Is Yacon Anti-Inflammatory? Exploring the Evidence and Benefits

December 14, 2025 •

3 min read

According to scientific studies, yacon contains potent anti-inflammatory properties, primarily found in its leaves and, to a lesser extent, its roots. This effect is attributed to the presence of bioactive compounds like sesquiterpene lactones and phenolic compounds, which help regulate the body's inflammatory response.

Quick Summary

Yacon, an Andean root, demonstrates anti-inflammatory effects through bioactive compounds like sesquiterpene lactones and phenolics found in its leaves and roots. Research indicates it can reduce key inflammatory markers and may offer therapeutic potential for certain conditions.

Key Points

Proven Anti-Inflammatory Action: Scientific studies confirm that yacon, particularly extracts from its leaves, exhibits significant anti-inflammatory and anti-edematogenic activity.
Leaf Compounds vs. Root Compounds: Yacon's leaves contain potent sesquiterpene lactones (STLs) and phenolics, which directly inhibit inflammatory pathways, while its roots rely on prebiotic fructooligosaccharides (FOS) to reduce gut inflammation.
Mechanism of Action: Key anti-inflammatory mechanisms include the inhibition of the NF-κB pathway by STLs and the production of anti-inflammatory short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) from the fermentation of FOS.
Topical vs. Oral Use: Yacon leaf extracts have shown potential as topical anti-inflammatory agents, whereas the root's benefits are most effective when consumed orally to support gut health.
Supports Gut Health: As a potent prebiotic, yacon root and flour nourish beneficial gut bacteria, helping to maintain intestinal barrier integrity and modulate systemic immunity.

Yacon, scientifically known as Smallanthus sonchifolius, has been cultivated for centuries in the Andean region for its sweet, crisp tuberous roots. While its prebiotic benefits from fructooligosaccharides (FOS) are widely recognized, research also highlights its significant anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. The anti-inflammatory action stems from its rich profile of bioactive compounds, which differ between the leaves and the roots.

The Anti-Inflammatory Power of Yacon Leaves

Research has shown that yacon leaves possess a high concentration of powerful anti-inflammatory compounds. One key class of these is sesquiterpene lactones (STLs), such as enhydrin and uvedalin, which are known to inhibit the NF-κB transcription factor, a central regulator of the inflammatory process. A study published in the Brazilian Journal of Pharmacognosy demonstrated that topical application of yacon leaf extracts significantly reduced edema and neutrophil migration in animal models, confirming its anti-edematogenic activity. The leaf extract rich in STLs showed a more potent effect on reducing inflammatory mediators like TNF-α and PGE2 compared to other extracts.

Bioactive Compounds in Yacon Leaves

Sesquiterpene Lactones (STLs): Found primarily in the leaves, these compounds have shown potent anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting NF-κB signaling.
Chlorogenic Acid Derivatives: Also present in the leaves, these phenolics contribute to the overall antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capacity.
Flavonoids: These antioxidants protect against oxidative stress, which is often linked with inflammatory conditions.

How Yacon Roots Reduce Inflammation

While the leaves contain the most concentrated anti-inflammatory compounds, the roots and their derived products, such as flour and syrup, also contribute to reducing inflammation, albeit through different mechanisms. The primary anti-inflammatory effect of yacon roots is related to their high concentration of FOS, which act as prebiotics. These indigestible fibers nourish beneficial gut bacteria, leading to the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) like butyrate. SCFAs play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy gut barrier and modulating the immune system to reduce systemic and intestinal inflammation.

Research on yacon flour in animal models with induced colorectal cancer (CRC) showed that it reduced inflammatory biomarkers like TNF-α and IL-12 and decreased endotoxemia. This suggests that by improving gut health, yacon roots can have a powerful, indirect anti-inflammatory effect throughout the body. Other studies point to the antioxidant properties of phenolic compounds found in the roots, which help combat oxidative stress.

Oral vs. Topical Anti-Inflammatory Applications

The anti-inflammatory benefits of yacon can be accessed in different ways, with varying efficacy depending on the method and the plant part used.

Comparison of Yacon Anti-Inflammatory Effects


Feature	Yacon Leaves (e.g., extract, tea)	Yacon Roots (e.g., flour, syrup)
Primary Mechanism	High concentration of sesquiterpene lactones directly inhibits inflammatory pathways.	High prebiotic (FOS) content promotes anti-inflammatory SCFAs and gut health.
Key Compounds	Sesquiterpene lactones (STLs) like enhydrin and uvedalin, and chlorogenic acid derivatives.	Fructooligosaccharides (FOS) and prebiotic fibers, along with some phenolics.
Application	More potent for topical use, such as for skin inflammation, based on animal studies.	Best for systemic, internal effects by improving gut microbiota balance.
Speed of Action	Faster, more direct impact on localized inflammation when applied topically.	Slower, long-term systemic effect by improving the overall gut environment.
Potential Risks	High concentrations of certain leaf compounds (STLs) can be toxic if consumed orally in large amounts; stick to moderate consumption and topical use.	Some individuals may experience mild gastrointestinal discomfort (gas, bloating) if consumed in large quantities.

The Role of Prebiotics and Gut Health

The symbiotic relationship between yacon's FOS and gut health is a key factor in its anti-inflammatory profile. By fermenting the FOS, beneficial gut bacteria flourish and produce SCFAs. Butyrate, in particular, serves as a primary energy source for colon cells, strengthening the intestinal barrier and preventing inflammatory triggers from entering the bloodstream (a condition known as endotoxemia). This creates a less inflammatory systemic environment and supports overall immune function.

Conclusion: Yacon's Multi-Faceted Approach to Inflammation

In conclusion, yacon is indeed anti-inflammatory, utilizing a multi-faceted approach involving different parts of the plant. Yacon leaves contain highly concentrated compounds, such as sesquiterpene lactones, that offer potent, often topical, anti-inflammatory and anti-edematogenic effects. Meanwhile, the yacon root provides significant anti-inflammatory benefits by nourishing the gut microbiota with prebiotics, which in turn reduces systemic inflammation via the production of beneficial short-chain fatty acids. For those seeking to leverage its anti-inflammatory properties, understanding the distinction between the concentrated compounds in the leaves and the gut-health benefits of the root is key. As research continues, yacon solidifies its status as a valuable functional food in the fight against inflammation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Both the leaves and the roots of the yacon plant possess anti-inflammatory properties. However, the leaves contain more potent compounds like sesquiterpene lactones and phenolic acids, while the roots primarily offer benefits through their prebiotic fiber content.

Yacon reduces inflammation through two main pathways. Compounds in the leaves directly inhibit inflammatory signaling molecules, such as NF-κB, while the prebiotic fiber in the roots promotes the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, which produce anti-inflammatory short-chain fatty acids.

Yes, yacon leaf extracts have demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory effects, particularly for topical applications. However, caution is advised for oral consumption of leaf extracts, as some compounds (STLs) can be toxic in high doses.

Yacon root and its products like flour and syrup are effective for reducing systemic inflammation by improving gut health. While less potent for localized inflammation than leaf extracts, the root offers powerful, long-term benefits by balancing the gut microbiome and supporting the immune system.

When consumed in moderate amounts, yacon root is generally safe. However, high intake, particularly of yacon syrup, can cause gastrointestinal discomfort, such as gas, bloating, or diarrhea, due to its high FOS content. Oral use of leaf extracts should be approached with caution.

For systemic anti-inflammatory benefits, consuming yacon root or its derived products like syrup or flour is ideal. These methods promote healthy gut microbiota, leading to long-term immune modulation. The leaves are best used topically for skin inflammation due to their higher concentration of potent compounds.

Research suggests yacon may be beneficial as a supplementary food for managing chronic inflammation, particularly gut-related issues like inflammatory bowel disease and colorectal cancer. By improving gut microbiota and reducing inflammatory cytokines, it can help mitigate the progression of these conditions.