Sacha Inchi (Plukenetia volubilis): Benefits, Dosage, Safety & Evidence

Questions fréquentes

How does sacha inchi work in the body?

Sacha inchi works primarily through its high alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) omega-3 content, which the body partially converts to EPA and DHA. These fatty acids incorporate into cell membranes and modulate inflammatory pathways by reducing pro-inflammatory eicosanoids. The seeds also contain tryptophan, a serotonin precursor that may support mood and sleep regulation. Additionally, vitamin E and other antioxidants help protect cells from oxidative stress, contributing to skin and cardiovascular health. Evidence level: C (preliminary clinical studies).

Does sacha inchi interact with blood thinners or other medications?

Sacha inchi may have mild blood-thinning effects due to its omega-3 fatty acid content, potentially enhancing the effects of anticoagulant medications like warfarin, aspirin, or clopidogrel. While the interaction risk is generally considered low at recommended doses, individuals taking blood thinners should consult their healthcare provider before adding sacha inchi to their regimen. No significant drug interactions have been documented in clinical literature, but caution is advised. Evidence level: C.

What is the recommended daily dosage of sacha inchi oil or seeds?

The typical adult dosage for sacha inchi is 5-15ml of oil or 10-30g of seeds daily. This amount provides approximately 2-6 grams of ALA omega-3 fatty acids. The oil can be taken straight or added to foods, while roasted seeds can be consumed as a snack. Starting with a lower dose and gradually increasing can help minimize potential gastrointestinal discomfort. Evidence level: Traditional use with preliminary clinical support (Level C).

Is sacha inchi safe to take during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Sacha inchi is generally considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding when consumed in recommended amounts. Its high omega-3 content may actually benefit fetal brain development and maternal health. However, pregnant women should avoid excessive consumption and consult their healthcare provider before starting any new supplement. Those with nut allergies should exercise caution, as sacha inchi seeds may trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Evidence level: C (limited clinical data).

What are the health benefits of taking sacha inchi?

Sacha inchi is primarily used to support brain health, cardiovascular function, and skin integrity due to its exceptional omega-3 fatty acid content. The ALA in sacha inchi may help reduce systemic inflammation, support healthy cholesterol levels, and promote cognitive function. Its high protein content and vitamin E also contribute to skin health and tissue repair. Traditional use and preliminary research suggest benefits for inflammatory conditions, though more rigorous clinical trials are needed. Evidence level: C.

Fiche d'information compilée à partir de PubMed

Cette fiche a été compilée à partir de résumés PubMed (NIH) avec l'assistance d'une IA. Chaque affirmation factuelle est citée par un article PubMed réel (voir la liste des sources). Elle n'a pas encore été révisée par un humain — confirmez auprès d'un professionnel de santé avant utilisation.

Compilé à partir de 30 articles PubMed · modèle : gemma4:31b

Résumé

Sacha Inchi (Plukenetia volubilis L.) is an Amazonian oilseed crop recognized for its high content of omega-3 fatty acids, proteins, and antioxidants [PMID:29884388, PMID:32185506].

Contexte

Sacha Inchi is an oleaginous plant native to the tropical rainforests of the Amazon region in South America, including Peru and northwestern Brazil [PMID:34731811, PMID:39484157]. It is considered an underutilized 'lost crop' of the Incas with potential for sustainable food production and pharmaceutical applications [PMID:32185506, PMID:39795216].

Usages traditionnels

Rural communities have used the plant as a topical cream for skin revitalization and as a treatment for rheumatism and muscle pain [PMID:37979081].

Composés actifs

The plant is rich in unsaturated fatty acids, particularly alpha-linolenic acid (omega-3), linoleic acid (omega-6), and oleic acid (omega-9) [PMID:39795216, PMID:32185506]. Other bioactive components include tocopherols (specifically gamma- and delta-tocopherols), polyphenolic compounds, flavonoids, and high-quality proteins containing all essential amino acids [PMID:31357570, PMID:38692890, PMID:39508036, PMID:40701084].

Mécanisme d'action

Sacha inchi protein hydrolysates have been shown in vitro to down-regulate the TNF-alpha gene and reduce its release while up-regulating anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-10 and IL-4 in LPS-stimulated monocytes [PMID:38998552]. Its oil may improve hepatic insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism by inhibiting oxidative stress and inflammation [PMID:37066030].

Preuves cliniques

Preuve CCardiovascular Disease Risk Factors

Demonstrated positive effects in attenuating dyslipidemia, obesity, diabetes, and hypertension [PMID:38004453]

Preuve DType 2 Diabetes (Rat Model)

Oral administration of sacha inchi oil attenuated hyperglycemia and insulin resistance indices and improved hepatic histopathological alterations in a dose-dependent manner [PMID:37066030]

Preuve DRheumatoid Arthritis (Mice Model)

Ethanol extract of leaves showed anti-arthritis effects in a complete Freund's adjuvant-induced model [PMID:37860100]

Preuve DSkin Health/Anti-aging

Oil exhibits cellular antioxidant activity with inhibitory effects against MMP-2 and is safe for human fibroblast cells at 1-3% concentrations [PMID:38171737]

Sécurité et effets indésirables

While generally recognized as a healthful food, some scientific evidence suggests a risk of toxicity associated with high doses of sacha inchi seed oils [PMID:36132179].

Synthèse des preuves

The current evidence is primarily based on in vitro studies, animal models (rats/mice), and narrative reviews. There is a lack of high-level human clinical trial data (RCTs) to establish definitive therapeutic dosages or efficacy in humans.

Sources PubMed

1.PMID: 35548366 (2022) — Vegetable Butters and Oils as Therapeutically and Cosmetically Active Ingredients for Dermal Use: A Review of Clinical Studies. · Frontiers in pharmacology
2.PMID: 29884388 (2018) — Sacha inchi (Plukenetia volubilis L.): Nutritional composition, biological activity, and uses. · Food chemistry
3.PMID: 38998552 (2024) — Sacha Inchi (Plukenetia volubilis L.) Protein Hydrolysate as a New Ingredient of Functional Foods. · Foods (Basel, Switzerland)
4.PMID: 39484157 (2024) — The application prospects of sacha inchi (Plukenetia volubilis linneo) in rheumatoid arthritis. · Frontiers in pharmacology
5.PMID: 34731811 (2022) — Sacha inchi (Plukenetia volubilis L.): An emerging source of nutrients, omega-3 fatty acid and phytochemicals. · Food chemistry

Sacha Inchi

Sources et citations

Calculer une dose sûre de Sacha Inchi

Omega-3 Fish Oil Source

Algal DHA Source

Alpinia zerumbet

Questions fréquentes

Résumé

Contexte

Usages traditionnels

Composés actifs

Mécanisme d'action

Preuves cliniques

Sécurité et effets indésirables

Synthèse des preuves

Sources PubMed

Sources gouvernementales

Sacha Inchi

Sources et citations

Calculer une dose sûre de Sacha Inchi

Plantes associées

Omega-3 Fish Oil Source

Algal DHA Source

Alpinia zerumbet

Questions fréquentes

Résumé

Contexte

Usages traditionnels

Composés actifs

Mécanisme d'action

Preuves cliniques

Sécurité et effets indésirables

Synthèse des preuves

Sources PubMed

Sources gouvernementales