Science confirms that this vegetable oil may support the treatment of androgenetic alopecia in both men and women.
Androgenetic alopecia, also known as male or female pattern baldness, is one of the most common causes of hair loss in adults. It is characterised by progressive thinning of the hair, mainly driven by hormonal and genetic factors. In this process, the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT), derived from testosterone through the action of the enzyme 5-alpha reductase, plays a key role by progressively weakening hair follicles.
In recent years, scientific research has explored different natural alternatives that may help slow down this process. Among them, pumpkin seed oil (Cucurbita pepo L.) stands out, a vegetable oil rich in fatty acids, phytosterols and antioxidant compounds that has shown promising results in clinical studies.
One of the most relevant mechanisms of action of pumpkin seed oil is its potential ability to partially block the activity of the 5-alpha reductase enzyme, thereby reducing the formation of dihydrotestosterone. This antiandrogenic effect may help protect the hair follicle against the progressive weakening that characterises androgenetic alopecia.
Clinical evidence of pumpkin seed oil in androgenetic alopecia
A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study evaluated the effect of pumpkin seed oil in men with mild to moderate androgenetic alopecia. This trial included 76 male patients, who received either 400 mg of pumpkin seed oil or a placebo daily for 24 weeks.
The results showed significant improvements in the group treated with the oil. After six months of treatment, men who received pumpkin seed oil experienced an average increase of 40% in hair count, whereas the placebo group showed only an approximate increase of 10%. In addition, the treatment was well tolerated and no significant differences in adverse effects were observed between the groups.
These findings suggest that pumpkin seed oil may represent an interesting natural alternative to support hair growth in men with androgenetic alopecia.
Application in female alopecia: comparison with minoxidil
Research has also explored its usefulness in female pattern hair loss (FPHL). In a randomised comparative trial, the efficacy of pumpkin seed oil was evaluated against 5% topical minoxidil, one of the most widely used treatments for alopecia.
This study included 60 women with female pattern hair loss, divided into two groups: one treated with pumpkin seed oil and the other with minoxidil. Over a period of three months, participants were assessed through clinical examination and dermoscopy.
The results showed that patients treated with pumpkin seed oil presented significant improvements in several hair parameters, including a reduction in miniaturised (vellus) hairs and an improvement in hair shaft diversity. In addition, a significant increase in the number of thicker, stronger terminal hairs was observed.
Although minoxidil also showed positive results, the study concluded that pumpkin seed oil may play a promising role in the treatment of female alopecia, especially as an alternative or complement in anti-hair loss therapeutic strategies.
Overall, these studies highlight the potential of pumpkin seed oil as a natural support against hormonally driven hair loss. Its antiandrogenic properties, together with its richness in nutrients beneficial for the hair follicle, make it an interesting ingredient both in nutritional supplements and in hair care products.
Although further research is needed to fully understand its mechanisms and optimise its use, current scientific evidence suggests that this vegetable oil may become a natural ally in the care and strengthening of hair, in both men and women.
The virgin vegetable oil of pumpkin seed from Esential’Arôms, obtained by first cold pressing, allows the direct delivery of the active compounds studied in scientific evidence, such as phytosterols and essential fatty acids, key in supporting the hair follicle.
Bibliographical references
- Cho YH, Lee SY, Jeong DW, Choi EJ, Kim YJ, Lee JG, Yi YH, Cha HS. Effect of pumpkin seed oil on hair growth in men with androgenetic alopecia: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
- Ibrahim IM, Hasan MS, Elsabaa KI, Elsaie ML. Pumpkin seed oil vs. minoxidil 5% topical foam for the treatment of female pattern hair loss: A randomized comparative study. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2021;20(9):2867–2873. doi:10.1111/jocd.13976.
Maribel Saiz Cayuela
Degree in Biological Sciences, PGD. Dietetics and Nutrition.
