Nuts & Seeds · Nut
Pili Nuts
Canarium ovatum · also called Pilinut, Philippine pili, pili (Spanish: nuez de pili)
Pili nuts are the buttery kernels of a tropical tree from the Philippines. They are very high in fat and saturated fat, and supply magnesium, copper, manganese and thiamin. Almost no human research exists: we found one small study of a drink made from pili pomace and one allergy case report. The main cautions are allergy, choking in young children, and mold on any nut.
General information, not medical advice. Last substantive update · Not medically reviewed. A named clinician has not signed off on this page. How this page is made
About Pili Nuts
Pili nuts are a rich, buttery tropical nut. They are an energy-dense, mineral-supplying food that has barely been studied in people. This is a small page on purpose: where the research does not exist, we say so.
What it is
The pili nut (Canarium ovatum) is the kernel of a tropical tree from the Philippines. The kernel sits inside a very hard shell and is a small part of the whole fruit by weight. The fruit pulp around it is also eaten in the Philippines.
USDA data for dried pili nuts: 719 kcal per 100 g. One ounce (28.35 g, about 15 kernels) has about 204 kcal, 3.1 g protein, 22.6 g fat (8.8 g saturated), 86 mg magnesium, 163 mg phosphorus, 0.27 mg copper, 0.66 mg manganese and 0.26 mg thiamin. USDA has no value for fibre, vitamin E, vitamin K or selenium, which means none was measured. Real products vary with variety, roasting and storage.
What the research shows
Very little. We found no trial of eating pili nuts for any health goal. The only human study gave one drink made from pili pomace, a by-product, to 10 healthy adults and measured blood antioxidant markers for 4 hours.
A pooled analysis of 55 trials of nuts in general found no change in body weight. It did not name pili nuts, so it cannot tell us what pili does. Laboratory work on pulp oil is test-tube only.
Food versus pomace and pulp oil
The human study used a pomace drink and the other health-related work used pulp oil in test tubes. Neither is the shelled nut, so neither shows what eating the nut does.
Amounts
This page gives no amounts to eat. Ask a doctor, pharmacist or dietitian what is right for you, especially if you have a nut allergy or kidney disease.
At a glance
Traditional uses history, not proof
- The kernel is eaten as a rich snack, usually roasted
- The fruit pulp is also eaten in the Philippines
- Long use as food is not proof that it treats any condition
Studied for research
- Minerals (magnesium, copper, manganese, thiamin): high certainty that the food contains them, no health trial
- Blood antioxidant markers after a pomace drink: insufficient evidence, 10 people, not the nut
- Heart health and cholesterol: insufficient evidence, no pili trial
- Body weight: insufficient evidence for pili (the pooled trials were of other nuts)
- Pulp oil compounds: laboratory only, very low certainty
Main compounds
- Fat (mostly oleic acid)
- Saturated fat
- Magnesium
- Copper
- Manganese
- Thiamin (vitamin B1)
- Plant sterols (pulp oil)
Common forms
- Dried or raw kernel as food
- Roasted, salted or flavoured snack
- Fruit pulp and pulp oil (laboratory studies only)
- Pomace drink (used in the one human study; not the nut)
Research links: USDA FoodData Central: Nuts, pilinuts, dried · Case report: allergic reaction to pili nut · CDC: Choking hazards · Research Library · Genes & Biomarkers Library
What it is and its history
- Accepted scientific name
- Canarium ovatum
- Naming authority
- Engl.
- Common names
- Pili nut (English); Pilinut (English); Philippine pili (English)
- Family or group
- Not verified from a source read.
- Classification
- Canarium > Canarium ovatum
- Native range
- The Philippines. One paper calls pili an endemic crop of the Philippines and another calls it an indigenous tree found there.
- Habitat
- Not verified from a source read.
- What it looks like
- Roots: Not verified.; Stems: Not verified.; Leaves: Not verified.; Flowers: Not verified.; Fruit: A laboratory study of seven varieties split the fruit by weight into pulp (12.6-25.3%), shell (5.97-12.3%), kernel (1.75-3.49%) and testa, the thin skin (0.17-0.34%). The edible kernel is a small part of the fruit.
- Cultivation
- The seven varieties in the laboratory study were grown at one research centre in the Philippines. Other cultivation details were not read.
- Harvest and processing
- Sold dried or roasted, sometimes salted or flavoured (existing nutrient summary). The pulp is eaten in the Philippines, and pulp left over from processing (pomace) was used in the one human study.
- Look-alikes and adulterants
- Name: Macadamia nuts and pine nuts; Note: Other rich, buttery nuts with their own pages on this website. They are different species, so their research does not carry over.
- Sustainability and conservation
- Not assessed.
Photographs
What is inside, and how it may work
What it contains and how those compounds act in cells and animals. Laboratory and animal mechanisms are not proven effects in people.
Main compounds
| Compound | Family | Where it is concentrated | Activity studied | Level of evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fat (mostly oleic acid, a monounsaturated fat) | lipid | Kernel USDA: 79.6 g total fat per 100 g; 37.2 g monounsaturated, 31.2 g saturated, 7.6 g polyunsaturated | Gives the kernel its high energy. Saturated fat is high. 13 11 | Analysis |
| Magnesium | mineral | Kernel USDA: 302 mg per 100 g | A nutrient; the lab digestion model suggested 54.4-61.2% of kernel magnesium becomes available in the small intestine. 13 10 | Analysis |
| Plant sterols and triterpenes (beta-sitosterol, alpha- and beta-amyrin, others) | sterol / triterpene | Fruit pulp oil Not quantified in the abstract | Antioxidant and germ-killing activity in test tubes only. 3 | Laboratory research |
Mechanisms, receptors and pathways
| Target or pathway | Gene or receptor | What was found | Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plasma antioxidant capacity | Not specified | After a pomace drink, blood antioxidant capacity and polyphenols rose in 10 adults; the authors suggest unidentified metabolites may add to the reading. 1 | Human data |
| Main kernel storage protein | 11S-like globulin (two subunits, about 22,600 and 31,600 Da) | The main storage protein of the kernel is an 11S-like globulin, similar to other oilseed globulins. This is protein chemistry; it does not show whether this protein causes allergy. 6 | Laboratory research |
| Bacterial growth and free radicals (test tube) | Not specified | Pulp-oil extract scavenged free radicals and killed E. coli and S. typhi in test tubes. 3 | Laboratory research |
Absorption, metabolism and elimination
- Absorption
- Not studied in people. A laboratory digestion model estimated that 54.4-61.2% of kernel magnesium is available in the small intestine; iron and zinc were not detected in the large-intestine step, perhaps because of phytic acid.
- Distribution
- Not found.
- Metabolism
- Not found.
- Elimination
- Not found.
- Bioavailability
- Not established in people.
Isolated compounds versus whole extracts
The one human study used a pomace drink and the other health-related work used pulp oil extract in test tubes. Neither is the shelled nut, so neither tells us what eating the kernel does.
Nutritional composition
Nutrition from USDA FoodData Central (Nuts, pilinuts, dried, FDC 170590, SR Legacy, last updated 4/1/2019, read 2026-10-26). Per 100 g: 719 kcal, 10.8 g protein, 79.6 g total fat (31.2 g saturated, 37.2 g monounsaturated, 7.6 g polyunsaturated), 3.98 g carbohydrate, 2.77 g water, 145 mg calcium, 3.53 mg iron, 302 mg magnesium, 575 mg phosphorus, 507 mg potassium, 3 mg sodium, 2.97 mg zinc, 0.958 mg copper, 2.31 mg manganese, 0.913 mg thiamin, 0.519 mg niacin, 60 micrograms folate, no cholesterol. One ounce (28.35 g, about 15 kernels), worked out from the per-100 g values: about 204 kcal, 3.1 g protein, 22.6 g fat (8.8 g saturated), 1.1 g carbohydrate, 86 mg magnesium, 163 mg phosphorus, 144 mg potassium, 0.27 mg copper, 0.66 mg manganese, 0.26 mg thiamin, 0.84 mg zinc and 41 mg calcium. USDA gives no fibre, vitamin E, vitamin K, selenium or omega-3 value for this food, which means none was measured, not that the amount is zero. A Philippine analysis of seven varieties found kernel fat 67.2-74.1% and 704-749 kcal per 100 g of freeze-dried kernel, so real products vary.
1 high certainty1 very low certainty3 not enough evidence
What was looked at
The 5 benefits and uses checked for Pili Nuts, each with how strong the evidence is. Tap one to open it.
- Minerals: magnesium, copper, manganese and thiaminHigh certainty
- Blood antioxidant markers after a pili pomace drinkNot enough evidence
- Heart health and cholesterolNot enough evidence
- Body weightNot enough evidence
- Pulp oil compounds (laboratory)Very low certainty
Lab markers tracked in the studies
Plasma antioxidant capacity and polyphenols
What is Pili Nuts good for?
The studied uses and how strong the human evidence is for each. For pili nuts it is thin: almost every result is a nutrient fact, a laboratory finding, or a study of something other than the nut.
Benefits, one by one
Each card is a research question, not a promise. Tap a goal to filter. Open a card to see the studies, doses and limits.
Minerals: magnesium, copper, manganese and thiamin
High certaintyUSDA lists pili nuts as a food that supplies magnesium, copper, manganese and thiamin (vitamin B1). One ounce (28.35 g, about 15 kernels) has roughly 86 mg magnesium, 0.27 mg copper, 0.66 mg manganese and 0.26 mg thiamin. This is what the food contains. It is not a trial showing a health effect.
2 studiesDried or roasted kernel as food. Values vary with variety, growing pl…
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
No human study of pili nuts and mineral status was found. The numbers come from a USDA analysis and a Philippine laboratory analysis.
Results
USDA per 100 g: magnesium 302 mg, phosphorus 575 mg, potassium 507 mg, copper 0.958 mg, manganese 2.31 mg, thiamin 0.913 mg, zinc 2.97 mg, iron 3.53 mg, calcium 145 mg. A Philippine laboratory study found the kernel is a source of several minerals, and in a lab digestion model 54.4 to 61.2% of kernel magnesium became available in the small intestine.
Effect sizes as reported
USDA values per 100 g; digestion model 54.4-61.2% for magnesium. No effect on health measured.
Why this rating
High that the food contains these minerals (USDA analysis plus a second laboratory analysis). This says nothing about health benefit: no human study of pili and mineral status was found, and the digestion model is a laboratory model.
Form and dose studied
Dried or roasted kernel as food. Values vary with variety, growing place, roasting and storage.
Who was studied
Anyone eating the food; no group-specific data.
Limits
Nutrient content, not a trial. USDA gives one data point for most nutrients. Iron and zinc were not detected in the last step of the lab digestion model, perhaps because of phytic acid, so food content is not the same as what the body takes up.
Why researchers looked
Pili nuts are sold as a snack, so people ask what minerals they add.
Traditional use
The kernel and the fruit pulp are eaten in the Philippines (existing nutrient summary). Long use as food is not proof that it treats any condition.
Proposed mechanism Authoritative guidance
These are nutrients the body uses. This page does not claim that eating pili nuts improves any mineral status.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
Very high in fat and saturated fat; allergy and choking cautions are on the Safety tab.
Blood antioxidant markers after a pili pomace drink
Not enough evidenceIn one small study, 10 healthy adults drank a heat-processed drink made from pili pomace (a by-product left after processing). Blood tests showed antioxidant capacity and polyphenols above starting levels for 4 hours. This was a drink from a by-product, not the nut, so it does not show that eating pili nuts does the same.
1 studiesHeat-processed pomace drink in the study; not the shelled nut.
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
A study of 10 healthy adults who each received one 130 ml serving after an overnight fast (Avicenna J Phytomed 2017). Blood was taken at 0, 30, 60, 120 and 240 minutes.
Results
Plasma antioxidant capacity and polyphenols rose significantly. They peaked at 120 minutes and at 30 to 60 minutes, and stayed above baseline for the full 240 minutes (p<0.05). The abstract gives no numbers and does not describe a control group.
Effect sizes as reported
Significant (p<0.05); size not given in the abstract.
Why this rating
One tiny study, one dose, no control group described, a pomace drink and not the nut, and a blood laboratory measure rather than a health outcome. Blood antioxidant capacity is not proof of benefit.
Form and dose studied
Heat-processed pomace drink in the study; not the shelled nut.
Who was studied
Ten healthy adults.
Limits
Cannot be applied to eating pili nuts. No health outcome measured. The abstract does not say who funded the study.
Why researchers looked
Pili pomace is discarded waste that contains polyphenols, so researchers tested whether the body absorbs them.
Traditional use
Not a traditional use; a food-science study.
Proposed mechanism Human study
Polyphenols from the drink appear in blood. The authors suggest other unidentified metabolites may add to the antioxidant reading.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
None reported in the abstract.
Heart health and cholesterol
Not enough evidenceNo study of eating pili nuts for cholesterol, blood pressure or heart disease was found. Pili kernels are very high in saturated fat (USDA: 31.2 g per 100 g), so results for other nuts such as walnuts or almonds cannot be assumed for pili.
1 studiesNot applicable
Studies, doses and limits
Results
No result for pili. The USDA fat profile is mostly monounsaturated (37.2 g per 100 g) and saturated (31.2 g per 100 g), with 7.6 g polyunsaturated.
Why this rating
No pili trial found. USDA fat numbers describe the food, not a health effect.
Limits
Absence of evidence. Another nut's trial does not tell us about pili.
Why researchers looked
Nuts as a group are studied for heart health, so people ask about pili.
Traditional use
Not a traditional use.
Proposed mechanism None
No mechanism has been shown for pili kernels in people.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
People managing cholesterol or heart disease can ask a clinician how a very high-saturated-fat food fits.
Body weight
Not enough evidenceA pooled analysis of 55 trials found that eating nuts did not change body weight, BMI or waist size. Pili nuts are not named in the abstract, so this does not show what pili does. One ounce of pili has about 204 kcal (USDA).
2 studiesNuts in general.
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 55 nut-feeding trials in adults (Adv Nutr 2021); nuts in general.
Results
No change in body weight, BMI or waist circumference with nut diets. Body fat percentage fell slightly (SMD -0.32) only in trials that told people what to swap out.
Effect sizes as reported
Body weight SMD 0.01 (95% CI -0.07 to 0.08) without swap instructions.
Why this rating
The evidence is for other nuts. No pili trial found.
Form and dose studied
Nuts in general.
Who was studied
Adults.
Limits
Pili not named in the abstract; mixed trial methods.
Why researchers looked
Nuts are energy-dense, so researchers check whether eating them adds weight.
Traditional use
Not a traditional use.
Proposed mechanism Meta-analysis
Not established by the trials in the abstract.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
None.
Pulp oil compounds (laboratory)
Very low certaintyA laboratory study of oil from the fruit pulp (not the nut) found plant sterols and triterpenes with antioxidant and germ-killing activity in test tubes. This is laboratory work only, and not about the kernel or about people.
1 studiesExtract of pulp oil.
Studies, doses and limits
Results
18 major compounds found; antioxidant activity comparable to alpha-tocopherol in test tubes; killed E. coli and S. typhi in test tubes.
Effect sizes as reported
Test-tube values only (see the study record).
Why this rating
Laboratory-only evidence on a pulp oil extract. No animal or human data.
Form and dose studied
Extract of pulp oil.
Limits
Not the kernel; not in people.
Why researchers looked
Pili pulp is discarded during processing, so researchers looked at what is in it.
Traditional use
The pulp is also eaten in the Philippines (existing nutrient summary).
Proposed mechanism Laboratory research
Compounds such as beta-sitosterol and amyrins were found in the extract; the authors suggest they explain the test-tube activity.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
Not applicable.
Connections to the rest of health
How Pili Nuts connects to the rest of our health knowledge graph. Every link says what kind of connection it is. A safety link (for example to the liver) is a warning, not a benefit. A study that merely mentions a topic never creates a benefit link.
Explore every connection: goals, body systems, organs, symptoms, genes
B. Body systems
| Connected to | Kind of connection | Evidence status | Context | Studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Musculoskeletal System | Biological association | High certainty | Studied for: Minerals: magnesium, copper, manganese and thiamin | 13 10 |
| Blood And Immune | Biological association | Not enough evidence | Studied for: Blood antioxidant markers after a pili pomace drink | 1 |
| Cardiovascular System | Biological association | Not enough evidence | Studied for: Heart health and cholesterol | 13 |
| Metabolic System | Biological association | Not enough evidence | Studied for: Body weight | 4 13 |
E. Health conditions
| Connected to | Kind of connection | Evidence status | Context | Studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nut allergy | Adverse effect or risk | Documented risk | A US case report of allergic reaction to pili nut exists; tree nut allergy in general can be severe. A US case report of allergic reaction to pili nut exists. Preparation or compound: Pili kernel |
2 12 |
| Choking | Adverse effect or risk | Documented risk | Whole or chopped nuts are a choking hazard for young children (CDC). Whole or chopped nuts are a choking hazard for young children. Preparation or compound: Whole or chopped nuts |
7 |
I. Biomarkers
| Connected to | Kind of connection | Evidence status | Context | Studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plasma antioxidant capacity and polyphenols | Biological association | Not enough evidence | Measured in trials: raised. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit. | 1 |
K. Biological pathways
L. Active compounds
| Connected to | Kind of connection | Evidence status | Context | Studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fat (mostly oleic acid, a monounsaturated fat) | Biological association | Analysis | Gives the kernel its high energy. Saturated fat is high. Preparation or compound: Kernel |
13 11 |
| Magnesium | Biological association | Analysis | A nutrient; the lab digestion model suggested 54.4-61.2% of kernel magnesium becomes available in the small intestine. Preparation or compound: Kernel |
13 10 |
| Plant sterols and triterpenes (beta-sitosterol, alpha- and beta-amyrin, others) | Biological association | In vitro | Antioxidant and germ-killing activity in test tubes only. Preparation or compound: Fruit pulp oil |
3 |
Each connection is stored with the ingredient, the connected record, the kind of connection, the evidence status, the supporting studies, the preparation or compound involved, and a review date (last reviewed October 26, 2026).
Evidence at a glance: what changed in 1 lab markers
Tap a number to show only those markers. Counts are markers, not people.
The evidence
The research centre for Pili Nuts. Every record here was checked against PubMed or the publisher's page; we never list a study we have not verified.
Evidence by outcome
Bars show how many studies we found for each outcome, not how well it works. People are added up across trials only (reviews are not added, to avoid double counting).
How we rate evidence
High certainty
Several well-run trials or reviews agree; further research is unlikely to change the picture much.
Moderate certainty
Good trials point the same way, but some doubt remains.
Low certainty
Small, short or inconsistent trials. The finding could change with better research.
Very low certainty
Very little or very weak human data. Treat as a possibility only.
Mixed findings
Trials or reviews disagree with each other.
Not enough evidence
Not enough human research to say either way.
Evidence against
Good research found no benefit, or found harm.
We take the reviewers' own risk-of-bias and GRADE statements where they exist, and otherwise judge from study size, design, consistency, directness and whether a product matches what is sold. Many publications do not make evidence high. Method note: We started from our existing pili nut summary, re-read the USDA FoodData Central record, read the health agency pages (NHS, FDA, MedlinePlus, CDC) and read the abstracts of the pili papers in PubMed and Europe PMC. The case report had no abstract. Because little research exists, this page is short on purpose. Items we could not verify are flagged in the research gaps.
Study library: every study we checked 13
| Study | Design | People | Product, dose, length | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arenas 2017 Acute effects of thermally processed pili (Canarium ovatum, Engl.) pomace drink on plasma antioxidant and polyphenol status in humans. Avicenna J Phytomed · PMID 29062808 |
Uncontrolled human study |
10 Ten healthy adults, overnight fasted |
Heat-processed pili pomace drink (a by-product of processing, not the shelled nut) Pomace One 130 ml serving (study detail, not advice) Blood drawn at 0, 30, 60, 120 and 240 minutes · vs Not described in the abstract |
Plasma antioxidant capacity and polyphenols changed significantly. They peaked at 120 minutes and between 30 and 60 minutes, and stayed above baseline for the whole 240-minute test (p<0.05). The authors say this raises the possibility that the drink may enhance plasma antioxidant status. Significant rise above baseline (p<0.05); no numbers in the abstract (Not given in the abstract) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Plasma total polyphenols (Folin-Ciocalteu) and total antioxidant capacity (FRAP) Limitations: Ten people, a single dose, no control group described in the abstract, a drink from pomace and not the nut, and a blood laboratory measure, not a health outcome. Funding and conflicts: No conflict of interest declared by the authors. Read: abstract |
| Cho 2021 First reported allergic reaction in the United States to pili nut (Canarium ovatum). J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract · PMID 32942049 · DOI |
Case report |
Not described (the PubMed record has no abstract) | Pili nut Kernel (not confirmed) Not available Not available |
Only the title and journal details were read. The title says this is the first reported allergic reaction to pili nut in the United States. The reaction itself, the person's age and the outcome were not read. Not available (Not available) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Allergic reaction (from the title only) Limitations: No abstract; details unknown. A single case cannot show how common pili allergy is. Funding and conflicts: Not stated. Read: title-only |
| Dumandan 2022 Extraction, Profiling, and Characterization of Phytosterols and Triterpenoids from Pili (Canarium ovatum Engl.) Pulp Oil Exhibiting Antioxidant and Antibacterial Properties. Biochem Res Int · PMID 36606186 · DOI |
Laboratory research in-vitro |
Laboratory study of an extract of pili pulp oil (the pulp is the fruit flesh, not the shelled nut) | Saponified diethyl ether extract of pili pulp oil Fruit pulp Test-tube concentrations · vs Alpha-tocopherol for the antioxidant tests |
The extract contained 18 major compounds, mostly triterpenes (alpha- and beta-amyrin, lupenone, beta-amyrone) and plant sterols (beta-sitosterol, brassicasterol, stigmasterol). In test tubes it showed antioxidant activity comparable to alpha-tocopherol and killed E. coli and S. typhi (MIC 40 and 35 micrograms per ml). DPPH EC50 74.45 micrograms/ml; lipid peroxidation EC50 3.02 micrograms/ml (+/- 1.29 and +/- 0.06 as given) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Compounds found by GC-MS; antioxidant tests (DPPH, lipid peroxidation); bacteria-killing tests Limitations: Test-tube work on an extract of pulp oil. Not the kernel, not an animal, not a person. Funding and conflicts: Authors declare no conflicts of interest. Read: abstract |
| Guarneiri 2021 Intake of Nuts or Nut Products Does Not Lead to Weight Gain, Independent of Dietary Substitution Instructions: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Trials. Adv Nutr · PMID 32945861 · DOI |
Systematic review meta analysis |
Adults in 55 nut-feeding trials lasting more than 3 weeks (nuts in general; pili is not named in the abstract) | Daily nuts or nut-based snacks and meals Nuts Varied More than 3 weeks · vs Control diets |
Nut diets did not change body weight, BMI or waist circumference, whether or not people were told what to swap out. A small fall in body fat percentage (SMD -0.32, 95% CI -0.61 to -0.03) was seen only in trials that gave swap instructions; the authors say more research is needed. Body weight SMD 0.01 (no instructions) and -0.01 (with instructions) (No instructions: 0.01 (95% CI -0.07 to 0.08); with instructions: -0.01 (-0.11 to 0.09)) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Body weight, BMI, waist circumference, body fat percentage Limitations: Mixed methods across trials; many outcomes unreported. Pili nuts are not named in the abstract, so results for other nuts cannot be assumed for pili. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract. Read: abstract |
| Lazzarin 2025 Nut consumption in chronic kidney disease: a systematic review. Front Nutr · PMID 41293182 · DOI |
Systematic review |
1270 1,270 people with chronic kidney disease in four studies (three trials, one cohort) |
Nuts (Brazil nuts, baru almond oil, walnuts and total nuts are named in the abstract; pili is not) Nuts Varied Varied · vs Varied |
Only four studies met the criteria; all had moderate-to-high risk of bias. The authors say there may be benefit from including nuts in the diet of people with kidney disease but further studies are needed. Walnuts posed no risk regarding electrolyte balance. Not pooled (Not applicable) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Blood lipids, inflammation, oxidative stress, blood pressure, death from any cause Limitations: Four heterogeneous, high-risk-of-bias studies; pili is not named in the abstract. Funding and conflicts: Authors declare no commercial or financial relationships. Registration: PROSPERO CRD42024543880 Read: abstract |
| Marcone 2002 Characterization of the proteins of pili nut (Canarium ovatum, Engl.). Plant Foods Hum Nutr · PMID 12049143 · DOI |
Laboratory research in-vitro |
Laboratory protein analysis of pili kernel | Pili kernel proteins Kernel |
The main storage protein of the kernel was a water-soluble globulin (more than 60.3% of protein), an 11S-like type with properties similar to other 11S oilseed globulins. Not applicable (Not applicable) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Storage protein type and properties Limitations: Protein chemistry only. It does not tell us whether the protein causes allergy or cross-reacts with other nuts. Funding and conflicts: Not stated. Read: abstract |
| s-cdc-choking CDC: Choking Hazards (Infant and Toddler Nutrition) · Source |
Health agency n/a |
Methods, limits and fundingRead: full-text | ||
| s-fda-food-allergies FDA: Food Allergies · Source |
Health agency n/a |
Methods, limits and fundingRead: full-text | ||
| s-medlineplus-aflatoxin MedlinePlus: Aflatoxin · Source |
Health agency n/a |
Methods, limits and fundingRead: full-text | ||
| s-millena-minerals-2018 Millena CG, Sagum RS. Philippine Pili (Canarium ovatum, Engl.) varieties as source of essential minerals and trace elements in human nutrition. J Food Compos Anal 2018 · Source |
Laboratory analysis n/a |
Methods, limits and fundingRead: abstract | ||
| s-millena-physchem-2018 Millena CG, Sagum RS. Physicochemical characterization and fatty acid profiling of different Philippine pili nut (Canarium ovatum, Engl.) varieties. J Am Oil Chem Soc 2018 · Source |
Laboratory analysis n/a |
Methods, limits and fundingRead: abstract | ||
| s-nhs-food-allergy NHS: Food allergy · Source |
Health agency n/a |
Methods, limits and fundingRead: full-text | ||
| s-usda-fdc-170590 USDA FoodData Central: Nuts, pilinuts, dried (FDC 170590) · Source |
Reference database n/a |
Methods, limits and fundingRead: full-text |
What we do not know yet
- No trial of eating pili nuts was found for any health goal.
- The only human study used a pomace drink in 10 people with one dose and no control group described.
- The allergy case report had no abstract, so the reaction was not read; cross-reactivity with other tree nuts was not found.
- Pregnancy, breastfeeding, medicine interactions, pili-specific aflatoxin levels, storage and the effect of roasting were not found.
- The literature search behind this page was brief, so other studies may exist.
How new research is added
New studies are found by a saved PubMed search and placed in a review queue before the page changes.
Lab markers
What changed in blood or saliva tests during trials. A changed number is not the same as feeling or being healthier, and we give no "normal ranges".
Other 1
Plasma antioxidant capacity and polyphenols
Raised in trials
Laboratory measures of how much antioxidant activity and how many polyphenol compounds are in the blood after a drink or meal.
Not enough evidenceResults and what it means
Why it was measured
Researchers use them to see whether compounds from a food reach the blood.
Statistical vs. clinical meaning
A short-lived blood laboratory change after one drink. It is not a health outcome.
Safety implication
None reported.
| Study | Result | People | Product |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Plasma total antioxidant capacity peaked at 120 minutes and polyphenols between 30 and 60 minutes; both stayed above baseline for 240 minutes (p<0.05). Size not given in the abstract. | 10 healthy adults | One 130 ml serving of heat-processed pili pomace drink (not the nut) |
Safety
What studies and official sources say about side effects, medicines and who should check first. Each point shows what kind of evidence it comes from.
Main points to know 3
- Allergy: a US case report of an allergic reaction to pili nut exists, and tree nut allergy can be severe. A 2021 case report is titled as the first reported allergic reaction to pili nut in the United States. Only the title was available (no abstract), so we do not know what the reaction was. The NHS lists tree nuts among common allergic foods, says you can be allergic to any food, and says to call 999 (US readers: 911) if lips, mouth, throat or tongue suddenly swell or you struggle to breathe. Whether pili allergy cross-reacts with cashew, pistachio or other nuts was not found. Case report 2 12 8
- Choking: whole or chopped nuts are a choking hazard for young children. The CDC lists whole or chopped nuts and seeds, and chunks or spoonfuls of nut and seed butters, among the foods to avoid for young children because of choking. Authoritative guidance 7
- Very high in fat and saturated fat. USDA lists 31.2 g saturated fat and 719 kcal per 100 g, which is about 8.8 g saturated fat and 204 kcal in a 1 ounce portion (about 15 kernels). People managing cholesterol or heart disease can ask a clinician how this fits. Reference data 13
Side effects 2
| Effect | How often | Severity and recovery | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allergic reaction to pili nut One reported case; only the title was read. No source read says how common pili allergy is. | Not established | not stated Not stated | Case report 2 |
| Choking in young children from whole or chopped nuts General warning for whole or chopped nuts, not pili-specific data. | Not established | can be serious Not applicable | Authoritative guidance 7 |
Liver
No liver injury from eating pili nuts was found in the sources read. A liver-safety source (such as LiverTox) was not searched for this food page.
How often. No frequency was found.
Monitoring. No agency monitoring advice was found.
This is a safety connection. It is not evidence that Pili Nuts supports liver health.
Medicines and supplements 0
| With | Why it matters | Importance | Evidence | What to do |
|---|
Who should check first 3
| Situation | Advice | Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Allergy to tree nuts or to pili nut | Ask an allergist before trying pili nuts. In the US, labels must name the specific type of tree nut; whether pili is listed as a tree nut on a given label was not confirmed. | Authoritative guidance 12 8 2 |
| Young children (choking) | Whole or chopped nuts are on the CDC list of foods to avoid for young children. | Authoritative guidance 7 |
| Kidney disease on a restricted diet | USDA lists 575 mg phosphorus and 507 mg potassium per 100 g. No pili-specific kidney source was found, so people on renal diets can ask their kidney team. | Reference data 13 5 |
Overdose, product quality and regulators
Summary. No toxicity from eating pili kernels as food was found in the sources read. This is not the same as proof of safety: very little has been studied.
Animal. Not reviewed.
Human doses studied. The one human study gave a single 130 ml pomace drink to 10 healthy adults; the abstract reports no harm but does not discuss safety.
Overdose response. Not found.
Genotoxicity. Not researched.
Aflatoxin, a mold toxin, can occur in nuts in general. A pili-specific aflatoxin source was not read. A Philippine laboratory analysis found lead and cadmium below the limit of quantitation in the pulp and kernel of seven varieties.
Aflatoxin and mold. MedlinePlus says nuts and nut butters are among rigorously tested products because they often contain aflatoxins and are widely eaten. To reduce intake, buy only major brands and discard nuts that look moldy, discolored or shriveled. 9
Lead and cadmium. In a laboratory analysis of seven Philippine pili varieties, lead and cadmium were below the limit of quantitation in both pulp and kernel. This is a single-lab analysis, not market testing of products on sale. 10
| Body | Action | Date |
|---|---|---|
| CDC (US) (United States) | Choking hazards page for young children lists whole or chopped nuts and seeds and nut and seed butters among foods to avoid. Pili is not named. source | 2026-03-11 |
| FDA (US) (United States) | Tree nuts are one of nine major food allergens; labels must declare the type of tree nut. Pili is not named, and its status as a tree nut for labelling was not found. source | 2026-03-11 |
| NHS (UK) (United Kingdom) | Food allergy page lists tree nuts among common allergic foods and gives the 999 signs of a serious reaction. Pili is not named. source | 2026-08-20 |
| MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine) (United States) | Aflatoxin page: nuts often contain aflatoxins; buy major brands and discard moldy, discolored or shriveled nuts. source | 2025-01-08 |
When to get medical help
- Trouble breathing, swelling of the lips, mouth, tongue, face or throat, or widespread hives after eating pili nuts or any nut (NHS: call 999; US: 911)
- A child who is choking or cannot breathe, cough or cry after eating nuts
Stop using the product and contact a clinician or emergency service. In the US, Poison Control is 1-800-222-1222.
General information only, not medical advice. Ask a clinician or pharmacist before use, especially with medicines, in pregnancy or with a health condition. See the Natural Remedy Safety guide.
Frequently asked questions
Are pili nuts healthy?
They supply magnesium, copper, manganese and thiamin according to USDA, but they are also very high in fat and saturated fat. We found no human trials of eating pili nuts for any health outcome.
How much research exists on pili nuts?
Can pili nuts cause an allergic reaction?
Is pili nut a tree nut for allergy labels?
Do pili nuts lower cholesterol?
Not shown. We found no pili trial, and pili is high in saturated fat, so results from other nuts cannot be assumed.
How many calories are in pili nuts?
Do pili nuts help with weight?
Not shown for pili. A pooled analysis of 55 trials found nuts in general did not change body weight, but it did not name pili nuts.
Are pili nuts safe for small children?
Whole or chopped nuts are on the CDC list of choking hazards for young children. Ask a pediatrician before offering any nut product.
Are pili nuts safe in pregnancy?
We found no official statement about pili nuts in pregnancy or breastfeeding. Ask your doctor, especially if you have allergies.
Can pili nuts get moldy?
Nuts in general can carry aflatoxin, a mold toxin. MedlinePlus advises buying from major brands and discarding nuts that look moldy, discolored or shriveled. We found no pili-specific aflatoxin data.
Are pili nuts a good choice with kidney disease?
Explore by health goal
Editorial transparency
- Written by
- AlternativeMed editorial team. Research compiled with AI assistance, then checked against the sources listed.
- Medical review
- None. This page has not been reviewed by a physician or pharmacist.
- First published
- 2026-10-26
- Last substantive update
- 2026-10-26
- How we research
- We started from our existing pili nut summary, re-read the USDA FoodData Central record, read the health agency pages (NHS, FDA, MedlinePlus, CDC) and read the abstracts of the pili papers in PubMed and Europe PMC. The case report had no abstract. Because little research exists, this page is short on purpose. Items we could not verify are flagged in the research gaps.
- How we rate evidence
- See "How we rate evidence" in the Evidence tab.
- Independence
- No product is promoted on this page. No affiliate links are shown.
Sources 13
Each source was opened and checked. Where we read only the abstract, it says so. The small numbers in the text point here.
- Arenas EH, Trinidad TP. Acute effects of thermally processed pili (Canarium ovatum, Engl.) pomace drink on plasma antioxidant and polyphenol status in humans.. Avicenna J Phytomed. 2017. PMID 29062808. (abstract)
- Cho EJ, Chang AL. First reported allergic reaction in the United States to pili nut (Canarium ovatum).. J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract. 2021. PMID 32942049. DOI 10.1016/j.jaip.2020.08.062. (title-only)
- Dumandan NG, Kagaoan ACT, Acda RDP, et al.. Extraction, Profiling, and Characterization of Phytosterols and Triterpenoids from Pili (Canarium ovatum Engl.) Pulp Oil Exhibiting Antioxidant and Antibacterial Properties.. Biochem Res Int. 2022. PMID 36606186. DOI 10.1155/2022/6604984. (abstract)
- Guarneiri LL, Cooper JA. Intake of Nuts or Nut Products Does Not Lead to Weight Gain, Independent of Dietary Substitution Instructions: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Trials.. Adv Nutr. 2021. PMID 32945861. DOI 10.1093/advances/nmaa113. (abstract)
- Lazzarin T, Ballarin RS, Azevedo PS, et al.. Nut consumption in chronic kidney disease: a systematic review.. Front Nutr. 2025. PMID 41293182. DOI 10.3389/fnut.2025.1659516. (abstract)
- Marcone MR, Kakuda Y, Jahaniaval F, et al.. Characterization of the proteins of pili nut (Canarium ovatum, Engl.).. Plant Foods Hum Nutr. 2002. PMID 12049143. DOI 10.1023/a:1015266423254. (abstract)
- . CDC: Choking Hazards (Infant and Toddler Nutrition). . . (full-text)
- . FDA: Food Allergies. . . (full-text)
- . MedlinePlus: Aflatoxin. . . (full-text)
- . Millena CG, Sagum RS. Philippine Pili (Canarium ovatum, Engl.) varieties as source of essential minerals and trace elements in human nutrition. J Food Compos Anal 2018. . . (abstract)
- . Millena CG, Sagum RS. Physicochemical characterization and fatty acid profiling of different Philippine pili nut (Canarium ovatum, Engl.) varieties. J Am Oil Chem Soc 2018. . . (abstract)
- . NHS: Food allergy. . . (full-text)
- . USDA FoodData Central: Nuts, pilinuts, dried (FDC 170590). . . (full-text)
Where to buy
Check the label first. Whatever you buy, look for these:
- Raw or roasted, and salted or unsalted
- A best-by date, since nuts and seeds turn rancid
- Tree nut and peanut allergy warnings
- A resealable bag, and cool storage once opened
Talk to a pharmacist or doctor before you start any supplement, especially if you take medicines. See the Safety tab for interactions.
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