Gevuina Avellana Nut Oil
Also known as: Chilean hazelnut oil, Gevuina nut oil, Gevuina avellana nut oil
Overview
Gevuina avellana nut oil is extracted from the seeds of the Chilean hazelnut tree (*Gevuina avellana* Mol.), a plant native to southern South America. This oil is notable for its high content of monounsaturated fatty acids, particularly oleic acid, and the presence of unique oxylipins and phenolic compounds. Traditionally consumed as a food, the oil is gaining attention in research for its potential antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory properties. Current scientific understanding is based primarily on in vitro studies and compositional analyses, with some preliminary bioactivity data. While it shows promise, there are no large-scale clinical trials or meta-analyses specifically on the oil as a dietary supplement, meaning its efficacy and safety in human supplementation contexts are not yet established.
Benefits
Research on Gevuina avellana nut oil suggests several potential benefits, primarily demonstrated through in vitro studies. It exhibits significant antioxidant activity, as shown by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) assays, and can inhibit pro-inflammatory enzymes cyclooxygenase-1 and -2 (COX-1/COX-2). The oil also demonstrates the ability to inhibit carbohydrate-digesting enzymes, specifically α-glucosidase and α-amylase. This enzyme inhibition suggests a potential role in modulating postprandial blood glucose levels, with in vitro α-glucosidase inhibition IC50 values around 21–33 μg dry weight/mL, which is considered moderately potent when compared to pharmaceutical inhibitors like acarbose. Additionally, the presence of bioactive cyclic dipeptides, such as cyclo(Arg-Trp), hints at further potential health benefits, though these have not been tested in human subjects. Currently, there are no clinical studies to confirm these benefits in human populations, and therefore, no specific population-based benefits or effect sizes in humans can be definitively stated.
How it works
The bioactivity of Gevuina avellana nut oil is attributed to its unique chemical composition. Its fatty acid profile, rich in oleic acid and 7-hexadecenoic acid, contributes to its properties. Phenolic compounds, including hydroxybenzoic and hydroxycinnamic acids, are also key contributors. The identified oxylipins, such as phytoprostanes and phytofurans, are thought to contribute to anti-inflammatory effects by modulating COX and lipoxygenase pathways. The oil's ability to inhibit α-glucosidase and α-amylase suggests it may interfere with the digestion of carbohydrates, potentially leading to reduced glucose absorption. Furthermore, bioactive cyclic dipeptides found in the oil may exert additional molecular effects, although their specific mechanisms of action are not yet fully understood. Information regarding the absorption and bioavailability of these compounds in the human body is currently lacking.
Side effects
There are no clinical safety data or reported adverse events specifically for Gevuina avellana nut oil as a supplement. Given its traditional use as a food source, it is generally considered likely safe when consumed at dietary levels. However, the safety of the oil at concentrated supplement doses has not been studied in humans. There are no documented drug interactions or contraindications associated with Gevuina avellana nut oil in the scientific literature. Furthermore, there is no specific safety information available for special populations, such as pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, children, or those with pre-existing medical conditions. Consumers should exercise caution due to the lack of comprehensive safety data for supplement-level intake.
Dosage
Currently, there are no established dosing guidelines for Gevuina avellana nut oil due to the absence of clinical trials in humans. In vitro studies have identified effective concentrations for enzyme inhibition in the low microgram per milliliter range, but this data cannot be directly translated to human oral dosing. Information regarding optimal timing of consumption, specific formulations, or the influence of cofactors on its efficacy and safety is also unavailable. Without human clinical data, any recommended dosage would be speculative and potentially unsafe. Consumers should be aware that the appropriate and safe dosage for supplement use remains undetermined.
FAQs
Is Gevuina avellana nut oil effective for blood sugar control?
In vitro studies show it can inhibit enzymes involved in carbohydrate digestion, suggesting a potential role in blood sugar modulation. However, there is no clinical evidence in humans to confirm this effect.
Is Gevuina avellana nut oil safe to consume?
It has a history of traditional use as a food, suggesting it is likely safe in dietary amounts. However, its safety at concentrated supplement doses has not been tested in clinical trials.
How does roasting affect the oil's properties?
Research indicates that roasting the nuts does not significantly alter the fatty acid or phenolic composition of the extracted oil.
Are there any known side effects of Gevuina avellana nut oil?
No side effects have been reported in the scientific literature to date. However, this is largely due to the lack of human clinical trials on its supplement use.
Research Sources
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31260961/ – This analytical study characterized the chemical composition of Gevuina avellana nut oil, identifying key fatty acids, phenolics, and oxylipins. It demonstrated the oil's in vitro antioxidant activity and its ability to inhibit pro-inflammatory enzymes (COX-1/2) and carbohydrate-digesting enzymes (α-glucosidase, α-amylase), suggesting potential health benefits.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7184718/ – This research focused on isolating and characterizing cyclic dipeptides, specifically cyclo(Arg-Trp), from Gevuina avellana phenolic extracts. The findings suggest the presence of novel bioactive compounds, although their functional or clinical effects remain to be investigated.
- https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlehtml/2023/fo/d3fo00328k – This systematic review, which included Gevuina avellana extracts, evaluated the effects of various nut extracts on α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibition. It highlighted the moderate α-glucosidase inhibitory activity of Chilean hazelnut extracts in vitro, emphasizing the need for human clinical trials to validate these findings.