As a source of bioactive compounds, species of the genus Lupinus are interesting legumes from a nutritional point of view. Although wild species are abundant and represent a potential source of nutrients and biologically active compounds, most research has focused on domesticated and semi-domesticated species, such as Lupinus angustifolius, Lupinus albus, Lupinus luteus, and Lupinus mutabilis. Therefore, in this review, we focus on recent research conducted on the wild Lupinus species of Mexico. The nutritional content of these species is characterized (similar to those of the domesticated species), including proteins (isolates), lipids, minerals, dietary fiber, and bioactive compounds, such as oligosaccharides, flavonoids, and alkaloids.

Hibiscus sabdariffa (Roselle) is in high demand worldwide due to its beneficial health properties owing to the polyphenols content, mainly in the flower calyx. The objective of this study was to find the best conditions (time and liquid: solid ratio) to extract polyphenols from Roselle using Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction (UAE) (40 kHz, 180 W), with ethanol how solvent; as well as determine the yield of phenols, anthocyanin, flavonoids, tannins, antioxidant activity (DPPH) and antigenotoxic effect (comet assay). A traditional solid-liquid extraction was applied as a reference. Extraction times of 40 and 60 min resulted in the highest polyphenols (13.019 mg GAE/g dry weight (dw)), flavonoids (4.981 CE/g dw), anthocyanins (1.855 mg Cya3GE/g dw), and tannins (0.745 CE/g dw) recoveries and an antioxidant activity (DPPH) of 74.58%. Extracts from white calyces contained similar amounts of phenols and flavonoids, but very little condensed tannins (0.049 CE/g dw) and practically no anthocyanins. Extracts from red and white calyces, showed antigenotoxic activity and repaired capacity of damage caused by mutagens in human lymphocytes.

In this work, cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs), bleached cellulose nanofibers (bCNFs), and unbleached cellulose nanofibers (ubCNFs) isolated by acid hydrolysis from Agave tequilana Weber var. Azul bagasse, an agro-waste from the tequila industry, were used as reinforcements in a thermoplastic starch matrix to obtain environmentally friendly materials that can substitute contaminant polymers. A robust characterization of starting materials and biocomposites was carried out. Biocomposite mechanical, thermal, and antibacterial properties were evaluated, as well as color, crystallinity, morphology, rugosity, lateral texture, electrical conductivity, chemical identity, solubility, and water vapor permeability. Pulp fibers and nanocelluloses were analyzed via SEM, TEM, and AFM. The water vapor permeability (WVP) decreased by up to 20.69% with the presence of CNCs. The solubility decreases with the presence of CNFs and CNCs. The addition of CNCs and CNFs increased the tensile strength and Young’s modulus and decreased the elongation at break. Biocomposites prepared with ubCNF showed the best tensile mechanical properties due to a better adhesion with the matrix. Images of bCNF-based biocomposites demonstrated that bCNFs are good reinforcing agents as the fibers were dispersed within the starch film and embedded within the matrix. Roughness increased with CNF content and decreased with CNC content. Films with CNCs did not show bacterial growth for Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. This study offers a new theoretical basis since it demonstrates that different proportions of bleached or unbleached nanofibers and nanocrystals can improve the properties of starch films.

En este artículo se presentan los resultados obtenidos en la caracterización química y morfológicade las hojas de mazorca de maíz (Zea mays) y del bagazo de caña (Saccharum officinarum L.).Se analizaron porcentajes de α-celulosa, holocelulosa, lignina y cenizas, según las Normas Tappi paracada componente y el método de Jayme-Wise. Se determinaron las propiedades biométricas de lasfibras de cada planta (longitud y diámetro, grosor de la pared y diámetro del lumen). Además, se estimaronlos índices de calidad de pulpa para papel. Este estudio se hizo con la finalidad de tener informaciónde ambas plantas para su posterior tratamiento de pulpeo, blanqueo y mezcla, para la obtenciónde una pulpa celulósica óptima, a partir de sus residuos. Los resultados indican que el contenidode holocelulosa en las hojas de mazorca se encuentra en el intervalo de los materiales usados comúnmenteen la producción de pulpa para papel y es cercano al observado en el bagazo de caña. Lacaracterización morfológica de las fibras mostró que la longitud de las mismas es muy parecida, noasí el ancho, el espesor y el lumen. Las hojas de mazorca de maíz presentaron fibra con mejorescaracterísticas para la fabricación de una pulpa óptima, al situarse en el intervalo de “muy buena”,según la clasificación de Runkel. Por su parte, la fibra de bagazo de caña, presentó características“buenas”.

There is little information on the agroecological characteristics and chemical composition of some wild forage species in Mexico, which can be proposed as alternatives for forage uses; therefore, the aim of this work was to assess the nutritional properties of Enterolobium cyclocarpum (common name: parota) mature seeds collected from several native habitat locations with distinct physiographic and ecological conditions in Jalisco in western Mexico. Physiographic data, coexisting vegetation, environmental conditions, soil type, mineral and organic content of soils from each site were determined. Seed nutritional values (amino acid profile, mineral content and in vivo protein degradability) were evaluated by proximate composition. Seed samples from Autlán exhibited the highest crude protein values, ethyl ether extract, histidine, phosphorus, dry matter digestibility and protein efficiency ratio. This site coincides with the highest contents in soil organic carbon, soil organic matter and phosphorus, and appropriate climatic conditions; while seeds with the lowest value of crude protein, dry matter digestibility, and protein efficiency ratio were collected from Puerto Vallarla, La Huerta and Amatitán, which are the locations with inferior soil fertility characteristics.