Sacha inchi – seed and oil
macro and micronutrient content
Seed: Moisture (%) 3.3 ± 0.3, fat (%) 42.0 ± 1.1, protein (%) 24.7 ± 0.5, ash (%) 4.0 ± 0.7, total carbohydrate (%) 30.9 ± 0.6, potassium (mg/kg) 5563.5 ± 6.4, magnesium (mg/kg) 3210.0 ± 21.2, calcium (mg/kg) 2406.0 ± 7.1, iron (mg/kg) 103.5 ± 8.9, zinc (mg/kg) 49.0 ± 1.1, sodium (mg/kg) 15.4 ± 0.5, copper (mg/kg) 12.9 ± 0.3 (Gutiérrez et al. 2011).40 According to Hamaker et al. (1992), total protein 27% of which total amino acids (TAA) (976 mg / g of protein), total essential amino acids (TEAA) (411 mg /g of protein); histidine 26 mg /g protein, isoleucine 50 mg /g protein, leucine 64 mg / g protein, lysine 43 mg /g protein, methionine 12 mg /g protein, cysteine 25 mg /g protein, phenylalanine 24 mg /g protein, tyrosine 55 mg /g protein, threonine 43 mg /g protein, tryptophan 29 mg / g protein, valine 40 mg /g protein; nonessential amino acids: alanine 36 mg / g protein, arginine 55 mg / g protein, aspartic acid 111 mg /g protein, glutamic acid 133 mg /g protein, glycine 118 mg / g protein, proline 48 mg /g protein, serine 64 mg /g protein (Hamaker et al. 1992).41
Phytochemical content
Seed:
The presence of secondary metabolites occurring in sacha inchi seed has been determined qualitatively indicating presence of saponins (abundant) and coumarins (moderate) in the seed and alkaloids (abundant) in both the aqueous and ethanolic extracts of the seed (Pariona-Mendoza 2008).42
Seedcake:
Phenolic compounds determined by HPLC method (caffeic acid 3.51 mg/kg, ferulic acid 1.68 mg/kg, rutin 42.93 mg/kg, hesperidin 28.46 mg/kg, morin 53.24 mg/kg) (Muñoz Jáuregui et al. 2010).43
Fatty oil:
Unsaturated fatty acids: oil of Plukenetia volubilis (oleic min. 8.9%, linoleic min. 32.1% and linolenic min. 44.7%); oil of Plukenetia huayllabambana (oleic min. 7.9%, linoleic min. 24.0% and linolenic min. 55.0%) (INDECOPI 2009).44
Saturated fatty acids:
Oil of Plukenetia volubilis (myristic 0.0%, palmitic 4.4-4.5%, stearic 2.4-3.2%) (Gutiérrez et al. 2011; Hamaker et al. 1992).
Triacylglycerol’s (TAG); the predominant TAG components (>50%) have been identified as dilinolenoyl-linoleoylglycerol (LnLLn), dilinoleoyl-linolenoylglycerol (LLnL), and trilinolenin (LnLnLn) (Fanali et al. 2011).45
Tocopherols (both Plukenetia species) min. 1900 mg/kg (gamma and delta tocopherols) (INDECOPI 2009); according to Fanali et al. (2011) Į-tocopherol 0.004 g/kg, Ȗ-tocopherol 1.257 g/kg and į-tocopherol 0.869 g/kg
Sterols (stigmasterol 75.49 mg/100g, beta-sitosterol 74.62 mg/100g) (Muñoz Jáuregui et al. 2010).
Total phenolic compounds:
6.20 mg/100 g of oil expressed as gallic acid equivalents (GAEs) as determined by Folin Ciocalteu method. Twenty-one phenolic compounds were detected; among them, 15 belonging to phenyl alcohol, flavonoid, seicoridoid, and lignan classes, were positively identified;
Phenyl alcohols: hydroxytyrosol, tyrosol;
Isocoumarins: bergenin;
Flavonoids: alpinumisoflavone, phloretinglucoside, isorhamnetin-glucoside, luteolin, apigenin;
Secoiridoids: methyl decarboxymethyl oleuropein aglycon, oleuropeic acid, oleuropein aglycon;
Lignans: pinoresinol, syringaresinol, hydroxy-pinoresinol;
Organic acids: azaleic acid (Fanali et al. 2011).
The presence of secondary metabolites occurring in sacha inchi seed has been determined qualitatively indicating presence of saponins (abundant) and coumarins (moderate) in the seed and alkaloids (abundant) in both the aqueous and ethanolic extracts of the seed (Pariona-Mendoza 2008).42
Seedcake:
Phenolic compounds determined by HPLC method (caffeic acid 3.51 mg/kg, ferulic acid 1.68 mg/kg, rutin 42.93 mg/kg, hesperidin 28.46 mg/kg, morin 53.24 mg/kg) (Muñoz Jáuregui et al. 2010).43
Fatty oil:
Unsaturated fatty acids: oil of Plukenetia volubilis (oleic min. 8.9%, linoleic min. 32.1% and linolenic min. 44.7%); oil of Plukenetia huayllabambana (oleic min. 7.9%, linoleic min. 24.0% and linolenic min. 55.0%) (INDECOPI 2009).44
Saturated fatty acids:
Oil of Plukenetia volubilis (myristic 0.0%, palmitic 4.4-4.5%, stearic 2.4-3.2%) (Gutiérrez et al. 2011; Hamaker et al. 1992).
Triacylglycerol’s (TAG); the predominant TAG components (>50%) have been identified as dilinolenoyl-linoleoylglycerol (LnLLn), dilinoleoyl-linolenoylglycerol (LLnL), and trilinolenin (LnLnLn) (Fanali et al. 2011).45
Tocopherols (both Plukenetia species) min. 1900 mg/kg (gamma and delta tocopherols) (INDECOPI 2009); according to Fanali et al. (2011) Į-tocopherol 0.004 g/kg, Ȗ-tocopherol 1.257 g/kg and į-tocopherol 0.869 g/kg
Sterols (stigmasterol 75.49 mg/100g, beta-sitosterol 74.62 mg/100g) (Muñoz Jáuregui et al. 2010).
Total phenolic compounds:
6.20 mg/100 g of oil expressed as gallic acid equivalents (GAEs) as determined by Folin Ciocalteu method. Twenty-one phenolic compounds were detected; among them, 15 belonging to phenyl alcohol, flavonoid, seicoridoid, and lignan classes, were positively identified;
Phenyl alcohols: hydroxytyrosol, tyrosol;
Isocoumarins: bergenin;
Flavonoids: alpinumisoflavone, phloretinglucoside, isorhamnetin-glucoside, luteolin, apigenin;
Secoiridoids: methyl decarboxymethyl oleuropein aglycon, oleuropeic acid, oleuropein aglycon;
Lignans: pinoresinol, syringaresinol, hydroxy-pinoresinol;
Organic acids: azaleic acid (Fanali et al. 2011).
Pharmacological actions |
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In vitro experiments:
Antioxidant activity of sacha inchi oil was determined by ABTS method and DPPH method. The results showed that the lipophilic extract oil had higher antioxidant activity and showed a greater inhibitory capacity with DPPH method, however, the hydrophilic extract of the oil showed greater activity with the ABTS method (Muñoz Jáuregui et al. 2010).
In vivo experiments:
A study was carried out to evaluate the oral toxicity at 60 days and to determine the lethal dose 50 (LD50) of raw sacha inchi (Plukenetia volubilis) and linseed (Linum usitatissimum) oils in rats and mice. The serum parameters in the rats indicated there is no toxicity at 60 days and that the administration of the oils lowered the levels of cholesterol, triglycerides and increased the HDL in comparison with the control group. The LD50 shows that the raw sacha inchi and linseed oils have doses above 37 g/kg of body weight. The researchers concluded that sacha inchi and linseed oils are harmless at 60 days and present a LD50 above the 37 g/kg of animal (Gorriti et al. 2010).46
Human clinical trials:
In a randomized controlled clinical trial involving 28 healthy young adult volunteers (medical students between 18 and 25 years old), the experimental group ingested 30 g per day of sacha inchi seeds (Plukenetia volubilis) for 6 weeks. The results of this study showed that daily ingestion of sacha inchi seeds may reduce triglyceride, total cholesterol, and LDL cholesterol, and increase HDL cholesterol levels in young adults. The researchers suggest that further studies in populations of patients with dyslipidaemia should be carried out (Huamán et al. 2012).47
In a pilot, experimental, open label study the effect, effective dosage and secondary effects of sacha inchi (Plukenetia volúbilis L) oil on the lipid profiles of patients with hypercholesterolemia (type IIa and type IIb) was investigated. The study included 24 patients (ages 35 to 75) whose total cholesterol (TC), HDL, triglycerides (Tg), glucose (G), nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA) and insulin (I) levels in blood were measured at baseline. The volunteers were then randomized to receive 5 ml or 10 ml of a suspension of sacha inchi oil (2gr/5ml) orally for four months. After four months, the oil intake produced a decrease in the mean values of TC, and NEFA, and a rise in HDL in both subgroups. The subgroup receiving 10 ml was associated with an increase in insulin levels. In this small study, daily use of sacha inchi oil appeared to have beneficial effects on the lipid profile of patients with dyslipidaemia, but their efficacy and security should be evaluated in randomized clinical trials (Garmendia et al. 2011).48
To investigate plasma lipids reduction, in a randomized controlled clinical trial involving 12 healthy young adult volunteers (medical students between 18 and 25 years old), the experimental group ingested 50 g of sacha inchi seeds. This study found that consumption of sacha inchi seeds resulted in a statistically significant decrease in postprandial triglyceride levels in young adults (Huamán et al. 2008).49 Patent claims: Topical application of fatty oil preparations: antipruritic, anti-inflammatory, dermatological, antiallergic and anti-seborrheic (Berthon 2006).50
Antioxidant activity of sacha inchi oil was determined by ABTS method and DPPH method. The results showed that the lipophilic extract oil had higher antioxidant activity and showed a greater inhibitory capacity with DPPH method, however, the hydrophilic extract of the oil showed greater activity with the ABTS method (Muñoz Jáuregui et al. 2010).
In vivo experiments:
A study was carried out to evaluate the oral toxicity at 60 days and to determine the lethal dose 50 (LD50) of raw sacha inchi (Plukenetia volubilis) and linseed (Linum usitatissimum) oils in rats and mice. The serum parameters in the rats indicated there is no toxicity at 60 days and that the administration of the oils lowered the levels of cholesterol, triglycerides and increased the HDL in comparison with the control group. The LD50 shows that the raw sacha inchi and linseed oils have doses above 37 g/kg of body weight. The researchers concluded that sacha inchi and linseed oils are harmless at 60 days and present a LD50 above the 37 g/kg of animal (Gorriti et al. 2010).46
Human clinical trials:
In a randomized controlled clinical trial involving 28 healthy young adult volunteers (medical students between 18 and 25 years old), the experimental group ingested 30 g per day of sacha inchi seeds (Plukenetia volubilis) for 6 weeks. The results of this study showed that daily ingestion of sacha inchi seeds may reduce triglyceride, total cholesterol, and LDL cholesterol, and increase HDL cholesterol levels in young adults. The researchers suggest that further studies in populations of patients with dyslipidaemia should be carried out (Huamán et al. 2012).47
In a pilot, experimental, open label study the effect, effective dosage and secondary effects of sacha inchi (Plukenetia volúbilis L) oil on the lipid profiles of patients with hypercholesterolemia (type IIa and type IIb) was investigated. The study included 24 patients (ages 35 to 75) whose total cholesterol (TC), HDL, triglycerides (Tg), glucose (G), nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA) and insulin (I) levels in blood were measured at baseline. The volunteers were then randomized to receive 5 ml or 10 ml of a suspension of sacha inchi oil (2gr/5ml) orally for four months. After four months, the oil intake produced a decrease in the mean values of TC, and NEFA, and a rise in HDL in both subgroups. The subgroup receiving 10 ml was associated with an increase in insulin levels. In this small study, daily use of sacha inchi oil appeared to have beneficial effects on the lipid profile of patients with dyslipidaemia, but their efficacy and security should be evaluated in randomized clinical trials (Garmendia et al. 2011).48
To investigate plasma lipids reduction, in a randomized controlled clinical trial involving 12 healthy young adult volunteers (medical students between 18 and 25 years old), the experimental group ingested 50 g of sacha inchi seeds. This study found that consumption of sacha inchi seeds resulted in a statistically significant decrease in postprandial triglyceride levels in young adults (Huamán et al. 2008).49 Patent claims: Topical application of fatty oil preparations: antipruritic, anti-inflammatory, dermatological, antiallergic and anti-seborrheic (Berthon 2006).50
Recommended uses supported by clinical and scientific data
Possible cosmetic uses (oil):
Emollient:
Helps to maintain the soft, smooth, and pliable appearance of skin. Emollients function by their ability to remain on the skin surface or in the stratum corneum to act as lubricants, to reduce flaking, and to improve the skin's appearance;
Humectant:
Increases the water content of the top layers of skin. This group of ingredients includes primarily hygroscopic agents employed for this specific purpose;
Skin protectant:
Temporarily protects injured or exposed skin or mucous membrane surfaces from harmful or annoying stimuli, and may help to provide relief to such surfaces.
Possible nutritive (food or dietary supplement) uses:
Helps maintain cholesterol levels that are already within normal range;
Supportive but not conclusive research shows that consumption of EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease.
Possible medical (drug) uses: For management or treatment of dyslipidaemia or hyperlipidaemia.
Notes on possible medical uses for sacha inchi preparations: For the marketing of drug products in the United States with the above listed medical uses the product would need to go through the Botanical Drug Review process in order to obtain marketing authorization from the FDA.51 This was the pathway, for example, that was followed by an applicant that resulted in the FDA’s 2012 approval of a sangre de drago drug product for treatment of diarrhoea.52
Similarly for Canada, in order to market a product with these disease treatment claims statements, a product license application would need to be submitted to the Health Canada Natural Health Products Directorate (NHPD) in order to obtain marketing authorization and issuance of a Natural Product Number (NPN).53
Emollient:
Helps to maintain the soft, smooth, and pliable appearance of skin. Emollients function by their ability to remain on the skin surface or in the stratum corneum to act as lubricants, to reduce flaking, and to improve the skin's appearance;
Humectant:
Increases the water content of the top layers of skin. This group of ingredients includes primarily hygroscopic agents employed for this specific purpose;
Skin protectant:
Temporarily protects injured or exposed skin or mucous membrane surfaces from harmful or annoying stimuli, and may help to provide relief to such surfaces.
Possible nutritive (food or dietary supplement) uses:
Helps maintain cholesterol levels that are already within normal range;
Supportive but not conclusive research shows that consumption of EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease.
Possible medical (drug) uses: For management or treatment of dyslipidaemia or hyperlipidaemia.
Notes on possible medical uses for sacha inchi preparations: For the marketing of drug products in the United States with the above listed medical uses the product would need to go through the Botanical Drug Review process in order to obtain marketing authorization from the FDA.51 This was the pathway, for example, that was followed by an applicant that resulted in the FDA’s 2012 approval of a sangre de drago drug product for treatment of diarrhoea.52
Similarly for Canada, in order to market a product with these disease treatment claims statements, a product license application would need to be submitted to the Health Canada Natural Health Products Directorate (NHPD) in order to obtain marketing authorization and issuance of a Natural Product Number (NPN).53
Recommended uses supported by traditional use evidence
The primary traditional use of sacha inchi is as food. The seeds are consumed toasted, as a component of typical foods of Peruvian region where the plant grows such as Ichi cucho (ají de maní), inchicapi (chicken soup), tamales, cheese, snacks or salads, etc. Consumption of the raw seed as a purgative (laxative) in traditional medicine has also been recorded, but it is recommended to take no more than two raw seeds for this use (Flores 2010).54
New uses described in patents
Topical permeation enhancer:
There is an application for a United States Patent and international patent for a composition to be used as a permeation enhancer. The composition may be added to topical cosmetics or pharmaceutical formulations that are topically applied. The composition comprises pracaxi oil (Pentaclethra macroloba), sacha inchi seed oil (Plukenetia volubilis), pataua palm oil (Oenocarpus bataua), inaja palm oil (Maximiliana maripa), and one of more emollients (Banov and Bassani 2012).55
Active ingredient of cosmetic or dermatological preparation:
There is a French Patent for the use of oil or proteins extracted from sacha inchi seed (Plukenetia volubilis) as an active ingredient in the preparation of cosmetic composition or dermatological product. An independent claim is also included for extracts of Plukenetia volubilis seed comprising an extraction solvent (water, alcohols, ketones, esters, glycerol, non-polar solvents (preferably hexane or isopropyl myristate), vegetable oils, synthetic oily solvents, chlorinated ethers and/or polyols solvents) where at least two of the solvents are miscible. The claimed pharmacological activities are antipruritic, anti-inflammatory, dermatological, antiallergic and antiseborrheic. The claimed mechanism of action is ‘adipocyte differentiation inhibitor’ (Berthon 2006).56
Anti-aging cosmetic:
There is a United States Patent for a cosmetic preparation which includes a skin care complex claimed to have an anti-ageing effect. The complex consists of liposomes comprising a mixture of cosmetic oil, extract of Plukenetia volubilis seeds, extract of Cynara scolymus leaves and hydrogenated retinol. The liposomes are homogeneously dispersed in a gel network consisting of water and a gel-forming agent (Golz-Berner and Zastrow 2011).57
Extract for cosmetic use:
There is a European patent application for the cosmetic use of an extract of a plant preferably belonging to the genus Plukenetia. Furthermore it relates to the cosmetic use of a protein or a mixture of proteins, whereby said protein or said mixture of proteins is extractable from a plant belonging to the genus Plukenetia. Furthermore the invention relates to the extract, protein of mixture of proteins for use as a medicament (Moser et al. 2007).58
Skin care lotion:
There is a Chinese Patent for an omega-3 fatty acid oil skin care lotion and a preparation method thereof. The omega-3 fatty acid oil skin care lotion glycerine, deionized water, Plukenetia volubilis linneo omega-3 fatty acid oil, octyl and decyl glycerate, methyl glucoside sesquistearate, methyl glucoside PEG-20 sesquistearate and isopropyl myristate, and other ingredients. The patent claims that this omega-3 fatty acid oil skin care lotion can keep skin elasticity and moisture, promote skin to sufficiently absorb omega-3 fatty acid, keep sufficient moisture and nutrient of the skin, effectively protect the skin from being damaged by ultraviolet radiation, strengthen skin elasticity, improve the coarse, dark and lacklustre skin and make the skin youthful (Cai and Yang 2011).59
New conjugated linoleic acids:
There is a United States Patent for a new conjugated linoleic acids, a process for preparation thereof and method of use. The invention concerns the preparation and purification of conjugated linoleic acids from materials rich in alpha or gamma linoleic acids, namely a vegetable oil comprising linseed oil, Plukenetia volubilis oil, borage oil or a mixture thereof. The reaction produces a mixture containing a 1:1 ratio of 9Z, 11E, 15Z-octadecatrienoic acid and 9Z, 13E, 15Z-octadecatrieonic acid. The mixture can be purified up to 90% by liquid chromatography, crystallization or urea crystallization. The mixture of 1:1 9Z, 11E, 15Z-octadecatrienoic acid and 9Z, 13E, 15E, 15Z-octadecatrienoic acid have anticancerous activities (Galvez et al. 2008).60
Blood-fat reducing dietary supplement:
There is a Chinese Patent for a blood fat-reducing dietary supplement product and a preparation method thereof. The preparation contains red yeast rice extract, PuEr ripe tea extract (Camellia sinensis), Plukenetia volubilis linneo oil and beeswax, filled into soft capsules. The Plukenetia volubilis linneo oil is the main ingredient. The patent claims that by combining sacha inchi oil with red yeast rice extract, Pu-Er ripe tea extract and beeswax, the mixture demonstrates safe and effective blood fat reducing and antithrombotic effects (Cai et al. 2011a).61
Polypeptide oral liquid:
There is a Chinese Patent for a Plukenetia volubilis polypeptide oral liquid. Plukenetia volubilis kernels are soaked with water and then ground into thick liquid to obtain Plukenetia volubilis protein emulsion; the hydrolysates of the protein emulsion which is subject to twice enzyme destructions is filtered by a filter cloth of 500 meshes to obtain the Plukenetia volubilis polypeptide liquid; the Plukenetia volubilis polypeptide liquid is cooled to room temperature, etc. The patent application claims that Plukenetia volubilis polypeptide oral liquid provides a new valuable way for development and utilization of the Plukenetia volubilis. Enzyme engineering technology is used to extract oligopeptide, polypeptide and other compounds in the Plukenetia volubilis kernels, and various nutrition constituents, such as dextrose, fructooligosaccharide, vitamin C and the like are added, thus enabling the oral liquid to be absorbed by human bodies and improving delivery value and digestibility and absorption of the protein (Cai et al. 2011b).62
There is an application for a United States Patent and international patent for a composition to be used as a permeation enhancer. The composition may be added to topical cosmetics or pharmaceutical formulations that are topically applied. The composition comprises pracaxi oil (Pentaclethra macroloba), sacha inchi seed oil (Plukenetia volubilis), pataua palm oil (Oenocarpus bataua), inaja palm oil (Maximiliana maripa), and one of more emollients (Banov and Bassani 2012).55
Active ingredient of cosmetic or dermatological preparation:
There is a French Patent for the use of oil or proteins extracted from sacha inchi seed (Plukenetia volubilis) as an active ingredient in the preparation of cosmetic composition or dermatological product. An independent claim is also included for extracts of Plukenetia volubilis seed comprising an extraction solvent (water, alcohols, ketones, esters, glycerol, non-polar solvents (preferably hexane or isopropyl myristate), vegetable oils, synthetic oily solvents, chlorinated ethers and/or polyols solvents) where at least two of the solvents are miscible. The claimed pharmacological activities are antipruritic, anti-inflammatory, dermatological, antiallergic and antiseborrheic. The claimed mechanism of action is ‘adipocyte differentiation inhibitor’ (Berthon 2006).56
Anti-aging cosmetic:
There is a United States Patent for a cosmetic preparation which includes a skin care complex claimed to have an anti-ageing effect. The complex consists of liposomes comprising a mixture of cosmetic oil, extract of Plukenetia volubilis seeds, extract of Cynara scolymus leaves and hydrogenated retinol. The liposomes are homogeneously dispersed in a gel network consisting of water and a gel-forming agent (Golz-Berner and Zastrow 2011).57
Extract for cosmetic use:
There is a European patent application for the cosmetic use of an extract of a plant preferably belonging to the genus Plukenetia. Furthermore it relates to the cosmetic use of a protein or a mixture of proteins, whereby said protein or said mixture of proteins is extractable from a plant belonging to the genus Plukenetia. Furthermore the invention relates to the extract, protein of mixture of proteins for use as a medicament (Moser et al. 2007).58
Skin care lotion:
There is a Chinese Patent for an omega-3 fatty acid oil skin care lotion and a preparation method thereof. The omega-3 fatty acid oil skin care lotion glycerine, deionized water, Plukenetia volubilis linneo omega-3 fatty acid oil, octyl and decyl glycerate, methyl glucoside sesquistearate, methyl glucoside PEG-20 sesquistearate and isopropyl myristate, and other ingredients. The patent claims that this omega-3 fatty acid oil skin care lotion can keep skin elasticity and moisture, promote skin to sufficiently absorb omega-3 fatty acid, keep sufficient moisture and nutrient of the skin, effectively protect the skin from being damaged by ultraviolet radiation, strengthen skin elasticity, improve the coarse, dark and lacklustre skin and make the skin youthful (Cai and Yang 2011).59
New conjugated linoleic acids:
There is a United States Patent for a new conjugated linoleic acids, a process for preparation thereof and method of use. The invention concerns the preparation and purification of conjugated linoleic acids from materials rich in alpha or gamma linoleic acids, namely a vegetable oil comprising linseed oil, Plukenetia volubilis oil, borage oil or a mixture thereof. The reaction produces a mixture containing a 1:1 ratio of 9Z, 11E, 15Z-octadecatrienoic acid and 9Z, 13E, 15Z-octadecatrieonic acid. The mixture can be purified up to 90% by liquid chromatography, crystallization or urea crystallization. The mixture of 1:1 9Z, 11E, 15Z-octadecatrienoic acid and 9Z, 13E, 15E, 15Z-octadecatrienoic acid have anticancerous activities (Galvez et al. 2008).60
Blood-fat reducing dietary supplement:
There is a Chinese Patent for a blood fat-reducing dietary supplement product and a preparation method thereof. The preparation contains red yeast rice extract, PuEr ripe tea extract (Camellia sinensis), Plukenetia volubilis linneo oil and beeswax, filled into soft capsules. The Plukenetia volubilis linneo oil is the main ingredient. The patent claims that by combining sacha inchi oil with red yeast rice extract, Pu-Er ripe tea extract and beeswax, the mixture demonstrates safe and effective blood fat reducing and antithrombotic effects (Cai et al. 2011a).61
Polypeptide oral liquid:
There is a Chinese Patent for a Plukenetia volubilis polypeptide oral liquid. Plukenetia volubilis kernels are soaked with water and then ground into thick liquid to obtain Plukenetia volubilis protein emulsion; the hydrolysates of the protein emulsion which is subject to twice enzyme destructions is filtered by a filter cloth of 500 meshes to obtain the Plukenetia volubilis polypeptide liquid; the Plukenetia volubilis polypeptide liquid is cooled to room temperature, etc. The patent application claims that Plukenetia volubilis polypeptide oral liquid provides a new valuable way for development and utilization of the Plukenetia volubilis. Enzyme engineering technology is used to extract oligopeptide, polypeptide and other compounds in the Plukenetia volubilis kernels, and various nutrition constituents, such as dextrose, fructooligosaccharide, vitamin C and the like are added, thus enabling the oral liquid to be absorbed by human bodies and improving delivery value and digestibility and absorption of the protein (Cai et al. 2011b).62
