Sacha Inchi (Plukenetia volubilis L.) Is an Underutilized Crop with a Great Potential

Abstract

Plukenetia volubilis (Euphorbiaceae) is an underutilized oilseed crop native to the Amazon basin, where it has been utilized by humans since Incan times. The large seeds contain approximately 45–50% lipid, of which approximately 35.2–50.8% is α-linolenic acid (C18:3 n-3, ω-3) and approximately 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, a 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.

Overexpression of PvFAD3 Gene from Plukenetia volubilis Promotes the Biosynthesis of α-Linolenic Acid in Transgenic Tobacco Seeds

“…With the continuous development of oil plants, special oil plants rich in α-linolenic acid such as Perilla frutescens [ 31 ], Salvia hispanica [ 32 ], Linum usitatissimum [ 33 ], P. volubilis [ 34 ], and P. suffruticosa [ 35 ] seeds have been discovered as new sources of α-linolenic acid and dietary supplements. The high yield and oil content of P. volubilis seeds, rich in both α-linolenic acid and linoleic acid, exhibit greater advantages than those of other oil plants and have greater potential for exploitation.…”

The Effect of Cultivation Conditions on Sacha Inchi (Plukenetia volubilis L.) Seed Production and Oil Quality (Omega 3, 6, 9)

“…Indesso, Indonesia) minimized the water content and debris, thereby increasing the Sacha Inchi oil quality. The lipid content of the large seeds is around 45-50%, with Omega-3 (alpha-linolenic acid) accounting for roughly 35.2-50.8% and Omega-6 (linoleic acid) accounting for around 33.4-41.0%; these PUFAs are needed by the human body as essential fatty acids [16,46,47]. The seeds also have antioxidant effects and contain 22-30% protein.…”

“…Sacha Inchi has garnered increased interest in recent years due to its outstanding nutritional content and strong agronomic features, and cultivation is expanding. When it comes to today's global concerns, reforming our food systems is critical to providing food security, mitigation of climate change, and malnutrition alleviation [46]. Furthermore, the content of polyunsaturated fatty acids in Sacha Inchi oil is higher than with the known fish oil, which normally contains 11-35% Omega-3 and 0.9-12% Omega-6 [48].…”

Photosynthetic and Morphological Responses of Sacha Inchi (Plukenetia volubilis L.) to Waterlogging Stress

“…Sacha inchi is a woody vine that produces large seeds containing high levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids, such as omega-3 and omega-6 lipids, as well as high levels of proteins, phenolic compounds, and antioxidants, which are beneficial for health [1,2]. It has been claimed that the economic value of sacha inchi is enormous, but it is thus far underutilized and deserves more research attention [3].…”

“…Sacha inchi is an oil crop with considerable potential and high economic value [3]. Taiwan just started planting this crop in 2015, and the planting area now exceeds 1200 hectares.…”