Effects of Sacha Inchi (Plukenetia volubilis L.) Oil Supplementation on Hyperglycaemia, Hypertension and Hyperlipidaemia (3Hs) Patients: A Preliminary Human Trial

Abstract

Sacha Inchi oil (SIO), derived from seeds of Plukenetia volubilis L., is a novel plant source of unsaturated fatty acids, highly regarded for its health benefits. The rich fractions of polyunsaturated fatty acids have shown potential in improving or reducing the impact of hyperglycaemia, hypertension and hyperlipidaemia (3Hs) for both in vivo and preliminary human studies. This study aimed to investigate the effects of SIO supplementation on glycaemic, lipid and blood pressures outcomes of patients with 3Hs. A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled human clinical trial was conducted to investigate the effects of SIO supplementation in fifty-four (n = 54) 3Hs patients. Assessments of glycaemic control, blood pressure and lipid profiles were conducted and compared at baseline and week-12 after 3Hs patients were randomised into SIO group (n = 27) (received 1000 mg of SIO soft gel per day) or the placebo group (n = 27) (received 1000 mg of corn oil), with prescribed medications. The compliancy and tolerability of supplementation were assessed concurrently. The SIO group demonstrated lower systolic (-8.6 mmHg, p = 0.004) and diastolic blood pressure (BP) (-7.0 mmHg, p = 0.004), total cholesterol (TC) (-0.6 mmol/L, p = 0.024), low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) (-0.3 mmol/L, p = 0.036) and high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) (p = 0.048) but no effect on glycaemic markers. No clinical adverse events were reported, and the side effects of SIO supplementation were self-limiting and minimal. SIO supplementation showed the potential to alleviate BPs, reduced both TC and LDL-C, and improved HDL-C levels. SIO may offer a simple, novel complementary medicine for the management of 3Hs.