Pumpkin Seed Oil

Pumpkin seed oil (PSO) is extracted from premium pumpkin seeds (Cucurbita pepo L.). Native to North America, pumpkins have been cultivated for centuries by Indigenous communities—used both in culinary practices and traditional medicine. The oil gained prominence in Europe during the 18th century, particularly in Austria and Slovenia, where it became a staple in traditional cuisine and natural remedies. Today, major cultivation and production regions include China, India, and parts of Eastern Europe. PSO is a rich source of omega-6 Linoleic Acid (LA), comprised of 18 carbon atoms and two double bonds. The health benefits of PSO are attributed to LA. LA is a vital fatty acid widely present in plant oils, yet its high concentration in pumpkin seeds makes PSO particularly valuable. Beyond pumpkin seed oil, other vegetable oils rich in LA include sunflower seed oil, safflower seed oil and hemp seed oil. LA content in PSO ranges from approximately 40% to 65%.