Pumpkin Seed Oil for Hair Loss: An Evidence-Based Guide for NPs
Androgenetic alopecia (AGA), commonly known as male- or female-pattern baldness, is a widespread dermatologic condition that profoundly impacts an individual's self-image and confidence. While conventional treatments like topical minoxidil and oral finasteride are FDA-approved, their limitations, including daily long-term use and undesirable side effects, frequently lead patients to seek natural remedies that promise a more holistic approach. Despite a growing demand for these natural interventions, scientific evidence on their efficacy remains limited. This gap presents a significant opportunity for Nurse Practitioners who strive to offer evidence-based care and for entrepreneurs seeking to innovate in the hair care market. This article, a foundational piece for the Alliance of Cosmetic Nurse Practitioners™ Alopecia Residency, aims to bridge that gap. We will synthesize the existing research on pumpkin seed oil (PSO), a promising natural agent, drawing exclusively from the latest evidence-based data. Our goal is to illuminate PSO's mechanisms, documented effects, and safety profile, equipping you with the insights needed to confidently assess, diagnose, treat, and educate patients with alopecia.
Background and Significance Androgenetic alopecia (AGA), also known as male pattern hair loss (MPHL) or female pattern baldness (FPB), is a prevalent condition that significantly impacts a patient's self-image and confidence, despite not directly affecting health (Hajhashemi et al., 2019; Ufomadu, 2024). AGA is the most prevalent form of hair loss globally, affecting a significant portion of the population. It impacts up to 70% of men in later life, particularly those over 50 years old, and contributes to hair loss in 40% of women during their reproductive years and postmenopause. While AGA does not directly pose a health risk, its psychological impact can be substantial, leading to diminished self-esteem, reduced confidence, and distress, especially in social interactions (Hajhashemi et al., 2019). The condition is characterized by a gradual receding frontal hairline and diffuse hair thinning, involving the progressive miniaturization of hair follicles and a significant decline in hair count, particularly in the central, frontal, and parietal scalp regions (Verma, 2015).
Pathogenesis The underlying pathogenesis of AGA is multifactorial, primarily influenced by genetic, hormonal, and environmental elements (Cho et al., 2014; Ufomadu, 2024). A key hormonal contributor is dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which is converted from testosterone by the 5α-reductase enzyme (Hajhashemi et al., 2019; Piquero-Casals, 2025). DHT attaches to hair follicles, causing them to shrink and disrupting the normal hair cycle, specifically shortening the anagen phase (active growth phase) and increasing the time spent in the telogen phase (resting phase). This process of miniaturization of follicles is what treatment aims to prevent or reverse. Enzymes necessary for androgenic metabolism are locally available in the skin, allowing for independent control of follicle growth (Hajhashemi et al., 2019).
FDA-Approved Medications: Minoxidil and Finasteride Currently, only two drugs are approved by the FDA for AGA treatment: topical minoxidil and oral finasteride. Minoxidil is a potassium channel opener that stimulates hair follicle epithelial cell proliferation, promoting hair growth. Finasteride, on the other hand, inhibits dihydrotestosterone synthesis by blocking the 5α-reductase enzyme. While effective, these medications require daily, long-term consumption and are associated with various side effects. Finasteride has been reported to decrease libido, ejaculate volume, or cause erectile dysfunction. Topical minoxidil can lead to side effects such as scalp itching, scaling, dry hair, and dandruff. These potential adverse effects often lead to patient reluctance and poor adherence to conventional treatments, with studies showing only about 30% of patients persisting with medication over a year in private practice (Hajhashemi et al., 2019; Piquero-Casals, 2025; Verma, 2015).
Complementary and alternative medicines This dissatisfaction with mainstream Western medicine has driven a significant increase in the utilization of natural remedies and complementary and alternative medicines (CAMs) for hair loss treatment (Verma, 2015). Patients are motivated to find safe, natural, and efficacious therapies with minimal side effects to restore hair. The "natural hair movement," particularly among African American women, further highlights a cultural shift towards botanical and natural hair care products. This demand has resulted in an estimated $30.2 billion spent out-of-pocket annually on treatments outside mainstream Western medicine (Ezekwe et al., 2020; Ufomadu, 2024).
However, a significant clinical gap exists: there is limited scientific evidence from rigorous studies, such as randomized controlled trials (RCTs), to adequately address the efficacy of many of these CAMs. The lack of standardization of their bioactive ingredients and the absence of long-term safety and efficacy data for continuous use beyond one year are also noted limitations. For instance, a previous study on pumpkin seed oil (PSO), which reported promising results with oral administration, was critiqued for incomplete research data, specifically lacking information on its effect on frontal AGA, which is crucial for early treatment stages. Additionally, the optimal study duration for evaluating hair growth needs to account for seasonal hormonal variations (Gupta et al., 2025; Verma, 2015).
Various plant extracts and their bioactive components have been explored for their hair growth-promoting properties. Ingredients such as Serenoa repens (saw palmetto), Pygeum africanum, Urtica dioica, Camellia sinensis, polyphenols in green tea, rosemary oil, caffeine extract, melatonin, and Oryza sativa bran (rice bran) have shown potential effects, often involving 5α-reductase inhibition or other mechanisms like improving microcapillary perfusion and inhibiting inflammatory pathways (Verma, 2015).
Pumpkin Seed Oil
Pumpkin seed oil (PSO) itself is a natural product derived from Cucurbita pepo L. seeds, consisting mainly of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, including myristic acid, palmitic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, and linolenic acid (Hajhashemi et al., 2019). It also contains beta-sitosterol, which has been reported to have inhibitory effects on the 5α-reductase enzyme. Linoleic acid is also believed to inhibit 5α-reductase. Beyond its potential for hair growth, pumpkin has demonstrated antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, cytoprotective, and antidiabetic effects (Hajhashemi et al., 2019; Ufomadu, 2024). Previous research indicated that oral administration of 400 mg of PSO daily for 24 weeks improved hair growth in men with androgenic baldness. It has also been shown to inhibit testosterone-induced enlargement of the prostate, similar to finasteride, suggesting a common mechanism related to reducing androgenic activity (Cho et al., 2014; Verma, 2015).
The urgent need to address these gaps is critical for improving patient outcomes. Given the significant psychological distress caused by hair loss and the limitations of current pharmacological options, there is a strong demand for effective, well-tolerated, and safe alternative or adjunctive treatments (Hajhashemi et al., 2019). Providing evidence-based information on promising natural agents like PSO allows nurse practitioners to offer a more integrative approach to care and empowers patients to make informed choices about their treatment pathways. This review seeks to contribute to this crucial knowledge base, enabling better guidance for patients seeking natural solutions for AGA (Ufomadu, 2024).
Implications for Dermatology and Cosmetic Nurse Practitioners NPs have a vital responsibility to provide evidence-based guidance on CAMs, like pumpkin seed oil (PSO), which are increasingly popular but often lack robust scientific validation or standardization. While PSO is not FDA-approved as a drug for hair loss, studies indicate its potential efficacy. Research in a mice model demonstrated that topical application of 10% PSO promoted hair growth and could significantly reverse testosterone-induced hair growth retardation, performing comparably to minoxidil (Bikash, 2025; Ufomadu, 2024). Similarly, an oral administration of 400 mg/day of PSO for 24 weeks in men with AGA resulted in a 40% mean increase in hair count compared to a 10% increase in the placebo group (Hajhashemi et al., 2019). The proposed mechanism involves PSO's ability to inhibit the 5α-reductase enzyme, which converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a key contributor to hair follicle miniaturization in AGA. Furthermore, PSO contains beneficial components like fatty acids, phytoestrogens, and vitamin E, which may contribute to its effects, along with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Importantly, PSO has shown a favorable side effect profile, with only mild abdominal discomfort and itching reported in some cases, without changes in liver enzymes or serum-free testosterone levels (Cho et al, 2014; Ufomadu, 2024).
Practical recommendations for you include integrating discussions about PSO as a promising alternative or an adjunctive therapy for patients who are hesitant or unable to use conventional medications. You can elevate your expertise and patient trust by being knowledgeable about the scientific basis of these natural remedies, managing patient expectations regarding their efficacy compared to approved drugs, and clearly communicating the current limitations of research, such as the need for more long-term human studies and head-to-head comparisons for topical PSO. This proactive, informed approach fosters shared decision-making and empowers patients to make choices aligned with their preferences and health goals (Gupta et al., 2025; Ufomadu, 2024).
Clinical Pearls / Key Teaching Points for Patient Education When discussing pumpkin seed oil with patients interested in natural hair loss solutions, you can offer the following concise and memorable teaching points:
Pumpkin seed oil (PSO) shows promise as a natural option for hair loss, particularly for male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia).
Studies suggest oral PSO can significantly increase hair count, with some men experiencing a 40% increase in hair after 24 weeks of use.
PSO is thought to work by helping to block an enzyme called 5-alpha reductase, which is involved in hair thinning.
In animal studies, topical PSO has also shown potential for promoting hair growth.
Compared to some conventional hair loss medications, PSO is generally well-tolerated, with very few side effects reported, such as mild stomach upset or itching.
It's important to remember that PSO is considered a dietary supplement and is not approved by the FDA as a drug for hair loss.
Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially if you are on other medications or have underlying health conditions.
Conclusion: Our role extends beyond conventional care; it encompasses integrating cutting-edge, evidence-based solutions into dermatologic practice. The emerging science on natural remedies like pumpkin seed oil for hair loss underscores a critical opportunity to expand our therapeutic toolkit. By meticulously analyzing available research, advocating for rigorous studies, and translating complex findings into actionable patient strategies, we empower individuals to make informed choices. Our commitment to innovation and patient-centered care positions us uniquely to shape the future of hair loss management, ensuring that effective, tolerable, and holistic options are accessible to all.
About the Author
Dr. Kimberly Madison, DNP, AGPCNP-BC, WCC, is a Board-Certified, Doctorally-prepared Nurse Practitioner, educator, and author dedicated to advancing dermatology nursing education and research with an emphasis on skin of color. As the founder of Mahogany Dermatology Nursing | Education | Research™ and the Alliance of Cosmetic Nurse Practitioners™, she expands access to dermatology research, business acumen, and innovation while also leading professional groups and mentoring clinicians. Through her engaging and informative social media content and peer-reviewed research, Dr. Madison empowers nurses and healthcare professionals to excel in dermatology and improve patient care.
References
Bikash, C. (2025). Topical alternatives for hair loss: Beyond the conventional. International Journal of Trichology, 17(1), 13–19.
Ezekwe, N., King, M., & Hollinger, J. C. (2020). The use of natural ingredients in the treatment of alopecias with an emphasis on Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia: A systematic review. Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 13(8), 23–27.
Hajhashemi, V., Rajabi, P., & Mardani, M. (2019). Beneficial effects of pumpkin seed oil as a topical hair growth promoting agent in a mice model. Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine, 9(6), 499–504.
Piquero-Casals, J., Saceda-Corralo, D., Aladren, S., Bustos, J., Fernández-Botello, A., Navasa, A., Logusso, G., Jourdan, E., Mir-Bonafé, J. F., & Morgado-Carrasco, D. (2025). Oral supplementation with L-Cystine, Serenoa repens, Cucurbita pepo, and Pygeum africanum in chronic telogen effluvium and androgenetic alopecia: A double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical study. Skin Appendage Disorders, 11, 27–35.
Ufomadu, P. (2024). Complementary and alternative supplements: A review of dermatologic effectiveness for androgenetic alopecia. Proceedings (Baylor University Medical Center), 37(1), 111–117.
Verma, H. (2015). Comment on ‘‘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. Article ID 271474.
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