Answer first
A small randomised, placebo-controlled trial in men with pattern hair loss gave pumpkin seed oil capsules for 24 weeks and reported more hair count change than placebo. It was a single small study, so it is promising but not conclusive. Pumpkin seed oil is one of 10 ingredients in Folli-Activ.
The study
About 76 men, 24 weeks, capsules vs placebo.
Limits
Small, short and in one group of men. Results may not apply to everyone.
Questions
Can I just eat pumpkin seeds?
They are a healthy snack, but amounts differ from extracts.
Is it safe?
Generally well tolerated; ask if you have allergies.
Studies mentioned
These studies looked at ingredients or general approaches. None of them tested our treatments or products, so they are background, not proof.
- Cho YH et al. (2014). Effect of pumpkin seed oil on hair growth in men with androgenetic alopecia: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med 2014:549721.Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (76 men, 24 weeks). PubMed 24864154doi:10.1155/2014/549721