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Randomised trial, 2025

Does pumpkin seed extract reduce PMS pain?

Yes, pumpkin seed extract at 500 mg twice daily for 10 days significantly reduced PMS pain intensity more than lower doses or placebo.

Moderate study design 42 adolescent girls with PMS in Indonesia

What they did

True experimental design with pre-test and post-test. 42 adolescent girls with PMS in Indonesia were divided into three groups. Group 1 received 500 mg pumpkin seed extract 2x2 daily, Group 2 received 500 mg 2x1 daily, and control received starch placebo 500 mg 2x1 daily for 10 days. Paired T-Test was used for analysis.

What they found

Pumpkin seed extract at 500 mg 2x2 daily for 10 days most significantly reduced PMS pain intensity (p-value 0.000, mean 3.86) compared to the lower dose and control group.

What it means for you

Pumpkin seed extract may be an effective natural option for reducing PMS pain in young women. Main limitations are the small sample size (42 participants) and the focus on adolescent girls, so results may not apply to adult women.

42

adolescent girls in study

500 mg

dose (higher group) per day

0.000

p-value

About the study

Original title
Effect of Pumpkin Seed Extract (Cucurbita Moschata) on Premenstrual Syndrome Pain Intensity in Adolescent Girls
Authors
Eka Apriadi Farkhati Nafi’ah, Sri Sumarni, Sri Endang Windiarti
Journal
JURNAL KEBIDANAN
Year
2025
Study design
Randomised trial
What was tested
Pumpkin seed extract (Cucurbita moschata) at 500 mg 2x2 or 2x1 per day for 10 days, or starch placebo
Open access
Yes

Topics