Using pumpkin seed oil extract to improve bladder function

Evaluating Pumpkin Seed Oil Extract Supplementation on Bladder Function

NA · Northwestern University · NCT06944392

This study is testing if taking 1000mg of pumpkin seed oil extract every day can help people with overactive bladder feel better over 12 weeks.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment40 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexFemale
SponsorNorthwestern University (other)
Locations1 site (Chicago, Illinois)
Trial IDNCT06944392 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This pilot study evaluates the effects of daily supplementation with 1000mg of pumpkin seed oil extract on bladder function in patients with overactive bladder (OAB). The study utilizes validated outcome measures, including the Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction Network Symptom Index-10 (LURN-SI) survey, to assess changes in patient-reported bladder function over a 12-week period. Secondary objectives include evaluating rapid changes in bladder function after 4 weeks and assessing patient adherence to the supplement. The study aims to provide insights into the potential benefits of pumpkin seed oil as a complementary treatment for OAB.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are patients diagnosed with overactive bladder who report urinary urgency and are willing to use a dietary supplement without initiating other treatments.

Not a fit: Patients with significant pelvic organ prolapse, urinary tract infections, or those currently using other treatments for OAB may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could offer a natural supplement option for patients suffering from overactive bladder, potentially improving their quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of pumpkin seed oil extract is relatively novel, similar studies on dietary supplements for bladder function have shown promising results.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* All patients evaluated at Northwestern's IPHP who report bladder function consistent with overactive bladder (urinary urgency, with or without urinary frequency more than 8 times daily or nocturia, with or without urgency urinary incontinence) at their index visit, who are also willing to use a dietary supplement and not initiate additional behavioral, medication or procedural treatment for 12 weeks following pumpkin seed oil extract initiation.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients with any of the following will be excluded from the study:
* Use of other supplements that contain pumpkin seed oil
* ≥Stage 3 pelvic organ prolapse
* Urinary post-void residual ≥150cc
* Culture-proven urinary tract infection at time of study enrollment
* Recurrent urinary tract infection
* Neurogenic bladder
* Abdominal or pelvic malignancy
* Initiation of new overactive bladder medications or supplements during study period or in the 3 months immediately preceding study enrollment
* History of surgery in the past 12 months for pelvic organ prolapse, stress urinary incontinence, urgency urinary incontinence, or fecal or flatal incontinence
* Patient's primary language is not English

Where this trial is running

Chicago, Illinois

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Overactive Bladder

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.