Effects of Pumpkin (Cucurbita spp.) on Glycemic and Type 2 Diabetes-Related Metabolic Biomarkers: A Systematic Review of Controlled Clinical Trials.

CONTEXT: Pumpkin (Cucurbita spp.) is a versatile, low-cost, widely used plant product with potential to promote glycemic control. However, clinical evidence regarding its antihyperglycemic efficacy remains inconsistent.

OBJECTIVE

The primary aim was to investigate the antihyperglycemic effects of pumpkin in human nutrition; the secondary aim was to assess pumpkin's impact on type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM)-related metabolic biomarkers.

DATA SOURCE: A systematic review was performed by searching databases (MEDLINE/PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library/Central) until March 2025 and included controlled clinical trials assessing the effects of pumpkin or its by-products on glucose outcomes and T2DM-related metabolic biomarkers in adults with or without T2DM.

DATA EXTRACTION: All studies were independently screened and extracted by 2 researchers. In the case of disagreement, a third researcher was consulted.

DATA ANALYSIS: From 198 records screened, 9 controlled clinical trials (n = 316 participants) were selected for qualitative analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Pumpkin and its by-products have potential to be used as adjuvants in the prevention and/or treatment of T2DM. More high-quality and long-term clinical trials are needed to confirm this evidence.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO registration No. CRD42022376276.