Pumpkin Seed Oil: A Natural DHT Blocker for Hair Loss
Hair loss has become a common problem that many people go through.
One common reason for excess hair shedding is Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a derivative of Testosterone.
You may have used medications, chemical products, or supplements to control this hormone.
But after facing more side effects than benefits, you are now searching for something natural.
Pumpkin seed oil is one such natural thing that is much safer than any chemical product.
There have been links between pumpkin seed oil and DHT for quite some time. But you may need to find out if this oil is effective as a DHT blocker.
This article will help you know the right answer with scientific evidence. Continue reading to learn more.
Pumpkin seed oil as a DHT blocker
Pumpkin seed oil is extracted from roasting pumpkin seeds at a high temperature.
This therapeutic oil has been used for hair growth for years.
A research was conducted to know the reason behind its beneficial effects on hair growth.
76 male patients with Androgenetic Alopecia received 400?mg of pumpkin seed oil daily or a placebo for 24 weeks.
The results showed that after 24 weeks, participants who used pumpkin seed oil had more hair than before the treatment.
The mean hair count increased to 40% in these patients.
The research claimed that this hair growth is because pumpkin seed oil blocks the action of 5-alpha reductase.
When this enzyme’s function is blocked, less DHT is produced.
Thus, reducing the miniaturization of hair follicles and making them capable of producing healthy hair.
How does pumpkin seed oil block DHT
Pumpkin seed oil lower DHT with the help of one of its key components:
- Phytosterols
- Fatty acids
Phytosterols
Phytosterols, also known as Sterols and Stanols, are commonly found in plants.
They help reduce the 5-alpha reductase, thus lowering the levels of DHT in your blood.
Plants containing phytosterols, like Saw palmetto, have been studied for their inhibitory effect of 5-alpha reductase.
A study found that oral and topical supplements containing Saw palmetto, which has Phytosterols, improved patients’ hair who had Androgenetic Alopecia.
The following changes were noticed:
- 60% improvement in overall hair quality
- 27% improvement in total hair count
- Increased hair density in 83.3% of patients
Fatty acids
Fatty acids are another vital component of pumpkin seed oil that acts as a DHT blocker.
A study was conducted to learn the anti-androgenic activity of fatty acids.
This study found that fatty acids with 5 alpha-reductase inhibitory activity block the conversion of Testosterone to Dihydrotestosterone.
Can pumpkin seed oil work as a DHT blocker in women
DHT is a hormone that plays a role in developing male characteristics, such as facial hair and a deep voice.
In women, DHT is produced in small amounts. But their levels may affect the hair in the same ways as the men’s.
A study was published by the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology to learn about pumpkin seed oil vs Minoxidil effectiveness for treating Female Pattern Hair Loss (FPHL).
The outcome showed that pumpkin seed oil has similar effects to Minoxidil, an FDA-approved medication for hair loss.
The benefits of Pumpkin seed oil for hair
Pumpkin seed oil is made up of excellent components, as mentioned above. Here are some other vital components:
- Tocopherols
- Carotenoids
Continue reading to know how these components are highly beneficial for hair.
Tocopherols
Tocopherols are a major form of Vitamin E. They have excellent antioxidant properties.
As a Vitamin E powerhouse, it may help to improve your hair health in the following ways:
- Prevent hair loss
- Support a healthy scalp
- Increase luster and shine
Carotenoids
Carotenoids are natural pigments found mainly in fruits and vegetables. There are different types of carotenoids.
Beta-carotene is one of the types of carotenoids.
The pumpkin seed oil has rich amounts of Beta-carotene.
This carotene is converted into Vitamin A by your body. This helps in keeping your hair away from dullness and drying.
Conclusion
The pumpkin seed oil has shown promising potential as a natural DHT blocker.
This therapeutic oil’s key components, such as Phytosterols and fatty acids, may inhibit the enzyme responsible for converting Testosterone into DHT.
This inhibition can reduce DHT levels, promoting healthier hair growth.
The pumpkin seed oil has also shown effective results against Female Pattern Hair Loss.
However, further research is needed to explore its efficacy in different types of hair loss and primarily as a DHT blocker.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can pumpkin seed oil reduce DHT?
Pumpkin seed oil has been shown to reduce Dihydrotestosterone (DHT). It blocks the action of 5-alpha reductase, an enzyme. This enzyme is responsible for converting Testosterone into DHT. Thus, when its activity is blocked, less DHT is produced.
Who should not take pumpkin seed oil?
Pregnant or lactating women should be careful with the intake of pumpkin seed oil. There is not enough evidence to prove its safety among this group. Also, in general, high doses of pumpkin seed oil may cause some effects.
Can men take pumpkin seed oil?
Yes. Men can take pumpkin seed oil in the proper doses. This medicinal oil has many benefits for men, including increasing hair growth. A study found that men who took 400 mg of pumpkin seed oil daily for 24 weeks had 40% more hair growth than before.
Why do pumpkin seeds block DHT?
The pumpkin seed oil can block Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) production by inhibiting the 5-alpha reductase enzyme. This oil’s critical components, like Phytosterols and fatty acids, help reduce DHT.
