Effect of Pumpkin Seed Oil or Pumpkin Seeds on Blood Pressure and Menopausal Symptoms in Postmenopausal Women

Texas Woman's University

Status: Completed

Conditions: Hypertension; Dyslipidemia

Treatments: Dietary Supplement: Pumpkin seed oil; Dietary Supplement: Pumpkin seeds

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT02727036

17696 (Other Identifier)

Details and patient eligibility

About

The purpose of this randomized control trial is to compare the effect of pumpkin seed oil 2g/day with pumpkin seeds given as a dose of 1½ teaspoons/ 4.1 grams a day to provide 2g of lipid (equivalent to 2 grams of oil) on BP (systolic and diastolic), endothelial function, serum lipids, C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations, and menopausal symptoms in postmenopausal women.

Full description

At the onset of menopause CVD rates increase in women. A beneficial effect of pumpkin seed oil on blood pressure has been observed in postmenopausal women. More than 1 in 3 female adults have some form of cardiovascular disease (CVD), which is affected by blood pressure.

Pumpkin seed is a good source of phytoestrogens. Phytoestrogens are compounds found in plants and are comparable to human estrogen, capable of producing estrogenic effects. Studies in post menopausal women have demonstrated that pumpkin seed oil, at a dose of 2g per day for 12 weeks can decrease blood pressure and reduce menopausal symptoms.

Enrollment: 27 patients

Sex: Female

Volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Non-hypertensive with blood pressure less than140/90 mmHg
• Post menopausal women or had a bilateral oophorectomy

Exclusion criteria

• Hypotensive women with BP <90/60
• Taking medications to manage blood pressure and blood lipids
• Taking estrogen supplements or on hormone replacement therapy
• Taking pumpkin seed oil supplements
• Consuming pumpkin seeds more than ¼ cup a month
• Diagnosed with depression and taking antidepressants

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: None (Open label)

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27 participants in 2 patient groups

Pumpkin seed oil

Experimental group

Description:

Pumpkin seed oil (1g) capsules - 2 capsules per day for 12 weeks

Treatment:

Dietary Supplement: Pumpkin seed oil

Pumpkin seeds

Active Comparator group

Description:

Packet of pumpkin seeds (4.1 grams /\~0.15ounces) - 1 pack per day for 12 weeks

Treatment:

Dietary Supplement: Pumpkin seeds