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.