Flour from Prosopis alba cotyledons: A natural source of nutrient and bioactive phytochemicals

Neltuma nigra cotyledon and seed flour: nutritional, phytochemical, and techno-functional characterization and nutraceutic potential of polyphenolic enriched extract

Neltuma nigra seed and cotyledon flours were prepared and characterized. Both flours showed high protein and fiber content, and low carbohydrate and fat content. The major storage proteins in N. nigra flours were albumin and globulin. In addition, flours contained carotenoids and potassium as the main micronutrients. The free and bound phenolic compounds, tannins and flavonoids were the major phytochemical components. The phenolic enriched extracts (PEE) of both flours contained apigenin-derived C-glycosyl flavones, including schaftoside, and isoschaftoside as the main components. The PEE from seed flour contained higher antioxidant capacity on ABTS˙+, FRAP, H2O2, O2˙- and higher inhibitory effect on α-amylase and α-glucosidase than the cotyledon flour extract. Techno-functional property analyses showed better water retention capacity and emulsifying stability for cotyledon flour and better oil holding capacity and emulsifying activity for seed flour. The results suggest better biological properties and a low-cost accessibility of seed flour, and a better macronutrient balance for cotyledon flour. Therefore, both can be considered as ingredients or functional food for special foods related to the metabolic syndrome and diseases related to oxidative processes.

Gochnatia glutinosa (D.Don) D.Don ex Hook. & Arn.: A plant with medicinal value against inflammatory disorders and infections

Gochnatia glutinosa is a shrub that grown in the Argentinean semiarid region (Monte region) used in the ancestral medicine as an antiseptic and anti-inflammatory agent. This study was aimed to examine the morpho-anatomical characteristics of G. glutinosa aerial parts, identify the chemical composition of traditionally used preparations to assess its pharmacobotanical characterization and evaluate its activity as antiseptic and anti-inflammatory to give scientific support to its traditional uses. G. glutinosa morpho-anatomical description was performed following standard histological techniques. Tincture and infusion of its aerial parts were prepared and were subjected to phytochemical analysis. Xanthine oxidase (XOD) and lipoxygenase (LOX) inhibition experiments, as well as ABTS^•+, superoxide radical, and hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity, were carried out. The growth inhibition of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strains was also determined. The morpho-anatomical traits of G. glutinosa leaves and stems were reported for the first time. The medicinal preparations exhibited a large amount of phenolic chemicals mainly flavonoids such as rhamnetin, arcapillin, rhamnacin, hesperetin, isorhamnetin, centaureidin, europetin 7-O-mehylmyricetin, cirsiliol, sakuranetin, genkwanin and eupatorine and also phenolic acids and diterpenoid derivatives. Both preparations had free radical scavenging activity and were able to reduce both XOD and LOX activity, indicating their anti-inflammatory properties. Besides, tincture was effective against all MRSA strains (MIC values ranging from 60 to 240 g DW/mL). The results obtained in this work scientifically support the medicinal popular use of G. glutinosa as an antiseptic and anti-inflammatory. The identification of bioactive compounds and their morpho-anatomical description contribute to the quality control of this medicinal plant from Argentine Calchaquí Valley.

Prosopis alba Seed as a Functional Food Waste for Food Formulation Enrichment

The present study describes how flour and phenolic enriched extracts (PEE) are obtained from seed (food waste) of 10 different P. alba (algarrobo blanco) clones and their characterization to be used as non-conventional sources of potential functional ingredients. Seed flour and PEE obtained from Argentinian P. alba cultivars were chemically characterized. The antioxidant capacity was also determined. The results showed variability in macronutrient composition of seed flour obtained from different clones. Among them, seed flour obtained from P4, P5, P6, P10, P12, and P13 clones showed a higher protein and fiber content than the other clones. On the other hand, PEE obtained from P6, P7, and P10 clones showed the highest content of phenolic component (7.32–8.58 mg GAE/g flour). The extracts obtained from them also showed high antioxidant activity (scavenging activity on ABTS^•+, HO^•, and H₂O₂). C-glycosyl flavones, including vicenin II, isoschaftoside, schaftoside, vitexin, and isovitexin were the major components extracted in all clones. These compounds have remarkable properties for disease prevention linked to oxidative stress. Therefore, the P. alba seed could be considered as functional food waste with a great potential to be used as a novel renewable and sustainable material for the production of bioactive food formulations.

Reproductive disruption in adult female and male rats prenatally exposed to mesquite pod extract or daidzein

Phytoestrogens are considered to be endocrine disruptors, since they can alter the endocrine system, thus disturbing many reproductive events. The intake of diets containing a high content of phytoestrogens has increased worldwide in human populations and in domestic animals. Phytoestrogens in maternal blood can pass through the placenta to the fetus in high amounts and can have long-term organizational effects. Mesquite (Prosopis sp) is a leguminous plant widely used to feed several livestock species, and is also used in the human diet. In this study we assessed the effects of exposure to mesquite pod extract during the periconception and pregnancy periods on the reproduction of male and female descendants. The females of three experimental groups received one of the following treatments: 1) vehicle injection; 2) mesquite pod extract or 3) the isoflavone daidzein during the periconception and pregnancy periods. Estrous cyclicity, sexual behavior and hormones, as well as uterine and vaginal epithelia were evaluated in the female descendants. In the males, sexual behavior and hormones, apoptosis in testicular cells and sperm quality were evaluated. In females the following was observed: alterations in estrous cycles, decreased sexual behavior, estradiol and progesterone levels, increased uterine and vaginal epithelia. In males, we observed a decrease in sexual behavior, testosterone and sperm quality, and apoptosis increased in testicular cells. All these effects were similar to those caused by daidzein. These results indicate that prenatal exposure to mesquite pod extract or daidzein, administered to females before and during pregnancy, can disrupt normal organizational-activational programming of reproductive physiology in female and male descendants.

Current Insights into Phytochemistry, Nutritional, and Pharmacological Properties of Prosopis Plants

Prosopis is a regional cash crop that is widely grown in arid, semiarid, tropical, and subtropical areas. Compared with other legume plants, Prosopis is underutilized and has great potentialities. Prosopis not only is a good source of timber, construction, fencing material, and gum, but also can be applied for food, beverage, feed, and medicine. Prosopis contains numerous phytochemical constituents, including carbohydrates, proteins, fatty acids, minerals, and vitamins, while varieties of phenolic compounds have also been identified from different parts of Prosopis. Flavonoids (especially C-glycosyl flavonoids), tannins, catechin, 4'-O-methyl-gallocatechin, mesquitol, and quercetin O-glycosides are significant phenolic contents in Prosopis. Various extracts of Prosopis displayed a wide range of biological properties, such as antioxidant, antihyperglycemic, antibacterial, anthelmintic, antitumor, and anticancer. Additionally, Prosopis has the potential to be an ideal diet that contains abundant dietary fiber, minerals, galactomannans, and low-fat content. However, the bioactivity and pharmacological properties associated with Prosopis were influenced by the bioavailability of phytochemicals, various antinutritional compounds, and the interactions of protein and phenolic compounds. The bioavailability of Prosopis is mainly affected by phenolic contents, especially catechin. The antinutritional compounds negatively affect the nutritional qualities of Prosopis, which can be prevented by heating. The protein-phenolic compound interactions can help the human body to absorb quercetin from Prosopis. This literature review aimed to provide systematic information on the physical, biochemical, pharmacological, and nutritional properties and potential applications of Prosopis.

Flower beverages of native medicinal plants from Argentina (Acacia caven, Geoffroea decorticans and Larrea divaricata) as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Herbal beverages have been used as a natural part of the medicinal and food culture in northwestern Argentina. The flower beverages (infusion or decoction) of Acacia caven, Geoffroea decorticans and Larrea divaricata, three native species from arid and semiarid regions of Argentina are widely used as anti-inflammatory and anti-rheumatic by several local communities.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The aim of this study was to analyze the phytochemical composition of some Argentine flower beverage and to validate its traditional use as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Phenolic profiles from all flower infusions and decoctions were analyzed by both spectrophotometric analysis and HPLC-DAD. ABTS^•+; the scavenging activity of both hydrogen peroxide and hydroxyl radical was determined and finally, their ability to inhibit pro-inflammatory enzymes, such as xanthine oxidase (XOD), and lipoxygenase (LOX) was also assessed.

RESULTS

The flower beverages of all assayed species showed a high level of phenolic compounds with similar chromatographic patterns in both infusions and decoctions of each plant species, the major components of which have been identified. The flower beverages, especially G. decorticans infusion and decoctions, displayed an important antioxidant activity (SC₅₀ values between 18.14 and 47 μg/mL) through different mechanisms; all of them were able to inhibit the XOD enzyme activity and, consequently, the formation of uric acid and reactive oxygen species, the primary cause of arthritis-related diseases. The most active beverages as XOD inhibitor were G. decorticans flower infusion and decoctions (IC₅₀ values of 20 and 35 μg/mL, respectively). Pro-inflammatory enzymes, such as LOX, were also inhibited by infusions and decoctions of G. decorticans, L. cuneifolia and A caven flowers, lessening inflammation mediators in all beverages.

CONCLUSIONS

The present work validates the traditional medicinal use of flower beverages from Argentina as an anti-rheumatic and anti-inflammatory agent as it has been used for hundreds of years in several pathologies associated with oxidative stress.

Prosopis Species—An Invasive Species and a Potential Source of Browse for Livestock in Semi-Arid Areas of South Africa

Globally, there have been differing views on whether the proliferation of invasive species will be of benefit as a livestock feed source or it will have detrimental effects on the ecosystem. The infestation of invasive plants such as Prosopis species does not only affect the groundwater levels but also threatens the grazing capacity and species richness of most of the semi-arid areas around South Africa. Though Prosopis is invasive, it is however of good nutritive value and can serve as an alternative source of protein and minerals for livestock during the dry season. Bush encroachment by browsable invasive species can be controlled through biological methods by using organisms such as livestock. The utilisation of Prosopis through browse benefits livestock production and at the same time reduces its spread, thereby preventing possible environmental harm that may arise. Although several studies have been carried out globally on the assessment of the Prosopis species’ nutritive value and also on the threat of this invasive species to the environment, there is a need to update the state of knowledge on this species, particularly in the context of the semi-arid areas of South Africa where the dry season is characterised by less herbage of poor quality. It is therefore critical to understand whether Prosopis is a beneficial invader, or a detriment that needs to be eradicated. This review will contribute knowledge towards finding practical solutions to controlling Prosopis species and whether utilising Prosopis as a feed source will limit its spread and result in a vegetation structure where Prosopis becomes part of the ecosystem with limited detrimental impact. This means that the several components of the species such as nutritive value and the negative impact associated with this plant species along with the means to control its spreading must be well understood to recognise the plant species’ vital contribution to the ecosystem.

Bioactive Constituents from South American Prosopis and their Use and Toxicity

BACKGROUND

The pods from several South American Prosopis species have been considered relevant food in arid and semi-arid South America since prehistoric times. Traditionally the meal from the pods was processed to prepare different foods and beverages.

OBJECTIVE

The objective was to discuss literature from the archaeological evidence of use to study the chemistry and (bio)activity of the extracts and secondary metabolites occurring in different Prosopis food products.

METHODS

The review was carried out by searching electronic databases, including ScienceDirect, SciFinder, Scopus, Scielo, Google Scholar, PubMed and hand-search on literature. The review mainly covers studies performed in the year 1995-2019 and the first-hand experience of the authors. References on the historical and prehistorical uses of the natural resource were also included.

RESULTS

In the last decades, most studies on the edible South American Prosopis focused on the constituents of pods meal, traditional preparations and by-products. Total 45 flavonoids, ellagic acid derivatives, catechin and simple phenolics were identified. Alkaloids occur mainly in the leaves, that are not used for human nutrition but as food for domestic animals. Piperidine alkaloids, tryptamine, tyramine and β-phenethylamine were isolated and identified from several species. The (bio)activity studies included mainly the antioxidant effect, antiinflammatory and enzyme inhibition associated with metabolic syndrome. The products showed no toxicity or mutagenic effect.

CONCLUSION

While data on the chemistry, some (bio)activities and toxicity are available for the pods meal and byproducts, little is known about the composition of the fermented Algarrobo beverages. Further studies are needed on the digestion of Algarrobo products both in humans and cattle.

Nutritive and Bioactive Properties of Mesquite (Prosopis pallida) Flour and Its Technological Performance in Breadmaking

Although the nutritional profile, bioactivities, and uses of mesquite pod flour from various Prosopis species have been studied, limited research has been conducted on Prosopis pallida (Humb, & Bonpl. Ex Willd.) Kunth mesquite flour. This study aimed to characterize the nutritional quality and bioactive properties of P. pallida pod flour and to assess its technological performance in breadmaking as a partial replacer of white wheat flour. Peruvian P. pallida mesquite flour was found to have an appealing nutritional profile, with high contents of dietary fiber (29.6% dw) and protein (9.5% dw), and low contents of fat (1.0% dw) and carbohydrates (57.6% dw). It is a source of palmitic (12.6%), oleic (35.5%), and linoleic acids (45.8%), α-, β-, and γ- tocopherols, and contains phenolic compounds such as apigenin glycoside derivatives with proven antioxidant capacities. Extracts of P. pallida flour were also found to have antimicrobial and antifungal effects and did not show hepatoxicity. When formulated as a wheat flour replacer, increasing mesquite flour levels yield composite doughs of lower stickiness and extensibility, and composite breads of lower elasticity (p < 0.01). However, up to a level of 10%, mesquite flour significantly increases loaf volume, reduces crumb hardness, and produces a more uniform crumb of small size alveoli (p < 0.01). Considering the purpose of improving the nutritional and technological quality of wheat flour bread, the addition of P. pallida pod flour can be highly recommended.

Prosopis Plant Chemical Composition and Pharmacological Attributes: Targeting Clinical Studies from Preclinical Evidence

Members of the Prosopis genus are native to America, Africa and Asia, and have long been used in traditional medicine. The Prosopis species most commonly used for medicinal purposes are P. africana, P. alba, P. cineraria, P. farcta, P. glandulosa, P. juliflora, P. nigra, P. ruscifolia and P. spicigera, which are highly effective in asthma, birth/postpartum pains, callouses, conjunctivitis, diabetes, diarrhea, expectorant, fever, flu, lactation, liver infection, malaria, otitis, pains, pediculosis, rheumatism, scabies, skin inflammations, spasm, stomach ache, bladder and pancreas stone removal. Flour, syrup, and beverages from Prosopis pods have also been potentially used for foods and food supplement formulation in many regions of the world. In addition, various in vitro and in vivo studies have revealed interesting antiplasmodial, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anticancer, antidiabetic and wound healing effects. The phytochemical composition of Prosopis plants, namely their content of C-glycosyl flavones (such as schaftoside, isoschaftoside, vicenin II, vitexin and isovitexin) has been increasingly correlated with the observed biological effects. Thus, given the literature reports, Prosopis plants have positive impact on the human diet and general health. In this sense, the present review provides an in-depth overview of the literature data regarding Prosopis plants' chemical composition, pharmacological and food applications, covering from pre-clinical data to upcoming clinical studies.

Prosopis alba seed flour improves vascular function in a rabbit model of high fat diet-induced metabolic syndrome

AIMS

Prosopis alba flour is a natural source of nutrient and phytochemicals with potential effects on cardiovascular risk factors. The aim of this work was to examine the effects of dietary supplementation with Prosopis alba seed flour (Pr-Feed) on a high fat diet (FD)-induced rabbit model of metabolic syndrome.

MAIN METHODS

Rabbits were separated in four groups: fed regular diet (CD); CD supplemented with Pr-Feed; fed on 18 % FD; FD supplemented with Pr-Feed. All diets were administrated for 6 weeks. After the feeding period body weights, mean blood pressure, heart rate and visceral abdominal fat (VAF) were determined; glucose tolerance test (GTT) was performed; total cholesterol (TC), HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, triglycerides (TG), fasting glucose (FG), aspartate amino transferase, alanine amino transferase, bilirubin and creatinine were measured in serum. Abdominal aorta was excised and vascular function was assessed by acetylcholine relaxation and contractile response to KCl, norepinephrine and angiotensin II.

KEY FINDINGS

Phytochemical analyses showed that the main compounds of Pr-Feed were apigenin C-glycosides. FD increased VAF, FG, TG, reduced HDL-cholesterol and induced abnormal GTT. Pr-Feed addition to FD did not modify these alterations. Aortic rings from rabbits fed on FD exhibited an impaired relaxation-response to acetylcholine and increased agonist vasoconstrictor responses. Pr Feed-supplemented FD improved the response to acetylcholine, and prevented the increase of the contractile response to KCl, norepinephrine and angiotensin II.

SIGNIFICANCE

Results suggest that dietary supplementation with Pr-Feed, rich in apigenin C-glycosides, has vascular protector properties and could be used to prevent vascular alterations characterizing the metabolic syndrome.

Variation in Ceratonia siliqua pod metabolome in context of its different geographical origin, ripening stage and roasting process

Carob is a legume tree of a considerable commercial importance for the flavor and sweet industry. In this context, it is cultivated mostly for its pods, which are known for their nutritive value and multiple health benefits. However, metabolite patterns, underlying these properties are still mostly uncharacterized. In this study, the role of geographical origin, ontogenetic changes and thermal processing on the Ceratonia siliqua pod metabolome was assessed by mass spectrometry (MS)-based metabolomics. Thereby, a total of 70 fruits primary metabolites, represented mainly by carbohydrates, organic and amino acids were detected. Analysis of secondary bioactive metabolites assessed by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization high resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-ESI-HR-MS) revealed in total 83 signals. The major signals, most significantly contributing in discrimination of C. siliqua specimens were assigned to tannins and flavonoids. PCA models derived from either UHPLC-MS or GC-MS proved to be powerful tools for discrimination of C. siliqua specimens.

Morphological, histological, chemical and functional characterization of Prosopis alba flours of different particle sizes

Prosopis alba (algarrobo) flours are traditional food resources from Argentina. The aim of this work was to determine the effect of particle sizes of Prosopis flour on its chemical composition and functional properties. Flours were obtained by mechanical methods (F1 to F4, >840, 840 to 500, 500 to 149 and <149 µm, respectively). F1 and F2 contain 40% mesocarp while F3 and F4 show 80 and 90%, respectively. Mesocarp reserve parenchyma is rich in free and bound phenolic compounds, carbohydrates and fibers of the vascular system, CaCO₃ crystals, and minerals (Fe, Ca, Mg, K). Apigenin C-glycosides and phenylpropanoids acids were identified in all fractions whereas F4 showed the highest level. All fractions showed functional properties. F3 and F4 showed the highest activity as H₂O₂ and HO^• scavenger. F1 and F2 showed the highest activity as reductor agents and lipoperoxidation inhibitors. Flours with different granulometry may be suitable as functional ingredient or nutraceutical whereas flours with a smaller particle size (F3 and F4) are more interesting as functional ingredients because of their high content of bound phenolic compounds and particle homogeneity and could be used either alone or together.

Nutritional Characterization of Prosopis laevigata Legume Tree (Mesquite) Seed Flour and the Effect of Extrusion Cooking on its Bioactive Components

Mesquite (Prosopis laevigata) is a legume tree widely distributed in Aridoamerica. The mature fruit of this legume is a pod, which is currently underutilized and has high nutritional potential. In the present work, mesquite seed flour is described in terms of its nutritional value, as well as the effect of extrusion cooking on its bioactive components. Mesquite seed flour is rich in fiber (7.73 g/100 g) and protein (36.51 g/100 g), with valine as the only limiting amino acid. Total phenolic compound contents in raw and extruded seed flour were 6.68 and 6.46 mg of gallic acid equivalents/g (mg GAE/g), respectively. 2-2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging capacity values in raw and extruded seed flour were 9.11 and 9.32 mg of ascorbic acid equivalent/g (mg AAE/g), respectively. The absorbance at 290 nm, as an indicator of generation of Maillard reaction product (MRP), was the same for raw and extruded samples. Apigenin was the only flavonoid found in mesquite seed flour (41.6 mg/kg) and was stable in the extrusion process. The water absorption index (WAI) and water solubility index (WSI) were changed significantly during extrusion. The expansion of mesquite seed flour extrudates was null due to the high protein and fiber content in the sample. Extrusion cooking of mesquite seed flour is a useful form of technology for the industrialization of this underutilized and nutritionally valuable legume.

Prosopis nigra Mesocarp Fine Flour, A Source of Phytochemicals with Potential Effect on Enzymes Linked to Metabolic Syndrome, Oxidative Stress, and Inflammatory Process

This work is part of the search in native food matrices from arid regions of Argentina of interest to improve human health. Prosopis species are ethnic food resources in South America capable of growing in arid and semi-arid environments. This work was focused to determine the nutritional and phytochemical composition of Prosopis nigra fine flour and to evaluate its biological properties. Flour showed a high level of sucrose (30.35 g/100 g flour), fiber (6.34 g/100 g flour), polyphenols (0.45 g GAE/100 g flour), and minerals (potassium, calcium, and magnesium). Apigenin C glycosides and phenylpropanoid acids were identified in free and bound phenolic enriched extracts, respectively. Polyphenols (especially free polyphenols) were able to inhibit enzymes associated with the metabolic syndrome, including α-amylase (IC₅₀ 30.1 μg GAE/mL), α-glucosidase (IC₅₀ 22.5 μg GAE/mL), while bound phenolics may control lipase activity (IC₅₀ 33.5 μg GAE/mL) and exhibit antioxidant activity by different action mechanisms (SC₅₀ between 16 and 93 μg GAE/mL). Both extracts were more effective to inhibit cyclooxygenase-2 than phospholipase A₂ and lipoxygenase, proinflammatory enzymes. Polyphenolic extracts did not show any mutagenic effect. Our studies add value to this non-conventional flour as a promising food resource that could be used as a functional food or functional ingredient in formulations to reduce the risk of the development of obesity. These studies revalue our native resources by promoting their conservation, their use and their propagation.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

Pods of P. nigra are traditional food resources in South America. The non-conventional flour obtained from them is a food that inhibits enzymes linked to carbohydrates metabolism and lipids metabolism, show antioxidant activity and anti-inflamatory activity, principally on COX-2. This natural product is a promising resource that could be used as a functional food or as functional ingredient in food formulations for reduce the risk of the development of obesity. Our studies are relevant to stimulate a sustainable management of this specie and for its development as potential new crops.

Dietary nutritional profile and phenolic compounds consumption in school children of highlands of Argentine Northwest

The objective of this work was to assess dietary patterns and consumption of phenolic compounds from fruits and vegetables byschoolchildren of high altitude regions from northwest of Argentina. A nutritional survey including food-frequency consumption, 24-h dietary recall and anthropometric measurements was applied to 241 children from 6 to 12years old. The amounts of the different classes of phenolic compounds were established from Food Composition Tables available in phenol-explorer website. Statistics analyses were performed using IBM SPSS 20.0. Nutritional status assessment showed underweight (2.2%), low weight (12.7%), overweight (12.7%) and obesity (7.4%). Mean intake of phenolic compounds was 412mg/day. Most consumed foods were infusions and sugar products, consumption of vegetables, fruits and dairy products were low compared to recommendations for this age. Considering that polyphenols have protective health effects, its low consumption could be a risk of development of chronic non communicable diseases.

Biopharmaceutical potentials of Prosopis spp. (Mimosaceae, Leguminosa)

Prosopis is a commercially important plant genus, which has been used since ancient times, particularly for medicinal purposes. Traditionally, Paste, gum, and smoke from leaves and pods are applied for anticancer, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial purposes. Components of Prosopis such as flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids, quinones, or phenolic compounds demonstrate potentials in various biofunctions, such as analgesic, anthelmintic, antibiotic, antiemetic, microbial antioxidant, antimalarial, anti-protozoal, antipustule, and antiulcer activities; enhancement of H⁺, K⁺, ATPases; oral disinfection; and probiotic and nutritional effects; as well as in other biopharmaceutical applications, such as binding abilities for tablet production. The compound juliflorine provides a cure in Alzheimer disease by inhibiting acetylcholine esterase at cholinergic brain synapses. Some indirect medicinal applications of Prosopis spp. are indicated, including antimosquito larvicidal activity, chemical synthesis by associated fungal or bacterial symbionts, cyanobacterial degradation products, “mesquite” honey and pollens with high antioxidant activity, etc. This review will reveal the origins, distribution, folk