Potential of Leucaena Leucocephala and Leucaena Esculenta Seeds in Human Nutrition: Composition, Techno-Functional Properties, Toxicology, and Pretreatment Technologies

Leucaena leucocephala and Leucaena esculenta seeds offer significant nutritional benefits due to their protein, carbohydrate, and lipid content, including omega fatty acids, and possess pharmaceutical properties such as analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. However, their consumption is limited by the presence of mimosine, an antinutrient causing adverse effects like alopecia and growth retardation. The review, conducted by the Nutraceuticals Department of the Interdisciplinary Research Center for Integral Regional Development in Mexico, examines global research on these seeds, focusing on their nutritional and pharmacological potential, as well as technological processes to enhance digestibility and reduce toxicity.