What if an edible oil from a common backyard vine could outperform leading medications for restoring hair growth without their risks? Meet the natural hair loss solution already growing in gardens worldwide.

Male pattern hair loss from androgenetic alopecia affects up to 70% of men, causing psychological distress yet carrying risks from standard pharmaceutical options like Propecia or Rogaine ^[1-2]. But a gold-standard clinical trial published in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine now demonstrates a safe, side effect-free natural solution already growing abundantly in gardens worldwide ^[3].

In the 24-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 76 Korean men with mild to moderate androgenetic alopecia were given enteric-coated capsules containing either 400mg pumpkin seed oil (Octa Sabal PlusTM) or placebo twice daily ^[3]. Neither group applied any other hair loss treatments during the study ^[3]. Pumpkin seed oil was selected due its ability shown in past animal research to inhibit the enzyme 5-alpha reductase also blocked by leading baldness drug Propecia ^[4-5].

After six months, remarkable mean increases in hair counts of 40% were observed in the pumpkin seed oil group using standardized hair analysis (phototrichography), whereas only 10% more hairs occurred for placebo ^[3]. These significant gains led to global improvements in scalp appearance confirmed by blinded investigator ratings ^[3]. Likewise on two separate 10-point patient self-assessments, those taking pumpkin seed oil reported higher hair regrowth and satisfaction at 6 months versus placebo - both differences deemed statistically significant ^[3].

Throughout the study, the pumpkin seed oil was well tolerated with excellent compliance and only one case of mild abdominal discomfort emerging as a side effect ^[3]. The authors conclude: "This double-blinded study did involve 76 subjects and, to the best of the authors' knowledge, is the first study to examine the long-term efficacy of PSO on AGA. The study shows that PSO could improve AGA and that it should be considered a potential alternative treatment" ^[3].

With androgenetic alopecia partially arising from follicle sensitivity to DHT formed from free testosterone ^[4], past research found the mix of nutrients in pumpkin seed oil able to modify testosterone metabolism and reduce prostate overgrowth in animals ^[5,6]. The site-specific effects likely arise from phytosterols that accumulate in prostate tissues exhibiting similarities to balding scalp susceptible to androgenic impacts ^[3-6].

Through these local androgen-modulating effects, the enlarged hair follicles shrink allowing resting telogen follicles to reactivate back into growing anagen phase. Though precision mechanisms remain under study, the return to normal growth cycles freed from ongoing miniaturization translates clinically into restored hair density without systemic hormone side effects.

This scientifically validates pumpkin seed oil as an effective, side effect-free natural intervention for male pattern hair loss matching or possibly exceeding standard medical options. Nutritionally this traditional health food provides essential fatty acids, carotenoids, tocopherols, minerals and other beneficial bioactive compounds supplying whole-body nourishment absent from patentable drugs ^[3,7].

Beyond hair rejuvenation, research confirms pumpkin seed oil relieves urinary symptoms linked to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), possibly prevented by earlier consumption ^[5-8]. This further confirms pumpkin seeds influence cellular function where androgenic overstimulation occurs.

This latest research is all the more profound when you consider that conventional approaches to alopecia have serious side effects. Here are the top 7 standard interventions and their downsides:

1. Minoxidil (Rogaine): This topical medication helps promote hair growth in some people. Potential side effects include skin irritation and unwanted hair growth elsewhere if applied to other parts of skin.^[9]
2. Finasteride (Propecia): This oral medication blocks the enzyme that converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which contributes to hair loss. Side effects may include decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, ejaculation disorder, and depression.^[10,11]
3. Spironolactone: This diuretic drug can be used topically or orally to reduce androgen production and inhibit androgens from binding to receptors. Oral spironolactone side effects may include electrolyte abnormalities, irregular menstruation in women, erectile dysfunction in men.^[12] 
4. Corticosteroids: Injectable steroids help suppress localized inflammation that can cause hair loss. Side effects may include skin atrophy, discoloration, infections.^[13]
5. Immunotherapy: Medications like diphencyprone and squaric acid dibutylester can help generate an allergic reaction and stimulate hair regrowth in those with alopecia areata. Can cause skin irritation, rash, itching, etc.^[14] 
6. Light Therapy: Low level laser or LED red light applied to affected areas may help stimulate follicles. Minimal side effects.^[15]
7. Hair Transplant Surgery: Hair grafts can surgically be implanted in thinning areas for permanent results. Risks include infections, scarring, poor hair growth, etc.^[16]

Once deemed immutable and irreversible, so-called 'genetically determined conditions' prove responsive to simple dietary modifications that, unlike drugs have side benefits and not side effects, for the vast majority of those who use them. As ongoing research continues affirming food as healing medicine, rediscovering this backyard remedy for an age-old cosmetic concern highlights nature's brilliance in providing us solutions for medical conditions that also nourish us deeply and prevent other conditions from taking root.

If you'd like to learn more about the wonderful health benefits of Pumpkin Seed Oil/Meal and natural alternatives to pharmaceuticals for combating Alopecia, check out the links below for our databases on the subjects. 

https://greenmedinfo.com/substance/pumpkin-seed-oilmeal

https://greenmedinfo.com/disease/alopecia

References

[1] Olsen EA, Messenger AG, Shapiro J, et al. Evaluation and treatment of male and female pattern hair loss. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2005;52(2):301-311.

[2] Hoffmann R. Male androgenetic alopecia. Clin Exp Dermatol. 2002;27(5):373-382.

[3] Cho YH, Lee SY, Jeong DW, Choi EJ, Kim YJ, Lee JG, Yi YH, Cha HS. 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;2014:549721.

[4] Kaufman KD. Androgens and alopecia. Mol Cell Endocrinol. 2002;198(1-2):89-95.

[5] Carbin BE, Larsson B, Lindahl O. Treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia with phytosterols. Br J Urol. 1990;66(6):639-641.

[6] Gossell-Williams M, Davis A, O'Connor N. Inhibition of testosterone-induced hyperplasia of the prostate of Sprague-Dawley rats by pumpkin seed oil. J Med Food. 2006;9(2):284-286.

[7] Zambo I. Analytical standardization of peponen. Mediflora. 1988;89:6

[8] Hong H, Kim CS, Maeng S. Effects of pumpkin seed oil and saw palmetto oil in Korean men with symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia. Nutr Res Pract. 2009 Fall;3(4):323-7.

[9] Almohanna HM, Ahmed AA, Tsatalis JP, Tosti A. The Role of Vitamins and Minerals in Hair Loss: A Review. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2019;9(1):51-70.

[10] Mella JM, Perret MC, Manzotti M, Catalano HN, Guyatt G. Efficacy and safety of finasteride therapy for androgenetic alopecia: a systematic review. Arch Dermatol. 2010;146(10):1141-1150.

[11] Traish AM, Hassani J, Guay AT, Zitzmann M, Hansen ML. Adverse side effects of 5α-reductase inhibitors therapy: persistent diminished libido and erectile dysfunction and depression in a subset of patients. J Sex Med. 2011;8(3):872-884.

[12] Levy LL, Emer JJ. Female pattern alopecia: current perspectives. Int J Womens Health. 2013;5:541-556. Published 2013 Oct 3.

[13] Alves R, Grimalt R. A Review of Platelet-Rich Plasma: History, Biology, Mechanism of Action, and Classification. Skin Appendage Disord. 2018;4(1):18-24.

[14] Xing L, Dai Z, Jabbari A, et al. Alopecia areata is driven by cytotoxic T lymphocytes and is reversed by JAK inhibition. Nat Med. 2014;20(9):1043-1049.

[15] Avci P, Gupta GK, Clark J, Wikonkal N, Hamblin MR. Low-level laser (light) therapy (LLLT) for treatment of hair loss. Lasers Surg Med. 2014;46(2):144-151.

[16] Rose PT. Hair Restoration Surgery: Challenges and Solutions. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2015;8:361-370.