NUTRITIONAL AND PHYTOCHEMICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF LEAVES, FLOWER, AND FRUITS OF PROSOPIS LAEVIGATA

Background: The sustainable use of native plants for human consumption and their incorporation as an ingredient in new foods is important. The fruits of Prosopis laevigata have been used occasionally for human consumption; however, they can constitute a sustainable source of nutrients and secondary metabolites. Questions and / or Hypotheses: Which is the nutrient content and phytochemical composition of leaves, flowers, and fruits of Prosopis leavigata? Study species / Data description / Mathematical model: Prosopis laevigata, Fabaceae family, reproductive parts (flower and fruit) and vegetative part (leaf). Site and years of study: Portugalejo de los Romanes, Lagos de Moreno, Jalisco. From 2018-2020 Methods: The soluble solids, pH, acidity, and maturity index were determined in fruit. The nutrient content of the leaf, flower and fruit was evaluated; as well as macro and microelements in leaf, fruit and seed were determined; while soluble phenols, condensed tannins, hydrolyzable polyphenols, and total alkaloids were determined in leaf, flower and fruit. Results: There were significant differences in the nutrient content between organs. The content of phenolic compounds and alkaloids were highest in flower. The phenolic compounds with highest concentration in flower were the 4-hydroxybenzoic, r-coumaric and gallic acids, in leaf 4-hydroxybenzoic, chlorogenic and r-coumaric acids, and in fruit gallic, cinnamic and r-coumaric acids. Conclusions: The content of nutrients, minerals and phytochemicals allows to conclude that this species can constitute a source of primary metabolites, minerals, and functional compounds for human or animal consumption, as well as for obtaining by-products.

Automated summary

This study investigated the nutrient content and phytochemical composition of leaves, flowers, and fruits of Prosopis laevigata. The results showed significant differences in nutrient content between organs, with the highest content of phenolic compounds and alkaloids in the flower. Therefore, it can be concluded that Prosopis laevigata can serve as a sustainable source of nutrients, minerals, and functional compounds for human or animal consumption, as well as for obtaining by-products.