Pumpkin seed and seed oil affect triglyceride levels in adults with hyperlipidemia: a randomized controlled trial

Pumpkin seed and pumpkin seed oil contain bioactive compounds that may influence lipid metabolism. This randomized controlled trial evaluated their short-term effects, when incorporated into a low-cholesterol diet, on cardiometabolic risk factors in overweight adults with hyperlipidemia.

A total of 107 overweight adults with hyperlipidemia were randomly assigned to three groups; 89 participants completed the 4-week intervention and were included in the final analysis: pumpkin seed (n = 29), pumpkin seed oil (n = 33), and control (n = 27). All participants followed a standard 4-week low-cholesterol diet plan, tailored to age and sex, containing less than 100 mg cholesterol per day. The intervention diets included 30 g/day pumpkin seeds or 15 g/day pumpkin seed oil. Anthropometric measurements, blood pressure, and biochemical parameters were assessed before and after the intervention. Biochemical analyses included total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), glucose, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST).

TC, LDL-C, ALT, and AST decreased significantly within all groups (p < 0.05). TG decreased significantly within the pumpkin seed and pumpkin seed oil groups, but not in the control group; however, TG changes did not differ significantly between groups. Anthropometric measures improved within all groups, with no significant between-group differences.

TG decreased significantly within the pumpkin seed and pumpkin seed oil groups, but between-group differences were not significant. Further studies are needed to determine whether pumpkin seed products provide benefits beyond those of dietary intervention alone.

NCT07123844, submitted 30.07.2025.