Evaluation of the genotoxic potential and minimisation of antinutrients in edible Xuta (Jatropha curcas L.) kernels

Plant-based protein sources are increasingly considered as sustainable alternatives to animal-derived proteins. The edible Jatropha curcas L. (Xuta) is a new crop whose seed kernels are rich in high-quality proteins and fat; however, they contain antinutrients such as trypsin inhibitors, phytic acid and lectins. Hydrothermal treatment has been shown to significantly reduce these antinutritional factors, leading to the recent approval of Xuta kernels for human consumption by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). Despite this, current scientific information is limited, for example, data on the potential genotoxicity of Xuta kernels. In this study, aqueous extracts from three Xuta cultivars were assessed for mutagenicity using the bacterial reverse mutation assay and genotoxicity using the Comet assay with human hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Additionally, key antinutritional factors such as lectin activity, trypsin inhibitor activity, and phytic acid content were determined. Hydrothermal treatment significantly reduced antinutritional factors, with lectin activity being completely absent. The results show that the Xuta cultivars tested have no mutagenic or genotoxic potential and are suitable for human consumption after hydrothermal treatment. These findings support the introduction of Xuta kernels as an alternative protein source. Future research should focus on technofunctional properties and applications of Xuta proteins. • Hydrothermal treatment leads to a significant reduction in lectin activity, trypsin inhibitor activity and phytate content in Xuta kernels • Differences in antinutrients were found between the tested cultivars • No genotoxic or mutagenic potential of aqueous Xuta extracts • Xuta is safe and suitable as an alternative protein source for human consumption