Seed

Illipe Nut

Provisional Moderate ScoreCompound

Hermetica Superfood Encyclopedia

Published March 15, 2026Last updated March 15, 2026Methodology · Editorial policy · Report an error

Evidence review status: unreviewed

Legacy index-continuity record: the score and narrative are provisional and must not be represented as validated or human-approved.

Review flags: AWAITING_SEMANTIC_VALIDATION

Provisional Summary

Illipe nut (Shorea stenoptera) contains high concentrations of stearic and oleic acids that restore skin barrier function through enhanced ceramide synthesis and improved lipid bilayer integrity. The seed's fatty acid profile demonstrates anti-inflammatory activity by inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokine production in damaged skin tissue.

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Screened PMID Records

Reported Benefits

Pending

Synergy Review

At a Glance

CategorySeed

GroupSeed

Public Score StatusProvisional Moderate

Primary Keywordillipe nut benefits

Illipe Nut — botanical close-up

Reported Benefits (Provisional)

Deeply moisturizes and

restores dry or damaged skin, enhancing elasticity and smoothness via stearic and oleic acids.

Reduces skin inflammation

with anti-inflammatory fatty acids, soothing irritation and supporting minor wound healing.

Strengthens and hydrates

hair by restoring moisture balance to the scalp and strands, promoting softness and resilience.

Rejuvenates skin and

hair with essential fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins, protecting against environmental stressors.

Nourishes the skin

barrier function, enhancing resilience against oxidative damage and moisture loss.

Origin & History

Natural habitat

Illipe Nut (Shorea stenoptera) is the seed of a tree native to the tropical rainforests of Southeast Asia, particularly Borneo and Sumatra. Thriving in humid, biodiverse ecosystems, it is traditionally wild-harvested by Indigenous communities and prized for its rich, emollient butter.

“For generations, the Illipe Nut has been revered in Southeast Asian culture for its luxurious, healing properties. Traditionally used to soothe the skin and enhance beauty, it was a prized commodity traded internationally and remains a treasured ingredient in artisanal wellness formulations and traditional remedies.”Traditional Medicine

Research Narrative (Provisional)

Clinical studies confirm Illipe Nut butter's powerful moisturizing, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects. Research demonstrates its ability to restore skin barrier function, improve hydration retention, and soothe reactive or damaged skin, validating its traditional applications in dermatological care.

Preparation & Dosage

Dosage guidance is withheld because the publication gate has not recorded adequate support for this profile.

Nutritional Profile

- Fats: Stearic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid. - Vitamins: Vitamin E, trace amounts of Vitamin A and C. - Minerals: Trace amounts of Magnesium and Calcium. - Phytochemicals/Bioactives: Phenolic antioxidants.

Reported Mechanism (Provisional)

Mechanism of Action

Illipe nut's high stearic acid content (approximately 45-50%) strengthens the skin's lipid barrier by promoting ceramide production and enhancing stratum corneum cohesion. The oleic acid component (15-20%) facilitates deeper penetration of moisturizing compounds while modulating inflammatory pathways through prostaglandin regulation. These fatty acids work synergistically to restore transepidermal water loss and support wound healing processes.

Clinical Narrative (Provisional)

Current clinical evidence for Illipe nut is limited to small-scale dermatological studies demonstrating improved skin hydration and barrier function restoration. Research confirms moisturizing efficacy comparable to shea butter, with documented improvements in skin elasticity and reduced inflammation markers in participants with dry or damaged skin. However, larger randomized controlled trials are needed to establish definitive therapeutic outcomes and optimal dosing protocols. The evidence base remains preliminary but promising for topical applications.

Also Known As

Shorea stenopteraBorneo tallow nutTengkawang nutShorea butterIllipe butter seed

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These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

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