Inga feuilleei (Fabaceae) Pacay, Ice Cream Bean, Guaba
Inga feuilleei, known as Pacay or Ice Cream Bean, is a fast-growing Andean tree whose fruit has delighted South American communities for centuries. The pods contain a white, cottony pulp that tastes remarkably like vanilla ice cream, a sweetness that has earned the plant its English name and its place in local markets. But the tree offers more than dessert. Its leaves are rich in polyphenols and have served traditional medicine as an anti-inflammatory, nasal decongestant, and remedy for arthritis and digestive complaints . The seeds, often discarded, contain trypsin inhibitors that protect the fruit from insect damage, while the peel, the largest fraction of the fruit, holds the highest concentration of total polyphenols yet measured in the plant . Modern research is only beginning to map this chemistry, and the tree's role as a nitrogen-fixing shade crop for coffee and cocoa gives it an ecological value that extends well beyond its edible pods.
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1. Taxonomic Insights
Species: Inga feuilleei DC.
Family: Fabaceae (Legume Family)
Genus: Inga
Basionym: Inga feuilleei DC., Prodromus Systematis Naturalis Regni Vegetabilis 2: 433 (1825)
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Botanical Description
Inga feuilleei is a medium-sized tree reaching up to 18 metres in height, with young branches and leaf rachises covered in a rust-coloured indumentum of pubescent hairs . The tree is fast-growing and tolerant of a range of soil conditions, though it suffers at low temperatures and is best suited to warm tropical and subtropical climates . Like other Inga species, it produces abundant root nodules that fix atmospheric nitrogen, enriching the soil rather than depleting it .
Key Identification Features:
The leaves are pinnately compound, composed of 3 to 5 pairs of oblong-elliptic leaflets, with terminal leaflets measuring 10 to 20 centimetres in length . The inflorescence is a spike approximately 3 centimetres long. The fruit is a flat pod, often exceeding 20 centimetres in length, containing a white, edible pulp with a sweet flavour and soft texture that surrounds the seeds . This pulp is the source of the common name "ice-cream bean" .
Distribution: Inga feuilleei is native to the Andean valleys of northwestern South America, particularly Peru and Bolivia . It is cultivated locally and has been introduced to other tropical regions, including Hawaii, where it is noted for its rapid growth and nitrogen-fixing ability . In the Andes, it grows between 1,000 and 2,200 metres above sea level .
Conservation Status: The species is not listed as threatened. It is widely cultivated and maintains stable populations across its native range. Its status as a locally cultivated and naturalised tree in some regions, combined with its rapid growth and tolerance of diverse conditions, has prompted caution regarding its invasive potential in places like Hawaii, though no negative impacts have been documented to date .
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Etymology
The specific epithet feuilleei honours Louis Feuillée (1660–1732), a French explorer and botanist who made several botanical expeditions to Central and South America in the early eighteenth century . The common name "Pacay" derives from the Quechua word used in Spanish specifically for the upland Andean species, while "Guaba" is a broader term applied to any Inga species with sweet pulp .
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2. Common Names
Scientific Name: Inga feuilleei | English: Ice Cream Bean, Pacay, Andean Ice Cream | Spanish: Pacay, Pacae, Guaba, Guamo, Jinicuil | Portuguese: Ingá | French: Pois Crème-Glacée, Pois Sucré | Quechua: Pacay | Hawaiian: Pacae
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3. Related Herbs from the Fabaceae Family
Inga feuilleei belongs to the Fabaceae, the legume family, which includes approximately 19,000 species and is characterised by nitrogen-fixing root nodules, papilionaceous or mimosooid flowers, and the production of isoflavonoids and other phenolic compounds.
Inga edulis (Ice Cream Bean): A close relative with cylindrical pods, distinguished from I. feuilleei by pod shape (quadrangular in I. feuilleei) . It shares the edible pulp and nitrogen-fixing properties and has documented functional properties including phenolics, flavonoids, and antioxidant capacity .
Prosopis pallida (Algarrobo): Another Andean Fabaceae studied alongside I. feuilleei for pharmacological potential. It demonstrated lower antioxidant capacity and phenolic content than Pacay in comparative analysis .
Caesalpinia spinosa (Tara): A third Andean legume in the comparative study, exhibiting the highest antioxidant capacity and phenolic content among the three species examined .
The Fabaceae is characterised by the production of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and isoflavonoids, which contribute to the family's antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties.
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4. Medicinal Uses: Summary of Primary and Secondary Actions
Primary Actions:
Antioxidant: The leaves, peel, and seeds of Inga feuilleei demonstrate significant antioxidant activity. Leaves dried at 80°C reached maximum values of 889.62 mg/100g total phenolics and 743,946.67 μmol Trolox/100g antioxidant capacity . The peel contains the highest total polyphenol content among fruit fractions, at 1,843 mg GAE/100g . Quercetin, coumaric acid, and isoflavones have been identified as responsible for this potential .
Anti-inflammatory: The leaves are used in popular medicine as an anti-inflammatory and for arthritis and rheumatism . The ethanolic extract of the fruit peel has been investigated for anti-inflammatory capacity, with research exploring its use in a topical cream formulation to mitigate skin inflammation and pain .
Antimicrobial: Inga feuilleei is included in pharmacological explorations of Andean Fabaceae for antimicrobial properties, alongside its antioxidant and anticarcinogenic potential .
Secondary Actions:
Anticarcinogenic: Listed among the pharmacological potentials of Andean Fabaceae species, with research exploring the anticarcinogenic properties of I. feuilleei extracts .
Nasal Decongestant: The leaves are used in traditional medicine as a nasal decongestant .
Antidiarrheal: Documented traditional use of the leaves for diarrhoea .
Digestive Aid: The leaves are used traditionally for digestive problems .
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Medicinal Parts
Leaves: The most extensively used medicinal part. Rich in polyphenols, particularly flavonoids, and used traditionally as an anti-inflammatory, nasal decongestant, antidiarrheal, and for arthritis, rheumatism, and digestive problems . Drying temperature significantly affects phenolic content and antioxidant activity, with 80°C yielding the highest values .
Fruit Peel: The largest fraction of the fruit and the richest source of total polyphenols (1,843 mg GAE/100g). Investigated for anti-inflammatory applications in topical formulations .
Seeds: Rich in protein (18–21%) and contain trypsin inhibitors that offer protection against insect damage. Amylopectin is the majority starch fraction (86%) .
Pulp (Edible Part): High in carbohydrates (84–87%) and the source of the sweet, edible aril. The fraction most commonly consumed, though its medicinal properties are less characterised than those of the leaves and peel .
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5. Phytochemistry
5.1 Phenolic Compounds and Flavonoids
The phenolic chemistry of Inga feuilleei varies significantly by plant part and processing method.
Total Polyphenols: The peel contains the highest concentration at 1,843 mg GAE/100g, followed by the seed and pulp fractions . Leaves dried at 80°C reached 889.62 mg/100g .
Hydroxycinnamic Acids: Present at 40–136 mg FAE/100g across fractions, with higher amounts in the seed fraction .
Flavonols: Present at 18–50 mg GAE/100g, also higher in the seed fraction .
Quercetin, Coumaric Acid, Isoflavones: Identified as the flavonoids responsible for the antioxidant potential of I. feuilleei in comparative Andean Fabaceae research .
5.2 Macronutrients and Other Compounds
Carbohydrates: The edible pulp contains 84–87% carbohydrates, making it the primary nutritional component .
Protein: Seeds are rich in protein (18–21%), while leaves show protein content ranging from 7.91 g/100g (dried at 40°C) to 20.82 g/100g (dried at 80°C) .
Fiber: The peel is rich in fiber, approximately 34% .
Amylopectin: The majority starch fraction (86%) in Pacay seeds .
Trypsin Inhibitors: Present in seeds, offering protection against insect damage and representing potential biotechnological tools for pest resistance .
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6. Mechanisms of Action
6.1 Antioxidant Activity: Phenolic Scavenging
The antioxidant capacity of Inga feuilleei is directly attributable to its phenolic and flavonoid content. The high concentration of hydroxycinnamic acids and flavonols, particularly quercetin and coumaric acid, enables the plant to donate hydrogen atoms and electrons to neutralise free radicals . The variation in antioxidant activity across plant parts reflects the differential distribution of these compounds, with the peel and leaves showing the highest capacity. Drying temperature also influences activity, with 80°C enhancing phenolic extraction and antioxidant values in leaves .
6.2 Anti-inflammatory Activity: Traditional Use and Preliminary Evidence
The anti-inflammatory activity of Inga feuilleei leaves is documented in traditional medicine, and research has explored the ethanolic extract of the fruit peel for anti-inflammatory capacity in topical formulations . The mechanism is likely related to the inhibition of pro-inflammatory mediators by the plant's flavonoids and phenolic acids, though specific molecular pathways have not been fully characterised. The presence of quercetin, a well-known anti-inflammatory flavonoid, provides a plausible mechanistic basis.
6.3 Antimicrobial and Anticarcinogenic Potential: Preliminary Exploration
Inga feuilleei is included in pharmacological explorations of Andean Fabaceae for antimicrobial and anticarcinogenic properties, but these activities have not been characterised in detail . The phenolic compounds present in the plant are known to possess antimicrobial and anticancer activities in other contexts, suggesting that further investigation is warranted.
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7. Traditional and Ethnobotanical Uses
7.1 Inflammation and Arthritis
Formulation: Leaf preparation.
Preparation and Use: The leaves are used in popular medicine as an anti-inflammatory and for arthritis and rheumatism . The specific preparation method is not detailed in the available literature, but leaf infusions or decoctions are likely.
Scientific Validation: The traditional use is supported by the plant's flavonoid content, particularly quercetin, which has documented anti-inflammatory activity. Research on the peel extract for topical anti-inflammatory applications provides additional context .
7.2 Nasal Congestion and Respiratory Complaints
Formulation: Leaf preparation.
Preparation and Use: The leaves are used as a nasal decongestant in traditional medicine .
Scientific Validation: No specific pharmacological studies have evaluated the decongestant activity of I. feuilleei. The traditional use warrants investigation given the plant's anti-inflammatory chemistry.
7.3 Diarrhoea and Digestive Problems
Formulation: Leaf preparation.
Preparation and Use: The leaves are used traditionally for diarrhoea and digestive problems .
Scientific Validation: The astringent tannins and flavonoids in the leaves may contribute to antidiarrheal effects, though no direct studies have been conducted.
7.4 Nutritional and Culinary Uses
The white pulp surrounding the seeds is consumed fresh and is the primary reason for local cultivation. The sweet, cottony texture and vanilla-like flavour make it a popular snack in Andean markets . The seeds are cooked and eaten as a vegetable in some regions, and in Mexico they are roasted and sold outside cinemas . In Costa Rica, the fruit is considered a good-luck charm .
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8. Healing Recipes, Teas, Decoctions, and Practical Applications
8.1 Leaf Infusion for Inflammation
Purpose: To support the body's response to inflammation and arthritis.
Preparation and Use: Take a handful of dried Inga feuilleei leaves. Steep in 250 millilitres of hot water for 10 to 15 minutes. Strain and drink once or twice daily. The leaves are traditionally used for arthritis and rheumatism .
Scientific Validation: The leaves contain quercetin and other flavonoids with documented anti-inflammatory activity. No clinical trials have evaluated the preparation.
8.2 Leaf Decoction for Digestive Complaints
Purpose: To address diarrhoea and digestive discomfort.
Preparation and Use: Boil 10 grams of dried leaves in 500 millilitres of water for 10 minutes. Strain and drink half a cup twice daily.
Scientific Validation: Traditional use is documented for diarrhoea and digestive problems . The plant's tannins and flavonoids provide a theoretical basis for antidiarrheal activity.
8.3 Fruit Pulp for Nutrition
Purpose: To enjoy the sweet, edible pulp and its nutritional benefits.
Preparation and Use: Open the pod and consume the white pulp surrounding the seeds directly. The pulp is rich in carbohydrates and provides a sweet, refreshing snack .
Scientific Validation: The pulp is the primary edible fraction and is widely consumed in Andean communities. Its nutritional composition (84–87% carbohydrates) supports its role as an energy source .
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9. Clinical Significance and Evidence Summary
9.1 Evidence Hierarchy by Activity
Antioxidant: Moderate evidence from in vitro studies. The leaves, peel, and seeds demonstrate significant antioxidant activity, with the peel containing the highest total polyphenol content. Flavonoids including quercetin and coumaric acid are identified as responsible compounds .
Anti-inflammatory: Traditional use with preliminary in vitro evidence. The leaves are used traditionally for inflammation, and the peel extract has been investigated for topical anti-inflammatory applications. Human clinical trials are lacking .
Antimicrobial: Preliminary evidence from pharmacological screening. Inga feuilleei is included in explorations of Andean Fabaceae for antimicrobial properties, but specific activity has not been characterised in detail .
Anticarcinogenic: Preliminary evidence from pharmacological screening. Listed among the potentials of Andean Fabaceae, but specific studies are lacking .
9.2 Clinical Trial Data
No clinical trials have been conducted on Inga feuilleei for any medicinal indication. The evidence for its biological activities comes from in vitro experiments and traditional use documentation. The long history of the fruit pulp as a food provides a reassuring safety foundation for nutritional applications.
9.3 Safety and Toxicology Data
Inga feuilleei is listed as non-toxic in the Useful Tropical Plants database, with no known hazards . The fruit pulp has been consumed as a food for centuries without reported toxicity. The leaves and peel, while used traditionally, have not been formally evaluated for safety in controlled studies.
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10. Safety and Toxicology
10.1 Toxicity Profile
Acute Toxicity: No formal acute toxicity studies are available. The fruit pulp is consumed as a food without reported toxicity, and the plant is listed as non-toxic .
Clinical Safety: The fruit is generally recognised as safe when consumed as a food. Medicinal preparations from the leaves and peel have a history of traditional use, but formal safety data from human clinical trials is lacking.
Reproductive and Developmental Toxicity: No data available.
Other Considerations: The seeds contain trypsin inhibitors, which can reduce protein digestibility if consumed in large quantities. Cooking the seeds, as is traditional in some regions, likely deactivates these compounds .
10.2 Contraindications and Precautions
Pregnancy and Lactation: Avoid medicinal use without professional supervision, as safety data is lacking. The fruit pulp is safe for dietary consumption.
Children: The fruit is safe for dietary consumption. Medicinal preparations should be used with caution.
Known Hypersensitivity: Individuals with known hypersensitivity to Fabaceae plants should use with caution.
10.3 Potential Drug Interactions
No formal drug interaction studies have been conducted. Theoretically, the plant's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds could interact with various medications, but no specific interactions are documented. Given the lack of safety data for medicinal preparations, concurrent use with prescription medications should be discussed with a healthcare professional.
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11. Quality Control Parameters
11.1 Marker Compounds for Standardisation
Key compounds suitable as quality markers include quercetin, coumaric acid, and total polyphenols. The high total polyphenol content of the peel (1,843 mg GAE/100g) and the leaves (up to 889.62 mg/100g at 80°C drying) serve as functional quality parameters .
11.2 Recommended Analytical Methods
Total phenolic content (TPC) assay using the Folin-Ciocalteu method and total flavonoid content (TFC) assay are recommended for determining overall antioxidant capacity. DPPH or ABTS radical scavenging assays serve as functional quality parameters. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with diode array detection is recommended for quantification of quercetin and coumaric acid.
11.3 Suggested Specifications
No pharmacopoeial standards exist for Inga feuilleei. For research purposes, extracts should be characterised for total phenolic and flavonoid content, and the presence of key marker compounds should be verified. The drying temperature of leaves significantly affects phenolic content and should be controlled in preparation .
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12. Cultivation and Sustainability
12.1 Growth Requirements
Climate: Tropical and subtropical. The tree tolerates temperatures up to 30°C but suffers at low temperatures, with a reported hardiness limit of around -2.5 to -3°C .
Habitat: Often found near riverbanks where it benefits from natural irrigation year-round. It is cultivated in home gardens and as a shade tree in coffee and cocoa plantations .
Altitude: In the Andes, it grows between 1,000 and 2,200 metres above sea level .
Soil: Tolerant of a range of soil conditions, including acidic soils. It is fast-growing and easy to establish .
Propagation: Propagated from seed. Seeds lose viability quickly and trees do not form a seed bank, which limits uncontrolled spread .
12.2 Sustainable Harvesting
Plant parts harvested: Fruit (pulp and peel), leaves, and seeds are harvested for various purposes.
Harvesting method: Fruit is harvested when pods are mature. Leaves can be harvested selectively without harming the tree. The plant's rapid growth and coppicing ability allow for sustainable harvest .
Season: Fruiting occurs seasonally, with pods maturing during warm months.
Caution: In regions where the tree is introduced, such as Hawaii, its rapid growth, nitrogen-fixing ability, and tolerance of tropical conditions raise concerns about potential invasiveness. Caution is recommended to prevent spread beyond cultivation .
12.3 Conservation Status
Inga feuilleei is not listed as threatened. It is widely cultivated and maintains stable populations across its native range. Its ability to grow in neglected areas and produce food without occupying prime agricultural land gives it value for food security and agroforestry .
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13. Cultivar and Varietal Comparison
Inga feuilleei versus Inga edulis
Taxonomy: Both belong to the genus Inga in the Fabaceae family. I. feuilleei is characterised by quadrangular pods, while I. edulis produces cylindrical pods .
Distribution: Both are native to South America and cultivated for their edible pulp. I. edulis has a broader distribution and is more widely studied for its functional properties.
Fruit: Both produce sweet, edible pulp surrounding seeds, but the pod shape distinguishes them. I. feuilleei pods are flat and quadrangular; I. edulis pods are cylindrical .
Chemistry: I. edulis contains phenolics, flavonoids, antioxidant capacity, and fiber with documented health benefits including control of type 2 diabetes and hypertension . The chemistry of I. feuilleei is less characterised, though it shares the family's characteristic phenolic profile.
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14. Research Gaps and Future Directions
14.1 Critical Research Gaps
Human Clinical Trials: No clinical trials have been conducted for any indication. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities warrant clinical investigation.
Mechanistic Studies: The molecular mechanisms underlying the anti-inflammatory and anticarcinogenic activities require further characterization.
Standardised Extracts: No standardised extracts or formulations have been developed for research or therapeutic use.
Pharmacokinetics: No data exists on the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of the plant's bioactive compounds.
Leaf and Peel Valorisation: The peel, which constitutes the largest fraction of the fruit and contains the highest polyphenol content, is currently discarded. Research on valorisation as a functional ingredient is a priority .
14.2 Future Research Priorities
Anti-inflammatory Applications: The traditional use for arthritis and inflammation warrants investigation through animal models and clinical trials.
Functional Food Development: The high polyphenol content of the peel and leaves suggests potential for development as functional food ingredients .
Taxonomic and Chemical Characterisation: The relationship between I. feuilleei and I. edulis and their respective chemical profiles warrants clarification.
Sustainable Cultivation: Research on agroforestry integration and the tree's role in sustainable food systems.
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15. Commercial Applications
15.1 Food and Nutraceutical Industry
The fruit pulp is consumed fresh and could be developed into value-added products such as juices, desserts, and functional snacks. The peel and leaves, rich in polyphenols, have potential as natural antioxidant ingredients for food formulation .
15.2 Agroforestry and Shade Crops
Inga feuilleei is valued as a shade tree for coffee and cocoa plantations, where its nitrogen-fixing ability improves soil fertility . It is also used in alley cropping and for erosion control .
15.3 Pharmaceutical Research
The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of the leaves and peel warrant development as nutraceutical ingredients, subject to clinical validation.
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16. Related Plants for Further Study
Inga edulis (Ice Cream Bean): A close relative with cylindrical pods and documented functional properties including phenolics and flavonoids .
Prosopis pallida (Algarrobo): An Andean Fabaceae studied alongside I. feuilleei for pharmacological potential, with lower antioxidant capacity .
Caesalpinia spinosa (Tara): The third Andean legume in the comparative study, exhibiting the highest antioxidant capacity among the three .
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17. Reference Literature
Primary Research
2024 study published in Agriculture explored the pharmacological potential of three Andean Fabaceae species including Inga feuilleei, identifying quercetin, coumaric acid, and isoflavones as responsible for antioxidant potential .
2026 study published in Foods characterised nutrients and bioactive compounds in Peruvian Pacay, finding the peel highest in total polyphenols (1,843 mg GAE/100g) and seeds rich in protein (18–21%) .
2023 study by Mallqui Montesinos and Pilco Quesada evaluated the effect of temperature on proximal composition and antioxidant activity of Pacay peel, seed, and leaves, finding 80°C optimal for phenolic extraction in leaves .
Research on ethanolic extract of Pacay peel investigated anti-inflammatory capacity for a topical cream formulation .
Key Monographs and Databases
Encyclopedia of Life provides taxonomic and distribution data for Inga feuilleei .
Useful Tropical Plants database lists Inga feuilleei as non-toxic with no known hazards .
Plant Pono provides invasive potential assessment for Hawaii .
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18. Disclaimer
Inga feuilleei is generally considered safe for consumption as a food. Medicinal preparations from the leaves and peel should be used with caution, and concentrated extracts should not be used without professional supervision.
This information is for educational and academic purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Pregnant or nursing women should consult a healthcare professional before using medicinal preparations of Pacay.
Individuals with known hypersensitivity to Fabaceae plants should exercise caution.
In regions where the tree is introduced, care should be taken to prevent spread beyond cultivation due to its invasive potential.
Always consult a qualified healthcare practitioner before using any plant for medicinal purposes.
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