Background This study aimed to investigate the antiparasitic and anti-infammatory potential of pumpkin seed oil

in mice infected with Trichinella spiralis by demonstrating its impact on MMP-9 expression and pathogenesis dur‑

ing the intestinal and muscular phases.

Results In this study, 100 mice were divided into fve groups: an infected group, a pumpkin seed oil-treated

group (1.5 mg/kg BW, administered three times per week), an albendazole-treated group, a native control group,

and a pumpkin oil control group. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis of the pumpkin seed oil revealed

a broad spectrum of biologically active compounds. The pumpkin seed oil treatment led to a signifcant reduction

in the parasite burden, with a 75% decrease in adult worms and a 66% decrease in encysted larvae. Additionally,

the infected animals treated with pumpkin oil exhibited a marked reduction in intestinal infammation, character‑

ized by a progressive increase in goblet cells. The number of encysted larvae in the diaphragm and muscle tissues

was also signifcantly decreased. Furthermore, pumpkin seed oil treatment signifcantly reduced MMP-9 levels

in both intestinal and muscular tissues, highlighting its potential to attenuate infammation.

Conclusion These fndings underscore the efectiveness of pumpkin seed oil as anti-infammatory and antiparasitic

agent.