Valorization of Mexican Ricinus communis L. Leaves as a Source of Minerals and Antioxidant Compounds

Purpose This research aimed to characterize the physicochemical and nutraceutical composition from two MexicanR. communisL. leaves accessions (R1 and R2) to valorize their use as a source of macromolecules, minerals, and bioactive compounds. Methods The physicochemical (proximal composition, X-ray fluorescence and diffraction, FT-IR, and SEM) and nutraceutical composition (phenolic compounds and mono/oligosaccharides, GC-MS, untargeted metabolomics, and in silico interactions) were conducted for the analysis of the leaves. Results Both accessions exhibited a high amount of protein (41.70-39.58%) and ash (11.81-12.51%). The untargeted metabolomic profiled a major impact on antioxidative pathways. Compared to R1, R2 showed a higher (p < 0.05) content of ellagic andp-coumaric acids and catechin. Correlations with the in vitro antioxidant capacity and in silico analysis suggested ellagic acid, (+)-catechin, and ricin as candidates for the antioxidant potential. The mineral characterization highlighted calcium and potassium as the most abundant minerals, both confirmed by the SEM analysis. The FTIR spectra of the leaves partially identified the presence of ricin and ricinine, major protein and alkaloid, respectively, of the leaves. Conclusion These results indicate thatR. communisL. leaves are an attractive by-product that can serve as an alternative source for the obtention of protein, minerals, and antioxidant compounds. [GRAPHICS] .