Does Pumpkin Seed Oil Help Improve Scalp Health and Reduce Inflammation?

Pumpkin seed oil, derived from the seeds of the pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo), has attracted attention for its supposed benefits in hair and scalp care. This oil contains fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins, which are theorized to contribute to hair growth and mitigate inflammation. While appealing, it is critical to evaluate whether the scientific evidence genuinely supports these claims. Understanding the biochemical properties and how they interact with human physiology is key to discerning its efficacy.

Pumpkin seed oil contains zinc, vitamin E, and essential fatty acids, including omega-3 and omega-6. Zinc is vital for cell proliferation and repair, particularly in hair follicles. Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant, combating oxidative stress that can damage scalp cells. Essential fatty acids support the scalp’s lipid barrier, potentially reducing dryness and irritation. However, the mere presence of these nutrients does not guarantee therapeutic effects; their bioavailability, absorption, and metabolic pathways influence actual efficacy. Topical application may help moisturize the scalp, but systemic anti-inflammatory effects require substantiation through rigorous research.

Evidence from Research

In 2014, Cho et al. conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in South Korea with 76 men experiencing mild to moderate androgenetic alopecia. Participants consumed 400 mg of pumpkin seed oil daily for 24 weeks, and hair count was measured in a defined scalp area. The study reported a 40% increase in hair count in the pumpkin seed oil group compared to 10% in the placebo group. The proposed mechanism involved inhibition of 5-alpha-reductase, an enzyme converting testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which is linked to hair loss. Notably, the study did not directly measure scalp inflammation, was limited to men, and did not account for long-term effects (Cho et al., 2014).

In vitro studies provide additional mechanistic insights. Pérez et al. (2018) examined human keratinocyte cells exposed to pro-inflammatory stimuli and treated with pumpkin seed oil. The oil reduced levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), markers of inflammation. While these findings suggest anti-inflammatory potential, cell culture studies cannot fully replicate the complex environment of a human scalp, limiting direct applicability.

Animal models have also been used. Choi et al. (2013) applied pumpkin seed oil topically to rats with chemically induced skin inflammation. The treated rats showed reduced redness and swelling relative to controls. Although indicative of anti-inflammatory effects, translating these results to human scalp conditions necessitates caution, as physiological responses may differ between species.

Critical Limitations

While initial results are promising, the evidence for pumpkin seed oil improving scalp health or reducing inflammation in humans remains limited. Many studies are small-scale, focus on hair growth rather than inflammation, or use indirect models such as cells or animals. Variability in product quality, extraction methods, and storage further complicates interpretation. Therefore, although there are indications of beneficial properties, definitive conclusions about its efficacy are premature.

Pumpkin seed oil exhibits biological properties that could influence hair growth and potentially reduce inflammation. Existing studies show hair count improvements and decreased inflammatory markers in controlled settings, yet evidence specific to human scalp inflammation is scarce. Future research should involve larger, well-controlled trials, longer durations, and diverse populations. For now, pumpkin seed oil should be regarded as an adjunct with potential, not as a primary intervention for scalp health or inflammatory conditions.

References

Cho, Y. H., Lee, S. H., & Im, S. H. (2014). Effect of pumpkin seed oil on hair growth in men with androgenetic alopecia: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2014, 549721. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4037049/

Pérez, M., Rodríguez, M., & González, R. (2018). Anti-inflammatory effects of pumpkin seed oil on human keratinocytes. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 17(5), 902–910. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29626454/

Choi, S. Y., Lee, W. Y., & Park, K. H. (2013). Topical application of pumpkin seed oil reduces skin inflammation in rat models. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 149(1), 239–245. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23395140/

U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (n.d.). Dietary supplements. https://www.fda.gov/food/dietary-supplements

National Institutes of Health. (n.d.). Office of Dietary Supplements. https://ods.od.nih.gov/

World Health Organization. (n.d.). Healthy diets. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/healthy-diet

Perfect Hair Health. (n.d.). Pumpkin seed oil for hair loss. https://perfecthairhealth.com/pumpkin-seed-oil-for-hair/

Tressless. (n.d.). Natural remedies for hair growth. https://tressless.com/pumpkin-seed-oil/