Contact Info

Join us

SACHA INCHI

Sacha Inchi 2
Sacha Inchi
Sacha Inchi 3

Botanical name:

Plukenetia volubilis L.

Alternative names:

Sacha inchi, sacha inchik, Inca peanut, mountain peanut

Main indications:

  • oilseed food
  • omega-3 and omega-6 fats, as food

Short characteristics:

Sacha inchi is Plukenetia volubilis, an Amazonian Euphorbiaceae oilseed — a star-shaped capsule with oily seeds. People toast the seed and press the oil. Food first: protein and polyunsaturated fat.

It is not a weight-loss herb, not a cholesterol drug, and not a replacement for prescribed lipid medicine. Raw seed can be unpleasant; the edible tradition is roasted seed and oil.

The usual way of use:

Eat roasted seeds, or use the pressed oil in food. Do not drink cups of raw oil as a “cleanse.” Protein powders exist; they are still food, not a slimming protocol. Skip rancid oil — this fat goes off.

Composition

The seed is an oilseed. Chirinos et al. measured a high α-linolenic (omega-3) fraction next to linoleic (omega-6), with γ- and δ-tocopherols and ordinary phytosterols. That is why the plant is discussed next to flax, not next to cat’s claw.

  • α-Linolenic acid and linoleic acid: the two PUFAs that dominate the oil. They are essential fats from food, not fish-oil twins in every metabolic detail.
  • Tocopherols: the oil’s own antioxidants; they do not make it a vitamin-E medicine.
  • Protein in the press-cake: real food protein after the oil is pressed.

Traditional Use

Western Amazon peoples toasted the seed. The modern bottle is a market object. Both can be honest if you keep the claim at food level.

  • Toasted seed and oil: the use that matches the chemistry.
  • Skin oil: a cosmetic use. Not wound magic.

Precautions and Possible Interactions with Medicines

Roasted seed and culinary oil are foods. Raw seed and huge oil doses are the usual ways to feel unwell.

  • Raw seed: can nauseate; roasting is the traditional fix.
  • Rancidity: high PUFA oil spoils. Smell it.
  • Allergy: possible, as with other seeds.
  • Anticoagulants / lipid drugs: food oil is food; do not play pharmacist with tablespoons.
  • Pregnancy: food amounts.

Available Scientific Studies

Two papers on the seed and the safety conversation around it.

  • “Sacha inchi (Plukenetia volubilis): a seed source of polyunsaturated fatty acids, tocopherols, phytosterols, phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity”
    Authors: Chirinos R, Zuloeta G, Pedreschi R, Mignolet E, Larondelle Y, Campos D (2013)
    Overview: Sixteen cultivars: α-linolenic and linoleic acids in a roughly even ω6/ω3 ratio, plus tocopherols, phytosterols, and modest phenolics. A composition paper. It does not test weight loss.
    Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23870885/

  • “Sacha Inchi (Plukenetia Volubilis L.): recent insight on phytochemistry, pharmacology, organoleptic, safety and toxicity perspectives”
    Authors: Mhd Rodzi NAR, Lee LK (2022)
    Overview: Review of oil and seed chemistry, experimental pharmacology, flavor, and toxicity/safety notes. Use it as a map, including the limits. (PMC9483583; a later corrigendum exists as PMID 36439713.)
    Link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9483583/