 Pumpkin
Seed
Pumpkins are thought to be originally native to North America, but are now
found worldwide. They are an annual creeping plant with twining stems, lobed
leaves, yellow flowers and large orange fruit. Pumpkins are harvested in autumn
or fall (1).
Pumpkin seeds contain a fixed oil which is mostly linoleic acid (43-56%)
and oleic acid (24-38%). Other constituents include protein, sterols,
curcurbitin, vitamin E, beta-carotene and minerals (including iron, zinc and
selenium) (1).
Pumpkin seed is taken orally for bladder irritations and intestinal worms
(2).
It is thought to be a particularly safe and effective deworming agent,
particularly in children for whom aggressive and toxic preparations are
inappropriate (1).
Traditionally pumpkin seed has been taken to expel intestinal worms (3)
with particular effectiveness noted against both tapeworms and roundworms (4)
(5). Early settlers in North America mixed ground pumpkin seeds with water,
milk or honey to provide a remedy for worms (1).
The United States Pharmacopoeia listed pumpkin seeds as an official medicine
for eliminating parasites from 1863 until 1936, and this use for curcurbita was
practiced by eclectic physicians at the end of the 19th century. Traditional
uses within the United States also included treating bacterial infections of the
kidneys and urinary tract infections (2) (6).
Laboratory studies have demonstrated that curcurbitin, a chief constituent in
pumpkin seed, has antiparasitic activity. Human trials in China show that
pumpkin seed is helpful to people suffering from schistosomiasis, a severe
parasitic disease. Other human studies in China and Russia have
demonstrated the effectiveness of pumpkin seed against tapeworm
infestations (6).
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 (2).
REFERENCES
(1) Chevallier A. Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants. Revised
Edition. Sydney, Australia: Dorling Kindersley. 2001.
(2) Jellin JM, Batz F, Hitchens K. Natural Medicines
Comprehensive Database. Third Edition. Stockton, California: Therapeutic
Research Faculty, 2000.
(3) Bruneton J. Pharmacognosy Phytochemistry Medicinal Plants.
Second Edition as Translated by Caroline K. Hatton. Paris: Lavoisier Publishing,
1999.
(4) Foster S, Tyler VE. Tyler’s Honest Herbal: A Sensible Guide
to the Use of Herbs and Related Remedies. Fourth Edition. New York: The Haworth
Herbal Press, 1999.
(5) Bisset NG. ed. Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals.
Translated from Second Edition. Boca Raton: CRC Press, 1994.
(6) “Pumpkin.” Home Remedies Index. 2002. MotherNature.com.
(Accessed May 16, 2003). http://www.mothernature.com/Library?Ency/index.cfm?id=2151005
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