Plukenetia volubilis L.: Usos tradicionales, metabolitos secundarios y efectos farmacológicos

Abstract

Plukenetia volubilis L. known as sacha inchi, Inca peanut, or mountain peanut is a native plant of the Peruvian Amazon that belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family, the first indications of its use date back to the Inca empire, its inhabitants consumed this plant because it gave them the necessary energy for daily activities, at present it has been used for the creation of food, as a supplement to traditional peanuts, also in some places they cook its leaves and consume them and others obtain its oil to use it instead of the common cooking oils or for massages. As there is a wide variety of benefits in the consumption and use of sacha inchi, several phytochemical studies have been carried out to determine the main secondary metabolites that can be obtained from this plant, among which are: Phytosterols, tannins, flavonoids, steroids, alkaloids, saponins, lectins and carotenoids, these chemical compounds are mainly concentrated in its leaves, seeds and the oil extracted from them because from these the largest amount of secondary metabolites of interest for different industries are extracted. All the secondary metabolites listed influence directly on the biological activity of those individuals who consume it, among the main pharmacological effects that have been studied are: Anticancer activity, antioxidant power, antibacterial activity and antidyslipidemic activity, making Plukenetia volubilis L. an undervalued plant in the world industry with great pharmaceutical, nutraceutical and cosmetic benefits.