Abstract:Plukenetia volubilis Linneo is native to the Peruvian Amazon and widely cultivated in Yunnan, China. Sacha inchi has been recognized as a sustainable crop in the world. It has been widely used in food and daily necessities. Different parts of Sacha inchi contain varying primary active components. Its seeds are rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids and active proteins/peptides, while the leaves and shells of Sacha inchi primarily contain phenolic compounds, such as flavones and polyphenols. These active components confer upon Sacha inchi various biological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, memory-enhancing, vision-improving, blood pressure-lowering, and more. However, there is a lack of systematic summary on the active components and efficacy of different parts of Sacha inchi. This article summarizes the primary active components, functional properties, and mechanisms of action of different parts of Sacha inchi, including the seeds, shells, and leaves. It specifically focuses on the mechanisms underlying the lipid-lowering, blood sugar-reducing, and uric acid-lowering effects of Sacha inchi's active components, with the aim of providing a scientific foundation for the high-quality development of Sacha inchi industry.
