Seed

Pumpkin Seed

Cucurbita pepo

T Traditional use

Pumpkin seed is traditionally used for urinary symptoms of benign prostate enlargement or overactive bladder, after a doctor rules out serious disease.

Liver, Kidney & UrinaryMen’s Health
Pumpkin Seed – Seed

Image: Herbadex Botanik Stüdyosu · Özel Üretim

PregnancyCaution
BreastfeedingCaution
Children⚠ Avoid
Drug interactionsNo recorded interactions
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On this page

At a glance

The EMA classes pumpkin seed as a traditional herbal medicine for lower urinary tract symptoms related to benign prostatic hyperplasia or an overactive bladder. This applies only after a doctor has ruled out serious disease. Long-term use is possible.

Parts used: seeds
Key constituents: Phytosterols & Fatty Oil

Updated: October 15, 2026

✓ This herb record is backed by official European Medicines Agency (EMA HMPC) herbal monographs.

What is it used for?

  • T Traditional use

    Traditional use: Based on at least 30 years of documented traditional use rather than clinical trials.

    How do we rate evidence levels? →

    Traditionally used to relieve urinary symptoms related to benign prostatic hyperplasia, after serious conditions have been excluded by a doctor. [1]

  • T Traditional use

    Traditional use: Based on at least 30 years of documented traditional use rather than clinical trials.

    How do we rate evidence levels? →

    Traditionally used for urinary symptoms related to an overactive bladder, after serious conditions have been excluded by a doctor. [1]

How is it used?

Food

Adults eat 2.5–7.5 g of seeds (whole or cracked).

Amount: Twice daily

Duration limit: Long-term use is possible

[1]

Safety & interactions

Minimum age: 18 years

  • See a doctor if urinary symptoms worsen or you get fever, cramps, blood in urine, painful urination or urinary retention.
  • Not recommended under 18 or in pregnancy, because urinary symptoms in these groups need medical care.
  • Pumpkin seeds as food raised no concerns in pregnancy and breastfeeding; safety of extracts has not been shown.
[1]

Drug interactions

No recorded interactions

Side effects

  • Mild stomach complaints (common, about 4%)

⚕ When to see a doctor

  • If high fever, shortness of breath or purulent/bloody phlegm develops
  • If symptoms do not improve within 1–2 weeks or worsen
  • If severe abdominal pain, jaundice, rash or allergic reaction occurs

Did you know?

The EMA assesses pumpkin seed like a medicine: 2.5–7.5 g a day for prostate and bladder complaints. [1]

Frequently asked questions

Is pumpkin seed good for the prostate?

The EMA accepts pumpkin seed as a traditional remedy for urinary symptoms of benign prostate enlargement, after a doctor has ruled out serious disease.

How much pumpkin seed per day?

The monograph gives 2.5–7.5 g twice a day for adults.

Can women use pumpkin seed too?

Yes, it is also traditionally used for urinary symptoms of an overactive bladder.

When should I see a doctor?

At once if you notice blood in urine, fever, painful urination or cannot pass urine.

Sources

  1. Community herbal monograph on Cucurbita pepo L., semenEMA HMPC · 2012

Cite This Page

Pumpkin Seed (Cucurbita pepo). Herbadex — Doğal Şifa Rehberi (2026). https://herbadex.com/en/herb/pumpkin-seed/

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