. This process leads to the gradual thinning of hair, a phenomenon known as miniaturization. Therefore, reducing DHT formation is seen as a potential way to combat hair loss.
When examining the composition of pumpkin seed oil, it becomes evident that it consists predominantly of oleic acid (26%) and linoleic acid (45%). Both of these fatty acids have the capability to inhibit 5-alpha-reductase, thereby reducing DHT formation (source).
A 1992 study by T. Liang and S. Liao showed that oleic, linoleic, elaidic, linolelaidic, and gamma-linolenic acids exhibit anti-DHT properties through the inhibition of 5aR.
(source)
Moreover, additional studies support these findings:
Study 1 : PSO on benign prostatic hyperplasia
In a 2009 study led by Heeok Hong and colleagues, pumpkin seed oil and saw palmetto were effective in relieving symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia. This condition is typically treated by reducing DHT with medications that inhibit 5aR, such as finasteride and dutasteride.
Study 2 : PSO on benign prostatic hyperplasia in rodents
2. Other studies have demonstrated that pumpkin seed oil is effective in treating prostate enlargement in rodents and inhibiting DHT in vitro (in a laboratory setting (source) (source).
Study 3 : PSO on testosterone induced hair loss
3. In a 2019 study conducted by Valiollah Hajhashemi and colleagues, topical application of pumpkin seed oil was found to effectively maintain hair subjected to testosterone induction. Testosterone induction tends to reduce the anagen phase of hair, leading to premature hair loss.
After three weeks of the study, the results were as follows:
(source)
Pumpkin seed oil (PSO) and minoxidil allowed the hair to remain in the anagen phase despite testosterone induction. In contrast, the “vehicle” group, which received only testosterone without treatment, experienced a significant drop in hair retention compared to the “No treatment” group, which neither received testosterone nor treatment.
Study 4 : PSO and DHT reduction
4. In addition to oleic and linoleic acids, pumpkin seed oil contains beta-sitosterol, another DHT inhibitor (source).
In conclusion, these studies collectively highlight the DHT-reducing properties of pumpkin seed oil. It is reasonable to assert that the consumption or topical application of pumpkin seed oil can help reduce DHT formation on the scalp, potentially aiding in the prevention of hair loss.
Anti-inflammatory properties
Inflammation is a defensive response triggered by the immune system when the body faces various challenges, such as infections, irritations, muscle strains, or injuries.
Curiously, almost all forms of alopecia are marked by the presence of chronic scalp inflammation, and reducing this inflammation has proven effective in decreasing hair loss (source).
According to several studies, pumpkin seed oil’s constituents, including beta-sitosterol and oleic acid, are believed to have anti-inflammatory properties (source) (source) (source) (source) (source).
Although these studies do not directly address alopecia, it can be inferred that topical application of pumpkin seed oil might alleviate the chronic inflammation associated with conditions like androgenetic alopecia and alopecia areata.
Antioxidant properties
Oxidative stress is a significant factor in hair loss. This phenomenon occurs when there is an excess of free radicals in the body compared to the available antioxidants. Free radicals can accumulate for various reasons, including stress, poor dietary choices, or exposure to pollution.
Oxidative stress can lead to various health issues, such as hair loss, inflammation, premature aging, heart disease, and even some cancers (source).
According to certain studies, the consumption of antioxidants, like vitamin E, has been shown to reduce the risk of specific diseases (source).
Pumpkin seed oil possesses antioxidant properties primarily due to its moderate content of vitamin E and beta-sitosterol.
A study conducted in 2010 by Lim Ai Beoy and colleagues revealed that vitamin E intake could reduce hair loss (source).
Additionally, other studies have indicated that oleic acid and beta-sitosterol also exhibit antioxidant properties (source) (source) (source).
From these findings, it can be reasonably inferred that topical application of pumpkin seed oil may be a useful approach in addressing hair loss resulting from oxidative stress.
Can reduce seborrheic dermatitis: dandruff, acne, psoriasis
Seborrheic dermatitis is a skin condition characterized by excessive inflammation, primarily affecting the scalp. It can lead to scaly patches, redness, acne, and dandruff.
Seborrheic dermatitis typically occurs when the skin experiences an “attack.” This can be due to the presence of Malassezia yeast, which naturally resides on the skin’s surface, a bacterial infection, or excessive exposure to pollution.
It’s important to note that forms of seborrheic dermatitis, such as dandruff, can worsen hair loss. If you’re dealing with androgenetic alopecia and dandruff, your hair loss may be more pronounced. Sometimes, seborrheic dermatitis can even be a sole cause of hair loss.
In our case, pumpkin seed oil possesses properties that can significantly alleviate seborrheic dermatitis: it has anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and antifungal qualities. These properties are supported by numerous studies (source) (source) (source).
Linoleic acid could boost hair growth
Pumpkin seed oil is composed of 45% linoleic acid.
In a 2021 study led by Hwa Sun Ryu and their team, it was found that linoleic acid can activate the Wnt10b/β-catenin signaling pathway (source).
The Wnt10b/β-catenin signaling pathway is closely associated with the hair growth cycle. Its activation extends the anagen (growth) phase and promotes hair growth by enhancing the proliferation and survival of follicular cells.
This study suggests that oils containing linoleic acid may hold potential as effective treatments for androgenetic alopecia.
Closing thoughts and verdict
Among all vegetable oils, pumpkin seed oil has the most substantial scientific backing when it comes to addressing hair loss. Therefore, I believe that its topical application could be an exceptionally effective solution for androgenetic alopecia.
Pumpkin seed oil boasts a range of properties, including anti-androgenic (anti-DHT), antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antifungal. Furthermore, its significant linoleic acid content could play a pivotal role in promoting hair growth.
If you’re open to trying pumpkin seed oil, I would recommend using it as a carrier oil to amplify its effectiveness by combining it with essential oils.
Precautions & side effects
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There is a potential for allergic reactions in certain individuals.