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2000
Volume 21, Issue 7
  • ISSN: 1573-4013
  • E-ISSN: 2212-3881

Abstract

Background

Legumes are a significant part of the diets of numerous regions worldwide. However, only a limited number of species are cultivated, traded, and consumed. Guanacaste () remains underutilized and insufficiently studied.

Objective

This research aims to assess the nutritional composition and antioxidant properties of this undervalued legume.

Methods

Physical characterization, proximate analysis, and quantification of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and antioxidant activity were performed on both the pods and seeds to explore their potential for human consumption.

Results

The pod pulp had 59% soluble solids, a pH of 5.6, a notable content of total phenolics (1826.62 mg GAE/100 g) and flavonoids (165.75 mg QE/100 g), and high antioxidant activity (129, 113 and 156 μmol TE/g, by ABTS, DPPH and FRAP, respectively). The seed showed high protein content (34.5%), and a good level of phenolics, flavonoids, and antioxidant capacity (427.97 mg GAE/100 g, 160.69 mg QE/100 g, and 28.20 μmol TE/g, respectively). Both the pod and seed extracts exhibited more than 89% chelating activity (IC of 0.017 and 0.037 mg/mL, respectively). HPLC analysis identified catechin, epicatechin, p-coumaric acid, rutin, and quercetin in the pod; while gallic acid, catechin, epicatechin, p-coumaric acid, rutin, and quercetin were found in the seed. Pods and seeds presented significant amounts of dietary fiber (28.9% and 17.5%, respectively), and, regarding sugar content, sucrose predominated, followed by fructose and glucose.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that this legume has potential for commercial exploitation as a functional food, which would result in economic benefits for the communities that produce it.

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Composition and Antioxidant Properties of Guanacaste (Enterolobium cyclocarpum) Fruit: A Promising Legume
Curr. Nutr. Food Sci. 21, 830 (2025); https://doi.org/10.2174/0115734013375585250313014640
/content/journals/cnf/10.2174/0115734013375585250313014640
/content/journals/cnf/10.2174/0115734013375585250313014640
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  • Article Type:     Research Article
Keyword(s): antioxidant properties; economic benefits; Enterolobium cyclocarpum; guanacaste; parota; phenolic compounds

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