Sacha inchi (Plukenetia volubilis) seed oil alleviates Plasmodium berghei infection in mice by reducing proinflammatory cytokine levels and inhibiting parasite growth.

BACKGROUND

Sacha inchi (Plukenetia volubilis) seed is a rich source of polyunsaturated fatty acids, namely omega-3 and omega-6, which provide various health benefits, especially in the prevention of inflammatory diseases. Malaria, caused by Plasmodium species, triggers inflammasome activation, leading to the release of proinflammatory cytokines.

AIM: This study aimed to reveal the immunomodulatory potential effect of Sacha inchi seed oil (SISO) on parasite growth and proinflammatory cytokine expression (Interleukin-6, Il-8, and Il-12) in Plasmodium berghei-infected mice.

METHODS

Twenty-five BALB/c mice were divided into five groups, including the control group (G1), infected and untreated group (G2), and three infected groups treated with SISO at doses of 250 mg/kg body weight (G3), 500 mg/kg body weight (G4), and 1,000 mg/kg body weight (G5). Parasitemia levels were determined by calculating the percentage of infected red blood cells, whereas cytokine levels were measured using ELISA.

RESULTS

SISO treatment significantly reduced parasite growth in the 500 mg/kg body weight (18.12%) and 1,000 mg/kg body weight (17.12%) groups compared with the untreated group (30.18%). Levels of Il-8 and Il-12 showed significant differences (p < 0.05), with the highest levels recorded in the untreated group (G2), followed by the 250 mg/kg body weight therapy group (G3). The mice in the groups treated with 500 mg/kg body weight (G4) and 1,000 mg/kg body weight (G5) showed a decrease, and the value was even close to the control group (G1). However, no significant changes in Il-6 levels were observed across the groups.

CONCLUSION

Sacha inchi seed oil has the potential to modulate the immune response of P. berghei-infected mice through the inhibition of parasite growth and reduction of the proinflammatory cytokine levels Il-12 and Il-8, depending on the dose. A dose of 500 mg/kg body weight effectively reduced parasite growth and the levels of observed proinflammatory cytokines.