Phytotherapy

Pumpkin seeds

Cucurbita pepo

Mechanism

Pumpkin seeds provide zinc, unsaturated fatty acids and secondary plant compounds (including cucurbitacins). Traditionally they are used as a supplement in horse feeding, in part with the handed-down notion of a supporting effect on the digestive tract. Controlled studies with equine endpoints are largely lacking; in particular, a worm-reducing effect in the horse is not proven and should not be presented as established. The use is predominantly based on experiential knowledge.

Cautions

· High fat and energy content — balance the amount into the overall ration
· Keep double zinc supply in view if already supplementing with zinc-containing products
· The traditional deworming claim is not proven in the horse — it does not replace veterinarian-guided deworming

Sources

GfE 2014GfE — Empfehlungen zur Energie- und Nährstoffversorgung von Pferden (Spurenelemente/Zink)

EMA/HMPC Cucurbitae semenEMA/HMPC — Kürbissamen-Monographie (Cucurbita pepo L.)

Equiterna Score

57/100

solid

Science4.5/10

Practical experience6/10

Safety7/10

Overall score scale

high overall75–100solid55–74limited0–54

How the Equiterna Score is built

The Equiterna Score combines three dimensions into a value of 0-100: science (40%), practical experience (30%) and safety (30%). It is transparently derived from evidence level, attributed sources (PubMed/journals), legal classification and cautions. The FEI doping status is shown separately as a competition-law note and does not enter the score. Commissions and vendor relationships have no influence on the score. In addition, the editorial safety rating caps the result: it limits the safety dimension and the overall tier (orange: at most solid). For entries rated red, no score is calculated at all. The rating never raises anything — a green rating does not lift a calculated value.

An editorial assessment of the evidence and safety situation — not a healing claim and not an individual recommendation. It does not replace veterinary advice.

Dosageration-dependent, traditionally about 30-100 g/animal/day (large horse); account for the fat/energy content

AMG statusComplementary feed

FEI statusNot listed

SafetyWith caution

Evidenceemerging

Frequently asked questions

Is Pumpkin seeds a feed or a veterinary medicine for horses?

Equiterna classes Pumpkin seeds as “Complementary feed”. Legal framework: Regulation (EU) 2019/6 / TAMG (DE/AT), Feed Regulation (EC) 767/2009.

Is Pumpkin seeds allowed at FEI competitions?

In the profile, Pumpkin seeds is listed with the FEI status “Not listed”. The current FEI list is authoritative, so please check its latest version.

Which dosage do the sources give for Pumpkin seeds?

Stated in the profile: ration-dependent, traditionally about 30-100 g/animal/day (large horse); account for the fat/energy content. This is information from the literature, not an instruction for an individual horse.

Which sources are there for Pumpkin seeds?

The profile cites: GfE 2014 and EMA/HMPC Cucurbitae semen.

Usage note

This content is for information and education. It does not replace veterinary diagnosis or treatment. If your horse shows signs of illness, consult a veterinarian.

“Nothing forced can ever be beautiful.”

Xenophon · On Horsemanship (c. 365 BC)

Equiterna is an intermediary platform for equine knowledge, marketplace and tools — not a veterinary-medicines dealer, veterinary practice or pharmacy. Compound information is source-attributed (PubMed, specialist journals, NRC/GfE, EU regulations) and free of healing claims. Legal framework: Regulation (EU) 2019/6 / TAMG (DE/AT), Feed Regulation (EC) 767/2009, FEI Prohibited Substances List, HWG.

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