Sacha inchi (Plukenetia volubilis L.) – An Underutilized Crop With a Great Potential

Abstract

Plukenetia volubilis is an underutilized oilseed crop native to the Amazon basin, where it has been utilised by humans since Incan times. The large seeds contain approx. 45–50 % lipid, of which approx. 35.2–50.8 % is α-linolenic acid (C18:3 n-3, ω-3) and approx. 33.4–41.0 % is linoleic acid (C18:2 n-6, ω-6), the two essential fatty acids required by humans. The seeds also contain 22–30 % protein and have antioxidant properties. Due to its excellent nutritional composition and good agronomic properties, it has attracted increasing attention in recent years, and cultivation is expanding. When considering current global challenges, a reformation of our food systems is imperative in order to ensure food security, mitigation of climate change, and alleviation of malnutrition. For this purpose, underutilized crops may be essential tools, which can provide agricultural hardiness and reduced need for external inputs, climate resilience, diet diversification, and improved income opportunities for smallholders. Plukenetia volubilis is a promising up and coming crop in this regard and has considerable potential for further domestication; it has an exceptional oil composition, good sensory acceptability, is well suited for cultivation, and has numerous potential applications in, e.g. gastronomy, medicine, and cosmetics.

Sacha Inchi (Plukenetia Volubilis L.): recent insight on phytochemistry, pharmacology, organoleptic, safety and toxicity perspectives

“…The extract of SI reveals mostly lipid fraction in the seeds, while the presence of phenols, flavonoids, tannin, cardiac glycosides, steroids and terpenoids were mainly dominating the seed shells and leaves ( Kodahl and Sørensen, 2021 ; Wuttisin et al., 2020 ). The lipid fractions are composed of approximately 77.5–84.4% PUFAs, 8.4–13.2% monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), and 6.8–9.1% saturated fatty acids (SFAs).…”

“…Commercially, SIO is valued for its beneficial health properties and unique sensory profiles (taste and flavour) ( Garmendia et al., 2011 ). In recent years, it has gained a surge of recognition and popularity in international markets, typically in the form of encapsulated oil ( Kodahl and Sørensen, 2021 ). In Peru, SI is declared as an endangered species.…”

“…As a crop of economic importance for the food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries, it is grown industrially in the regions of San Martín, Loreto, Lamas, Moyobamba, and El Dorado of tropical America ( Ocelák, 2016 ). Lately, its cultivation has also expanded to the Cambodia, Thailand, Laos, including China regions ( Kodahl and Sørensen, 2021 ). In the recent ‘World Edible Oil’ contest, SIO has been awarded with gold medal, witnessing its superior organoleptic qualities ( Ocelák, 2016 ).…”

<i>Plukenetia volubilis</i> L.: A New Record of a Cultivated Alien Species in Java

“…It typically grows in moist or wet lowland forests below 900 meters, along forest borders, or in disturbed areas (Gillespie 1993;Kodahl 2020;POWO 2023). A previous study revealed that it had been recently introduced to Asia, such as China, Cambodia, Laos, and Thailand (Kodahl & Sørensen 2021). Previous botanists have not reported its occurrence in Java.…”

“…Native South American communities have consumed seeds and leaves as a staple for at least three thousand years (Blancke 2016). Seeds of P. volubilis contain unsaturated fats, vitamins A, vitamins E, protein, essential amino acids, fiber, minerals, phenolic compounds, terpenoids, tocopherols, and phytosterols (Sathe et al 2002;Blancke 2016;Kodahl 2020;Kodahl & Sørensen 2021;Torres Sánchez et al 2021). The raw seeds are inedible and develop a nutty flavor after being roasted (Blancke 2016).…”