Abstract

The seed of the Sacha Inchi plant, Plukenetia volubilis L., is native to the Peruvian Amazon and is often called “green nut” in Japan due to the green pod in which it is encased as it grows. Oil pressed from green nuts (green nut oil) contains more than 90% unsaturated fatty acids, with a notable α-linolenic acid content of approximately 50% of the total fatty acid content. Additional constituents of green nut oil are a large amount of γ-tocopherol and δ-tocopherol but only a minute amount of α-tocopherol, which is said to exhibit antioxidant activity in vivo. However, in vitro experiments demonstrated that green nut oil has high antioxidant capacity. The benefits of green nut oil for human health were investigated in seven subjects. Serum was analyzed to determine antioxidant activity and urine 8-Hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) concentration was used to assess inhibition of DNA damage. The present findings reveal that green nut oil has excellent antioxidant and anti-DNA damage activity. Moreover, serum α-linolenic acid and γ- and δ-tocopherol concentrations were higher after consumption of green nut oil than after canola oil.