From ancient times and in folk medicine pumpkin seeds have been known for their medicinal properties on kidneys, bladder and disorders of the prostate gland. So what is Pumpkin seed or pumpkin seed extract and how do they work? Let’s discuss this in a little detail. The bioactivity of hydro-ethanolic acid extracted from pumpkin seed was examined. Another molecule cucurbitin was also tested alongside. And it was found that pumpkin seed extract inhibited the growth of neoplastic cells but their effect on hyperplastic cells was not very prominent. Hence this pumpkin seed extract has a lot of medicinal properties on the body. Apart from that, pumpkin seed extract is rich in antioxidants and Vitamin C and vitamin E. So yes, pumpkin seed extract is no less than a magic potion.
But wait, it doesn’t end here. Not only these, but pumpkin seeds are also one of the most sought superfoods. So why I it called a superfood? Well, pumpkin seeds are found to be rich in protein, copper, zinc and magnesium alike. These elements are very essential and benefit the body in numerous ways.
Protein is responsible for cell growth and repair, hence very crucial for healthy growth, development and metabolism in children, teenagers and pregnant women as well.
Magnesium is responsible for controlling muscle and nerve function and also keeps blood pressure and blood sugar levels in check.
Zinc is known to promote wound healing and fight against bacteria and viruses. And copper is the key source for energy production, iron metabolism and tissue formation. All these essential elements make pumpkin seed undoubtedly a superfood.
Pumpkin seed oil with pumpkin seed extract has prominent positive effects on our hair as well. Below are a few of many ways how pumpkin seed aids in providing healthy and nourished hair growth in men and women alike.
- Helps fight androgenic alopecia in men.
Pumpkin seed oil was found to work against 5 alpha-reductase and have anti-androgenic properties. This 5 alpha-reductase is one of the main reasons behind androgenic alopecia in men also called male pattern blindness. Hence pumpkin seed oil promotes hair growth in conditions like alopecia/ hair fall.
2. Phytosterolls
Phytosterols are cells that are similar to cholesterol and provide way more health benefits. Phytosterol blocks a few of the enzymes and a few of the hormones in the scalp that promote hair loss. Hence the presence of phytosterols in pumpkin seed oil fights hair loss.
3. Topical pumpkin seed oil
You can use pumpkin seed oil directly to massage your scalp and shampoo after that. This seed oil will stimulate your hair follicles and promote growth.
4. Pumpkin seed oil as supplements
You can include pumpkin seed oil in your weekly supplements. This will enhance your blood circulation and provide antioxidant properties to your body. Improved circulation will result in healthy hair growth internally.
5. Pumpkin seed oil for women
Rich in polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fatty acids, pumpkin seed oil and antioxidant properties are proven beneficial for women as well. It fights against the toxins in the body when taken as supplements and stimulates hair follicles when taken as topical hair oil. Women suffering from hair loss can give this a shot.
Such are the effects of pumpkin seed, its extract and its oil. It’s an all-rounder in itself. And deserves the limelight and all the praises and good words. Do not forget to look out for a good pumpkin hair oil and include it in your lifestyle.
