Nutrient and bioactive compounds from Neltuma spp. seeds

CITTADINI, M. CECILIA; BODOIRA, ROMINA; BARRIONUEVO, DAMIÁN; LABUCKAS, DIANA; MARTÍNEZ, MARCELA; MAESTRI, DAMIÁN

JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN OIL CHEMISTS SOCIETY (JAOCS)

SPRINGER

Año: 2024

0003-021X

In the search for compounds with nutritional and functional value, seeds fromseveral Neltuma species were examined for lipid, protein and phenolic components.Lipid contents ranged between 9.3 and 12.5 g/100 g (seed dry weight),and showed both oleic and linoleic acids predominating largely. Lipids werealso a good source of tocopherols (170–603 mg total tocopherols/kg). Proteinsaccounted for 14.7–35.5 g/100 g seed. Essential amino acids (EAA) comprised26.1%–40.2% of the total AA content. Based on the EAA score, proteins fromall the species analyzed were deficient in leucine, isoleucine and valine, butcould meet requirements for histidine, threonine, phenylalanine, tyrosine, andlysine. The qualitative patterns of phenolic compounds were similar each other(predominance of flavonoids, particularly apigenin derivatives). Keeping inmind the examined chemical components, Neltuma seeds have potential valueas a source of healthy macronutrients and bioactive compounds.