Pumpkin Seed

Pumpkin Seed (Curcurbita Pepo) are thought to be originally native to North America, but are now found worldwide.

They are an annual creeping plant with twining stems, lobed leaves, yellow flowers and large orange fruit.

Pumpkins are harvested in autumn or fall (1). Pumpkin seeds contain a fixed oil which is mostly linoleic acid (43-56%) and oleic acid (24-38%). Other constituents include protein, sterols, curcurbitin, vitamin E, beta-carotene and minerals (including iron, zinc and selenium) (1).

Pumpkin seed is taken orally for bladder irritations and intestinal worms (2). It is thought to be a particularly safe and effective deworming agent, particularly in children for whom aggressive and toxic preparations are inappropriate (1).

Traditionally pumpkin seed has been taken to expel intestinal worms (3) with particular effectiveness noted against both tapeworms and roundworms (4) (5).

Early settlers in North America mixed ground pumpkin seeds with water, milk or honey to provide a remedy for worms (1).

The United States Pharmacopoeia listed pumpkin seeds as an official medicine for eliminating parasites from 1863 until 1936, and this use for curcurbita was practiced by eclectic physicians at the end of the 19th century.

Traditional uses within the United States also included treating bacterial infections of the kidneys and urinary tract infections (2) (6).

Laboratory studies have demonstrated that curcurbitin, a chief constituent in pumpkin seed, has antiparasitic activity.

Human trials in China show that pumpkin seed is helpful to people suffering from schistosomiasis, a severe parasitic disease.

Other human studies in China and Russia have demonstrated the effectiveness of pumpkin seed against tapeworm infestations (6).

Generally pumpkin seed is regarded as safe when taken appropriately.

Due to the lack of reliable evidence on the effect of pumpkin seed on pregnancy and lactation, it should be avoided during these times (2).

is a blend of natural ingredients traditionally used in Asia, Europe, America and India to help the body rid itself of unhealthy organisms and to support a healthy digestive system. The 12 active herbal ingredients in are well known for their internal cleansing effects on the human digestive system.

Extensive research has gone into producing - a chewable tablet containing essential anti-parasitic herbs. Only natural sweeteners have been used. Taste tests with children as young as 2 years old has proven very successful. (They like it so much they ask for more!)

VITAKLENZ is NOT recommended for pregnant women and breast feeding mothers

REFERENCES

(1) Chevallier A. Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants. Revised Edition. Sydney, Australia: Dorling Kindersley. 2001.

(2) Jellin JM, Batz F, Hitchens K. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. Third Edition. Stockton, California: Therapeutic Research Faculty, 2000.

(3) Bruneton J. Pharmacognosy Phytochemistry Medicinal Plants. Second Edition as Translated by Caroline K. Hatton. Paris: Lavoisier Publishing, 1999.

(4) Foster S, Tyler VE. Tyler’s Honest Herbal: A Sensible Guide to the Use of Herbs and Related Remedies. Fourth Edition. New York: The Haworth Herbal Press, 1999.

(5) Bisset NG. ed. Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals. Translated from Second Edition. Boca Raton: CRC Press, 1994.

(6) “Pumpkin.” Home Remedies Index. 2002. MotherNature.com. (Accessed May 16, 2003). http://www.mothernature.com/Library?Ency/index.cfm?id=2151005