Inca Inchi Seed Oil
Also known as: Inca Inchi, Sacha Inchi, Sacha Peanut, Inca Inchi Seed Oil, Sacha Inchi oil, SIO, Plukenetia volubilis L.
Overview
Inca Inchi Seed Oil (SIO), also known as Sacha Inchi oil, is derived from the seeds of Plukenetia volubilis, a plant indigenous to the Amazon rainforest. It is highly regarded for its exceptional concentration of essential polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), particularly omega-3 (alpha-linolenic acid, ALA) and omega-6 (linoleic acid, LA). This oil is utilized as a dietary supplement, primarily for its potential benefits in cardiovascular health, anti-inflammatory actions, and antioxidant properties. While research on SIO's chemical composition, bioactivity, and health effects is growing, comprehensive systematic reviews and meta-analyses specifically on SIO supplementation are still limited. The oil's high unsaturation level contributes to its bioactivity but also makes it susceptible to oxidative instability.
Benefits
Inca Inchi Seed Oil is rich in essential fatty acids, containing approximately 47% alpha-linolenic acid (omega-3) and 38% linoleic acid (omega-6), which are crucial for cardiovascular health and anti-inflammatory processes. A controlled study indicated that SIO supplementation did not lead to changes in body weight or fat accumulation and demonstrated antioxidant potential without adverse effects on liver or kidney function. The oil also exhibits significant antioxidant capacity, as measured by DPPH and FRAP assays, suggesting its ability to mitigate oxidative stress. Preliminary data suggest SIO may modulate lipid metabolism and inflammatory markers postprandially, though these findings require further confirmation in larger clinical trials. Most research has focused on healthy adults, with limited data on its effects in populations with metabolic disorders or cardiovascular risk factors. Quantitative effect sizes on clinical endpoints are not yet well-defined due to the scarcity of large-scale randomized controlled trials.
How it works
The primary mechanism of action for Inca Inchi Seed Oil stems from its high concentration of omega-3 (alpha-linolenic acid) and omega-6 (linoleic acid) fatty acids. These essential fatty acids are precursors to eicosanoids, which play critical roles in modulating inflammatory pathways and lipid metabolism within the body. Additionally, the oil contains antioxidant compounds such as polyphenols and tocopherols, which contribute to its ability to reduce oxidative stress by neutralizing free radicals. The high degree of unsaturation (iodine value ~192 g I2/100 g) in the oil underscores its bioactivity. The absorption of fatty acids from SIO is comparable to other dietary oils, with bioavailability potentially influenced by the oil's formulation and whether it is consumed with food.
Side effects
Inca Inchi Seed Oil is generally well-tolerated, with no significant adverse effects reported in controlled studies. While specific common side effects are not extensively documented, mild gastrointestinal discomfort, typical of many fatty acid supplements, may occur. There are no reported significant drug interactions or contraindications associated with SIO. However, due to its high polyunsaturated fatty acid content, individuals in special populations, such as pregnant women or those with bleeding disorders, should exercise caution, although specific studies in these groups are lacking. Long-term safety data are also limited, with most studies focusing on short-term supplementation.
Dosage
The minimum effective dose for Inca Inchi Seed Oil has not been definitively established. Clinical studies typically use dosages ranging from 1 to 3 grams of oil per day. Optimal dosage likely aligns with general recommendations for alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) intake, which is typically 1-3 grams per day. There is no established maximum safe dose; however, high intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids should be balanced to prevent potential oxidative stress. Consuming SIO with meals may enhance absorption and help mitigate any potential gastrointestinal side effects. The form of the oil (e.g., liquid, capsules) and individual absorption factors may also influence its efficacy.
FAQs
Is Inca Inchi oil a good source of omega-3?
Yes, Inca Inchi oil is an excellent plant-based source of omega-3, containing a high proportion of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), comparable to flaxseed oil.
Does Inca Inchi oil cause weight gain?
Controlled studies have indicated that Inca Inchi oil supplementation does not lead to changes in body weight or fat accumulation.
Is Inca Inchi oil safe for long-term use?
While short-term use of Inca Inchi oil appears safe and well-tolerated, comprehensive long-term safety data are currently limited.
How do extraction methods affect Inca Inchi oil quality?
Extraction methods and processing, such as roasting, significantly influence the oil's oxidation levels and its antioxidant content, impacting overall quality.
Research Sources
- https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/10408398.2023.2276882 – This review summarizes the impact of various extraction methods on the chemical composition and oxidation stability of Sacha Inchi oil. It highlights the oil's high iodine value, indicating significant unsaturation, and notes how roasting processes can affect the formation of oxidation products. The study provides high-quality chemical analysis but lacks clinical outcome data.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2025.1597300/pdf – This experimental study characterized the fatty acid profile of Sacha Inchi oil, confirming its high alpha-linolenic acid content (~47%) and significant antioxidant capacity. It also noted the oil's inherent oxidative instability due to its high unsaturation. The research offers good chemical characterization but does not include clinical intervention data.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10892392/ – This randomized controlled trial from Thailand investigated Sacha Inchi oil supplementation, finding it to be safe with no adverse effects on body weight or lipid accumulation. The study also confirmed the oil's antioxidant potential. Despite its controlled design, the study's moderate quality is limited by a small sample size and short duration.
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/jfbc.12703 – This randomized crossover trial explored the postprandial effects of Sacha Inchi oil, suggesting it can modulate metabolic and inflammatory markers depending on an individual's metabolic status. The data are preliminary and based on a small sample, indicating a need for replication in larger studies to confirm these findings.
