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Sacha Inchi

Plukenetia volubilis L.
Evidence Level
Limited
2 Clinical Trials
4 Documented Benefits
2/5 Evidence Score

Sacha inchi, the Amazonian 'Inca peanut,' is the seed of Plukenetia volubilis, a vine traditionally cultivated by indigenous communities in Peru, Ecuador, and surrounding regions. The roasted seed is consumed as a snack while cold-pressed sacha inchi oil is rich in alpha-linolenic acid, the plant-based omega-3 fatty acid that the body uses as a precursor for longer-chain EPA and DHA. The oil typically contains more than 45 percent ALA along with significant linoleic acid and a natural complement of tocopherols. Direct human randomized trial evidence is limited, but small studies in hyperlipidemic adults show improvements in total cholesterol, non-esterified fatty acids, and HDL, and pharmacokinetic work demonstrates that ALA from sacha inchi oil is well absorbed and modestly elevates plasma DHA. It is best framed as a plant-based omega-3 source for those who avoid fish, with effects that are biologically plausible and supported by mechanism but still under-studied at the trial level.

Studied Dose Small clinical trials have used about 5–10 mL of sacha inchi oil per day for 16 weeks, providing roughly 2–5 g of alpha-linolenic acid daily; whole roasted seeds are commonly consumed in 20–30 g portions as a protein and omega-3 source.
Active Compound Alpha-linolenic acid (typically >45 percent of total fatty acids), linoleic acid, and oleic acid in cold-pressed seed oil, plus seed protein, tocopherols, and minor phytosterols.

Benefits

Provides a plant-based omega-3 source

Cold-pressed sacha inchi oil is one of the most concentrated dietary sources of alpha-linolenic acid, making it a useful plant-based omega-3 option for people who avoid fish or fish oil, and providing a precursor that the body partially converts to longer-chain omega-3s.

Supported by Trial 2, Trial 1

Helps support a healthy lipid profile

In small clinical studies of adults with elevated cholesterol, sacha inchi oil consumption has been associated with reductions in total cholesterol and non-esterified fatty acids and increases in HDL cholesterol, supporting an overall heart-healthy dietary pattern.

Supported by Trial 1

Supports normal essential fatty acid intake

Sacha inchi seeds and oil provide both alpha-linolenic acid and linoleic acid in proportions favoring omega-3, helping support adequate essential fatty acid intake in diets that may otherwise be skewed toward omega-6 sources.

Supported by Trial 2, Trial 1

Contributes plant protein and tocopherols

Whole roasted sacha inchi seeds supply plant protein along with tocopherols and minor antioxidant constituents, contributing to nutrient diversity and overall antioxidant support when used as a snack or recipe ingredient.

Supported by Trial 1, Trial 2

Mechanism of action

1

ALA precursor for EPA and DHA

Alpha-linolenic acid from sacha inchi oil undergoes partial elongation and desaturation in the liver to produce EPA and small amounts of DHA, providing precursor supply for the omega-3 long-chain pathway when fish-derived sources are absent.

2

Modulation of lipid metabolism and lipoproteins

Diets enriched in ALA have been shown to reduce VLDL secretion and improve lipoprotein profiles, providing a mechanism for the modest reductions in total cholesterol and increases in HDL observed in small sacha inchi oil trials.

3

Anti-inflammatory eicosanoid signaling

EPA and oxylipins derived from ALA competition with arachidonic acid pathways generate less pro-inflammatory eicosanoids and contribute to resolving lipid mediators, providing a mechanistic basis for cardiovascular and inflammation-related effects of plant-based omega-3 intake.

Clinical trials

1
Sacha inchi oil in hyperlipoproteinemia

Open-label pilot study of sacha inchi oil suspension orally (5 mL or 10 mL doses) for 4 months in adults with elevated cholesterol (Garmendia, Pando, Ronceros; Rev Peru Med Exp Salud Publica).

24 adults aged 35–75 with hyperlipoproteinemia.

Sacha inchi oil consumption reduced mean total cholesterol and non-esterified fatty acids and increased HDL cholesterol in both dose subgroups, with the higher 10 mL dose also associated with rises in insulin. Provides early human evidence for sacha inchi oil's lipid-modifying potential.

2
Acute fatty acid pharmacokinetics in adults

Crossover study of single oral doses of sacha inchi oil versus sunflower oil with plasma fatty acid measurements over 24 hours (Gonzales et al., Toxicology Mechanisms and Methods).

18 healthy human adult volunteers.

Sacha inchi oil elevated plasma alpha-linolenic acid and DHA, with peak ALA at 2 hours and higher concentrations in female participants, demonstrating that ALA from sacha inchi oil is absorbed and modestly elevates long-chain omega-3 in plasma compared with sunflower oil.

Side effects and drug interactions

Common Potential side effects

Mild gastrointestinal upset such as soft stools or nausea can occur with higher oil intakes.
Fishy or grassy aftertaste from oxidized oil suggests improper storage and should be avoided.
Allergic-type reactions to Plukenetia volubilis seed protein are uncommon but possible.
High caloric density of oil means portion control is important for weight management.
Quality varies between brands; choose cold-pressed, properly stored sacha inchi oil.

Important Drug interactions

Anticoagulants such as warfarin: theoretical additive bleeding risk via omega-3 platelet effects.
Antihypertensive medications: omega-3-rich oils may modestly lower blood pressure; monitor.
Antidiabetic medications: sacha inchi oil may influence glucose and insulin handling; monitor.
Other omega-3 supplements: avoid stacking high doses without medical supervision.

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Frequently asked questions about Sacha Inchi

What is the recommended dosage of Sacha Inchi?

The clinically studied dose for Sacha Inchi is Small clinical trials have used about 5–10 mL of sacha inchi oil per day for 16 weeks, providing roughly 2–5 g of alpha-linolenic acid daily; whole roasted seeds are commonly consumed in 20–30 g portions as a protein and omega-3 source.. Always follow product labeling and consult a healthcare provider for personalized dosing recommendations.

What is Sacha Inchi used for?

Sacha Inchi is studied for provides a plant-based omega-3 source, helps support a healthy lipid profile, supports normal essential fatty acid intake. Cold-pressed sacha inchi oil is one of the most concentrated dietary sources of alpha-linolenic acid, making it a useful plant-based omega-3 option for people who avoid fish or fish oil, and providing a precursor that the body partially converts to l…

Are there side effects from taking Sacha Inchi?

Reported potential side effects may include: Mild gastrointestinal upset such as soft stools or nausea can occur with higher oil intakes. Fishy or grassy aftertaste from oxidized oil suggests improper storage and should be avoided. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially if you have underlying conditions or take medications.

Does Sacha Inchi interact with medications?

Known drug interactions may include: Anticoagulants such as warfarin: theoretical additive bleeding risk via omega-3 platelet effects. Antihypertensive medications: omega-3-rich oils may modestly lower blood pressure; monitor. Consult a pharmacist or healthcare provider if you take prescription medications.

Is Sacha Inchi good for cardiovascular?

Yes, Sacha Inchi is researched for Cardiovascular support. In small clinical studies of adults with elevated cholesterol, sacha inchi oil consumption has been associated with reductions in total cholesterol and non-esterified fatty acids and increases in HDL cholesterol, supporting an overall heart-healthy dietary pattern.

References(2 citations)

Evidence ratings on NutraSmarts are based on the totality of human clinical research, with emphasis on randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, and systematic reviews. The references below directly support claims made throughout this page.

  1. Garmendia F, Pando R, Ronceros G. Effect of sacha inchi oil (plukenetia volúbilis l) on the lipid profile of patients with hyperlipoproteinemia. Revista Peruana de Medicina Experimental y Salud Publica. 2011;Rev Peru Med Exp Salud Publica. 2011 Dec;28(4):628-32..PubMedUsed to support: Pilot clinical study showing sacha inchi oil reduced total cholesterol and non-esterified fatty acids and increased HDL in adults with hyperlipoproteinemia.
  2. Gonzales GF, Gonzales C, Villegas L. Exposure of fatty acids after a single oral administration of sacha inchi (Plukenetia volubilis L.) and sunflower oil in human adult subjects. Toxicology Mechanisms and Methods. 2014;Toxicol Mech Methods. 2014 Jan;24(1):60-69..PubMedUsed to support: Crossover pharmacokinetic study demonstrating sacha inchi oil consumption increased plasma alpha-linolenic acid and DHA in healthy adults compared with sunflower oil.