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Mesquite

Also known as: Prosopis juliflora, Prosopis pallida, Prosopis laevigata, Mesquite, Mesquite pod flour, Mesquite seed

Overview

Mesquite refers to the pods and seeds derived from various *Prosopis* species, which are leguminous trees indigenous to arid regions. These pods are commonly processed into flour or protein concentrates, serving as a nutritional supplement. Mesquite is valued for its high protein content, rich essential amino acid profile, and the presence of bioactive compounds like phenolic compounds, including apigenin. It is explored for potential antimicrobial, antioxidant, and cardiometabolic benefits. While research is emerging and shows promise, it is currently limited, primarily consisting of in vitro, animal, and compositional studies. Large-scale human clinical trials or systematic reviews specifically on mesquite supplements are not yet available.

Benefits

Mesquite offers several potential benefits, though human clinical data is limited. Nutritionally, mesquite protein concentrate is rich in essential amino acids, particularly leucine, methionine+cysteine, and histidine, making it a high-quality plant-based protein source, although threonine content may be low. In terms of antimicrobial properties, hydroethanolic extracts of mesquite flour have demonstrated antibacterial activity against Gram-positive bacteria (e.g., *Listeria monocytogenes*, *Staphylococcus aureus*) and Gram-negative bacteria (*E. coli*, *Salmonella*), as well as antifungal activity against various *Aspergillus* and *Penicillium* species in in vitro studies. Furthermore, preliminary animal research suggests cardiometabolic benefits; a controlled mouse study showed that a diet containing 2.33% mesquite seed significantly reduced visceral fat, blood glucose, triglycerides, and cholesterol, indicating potential anti-atherogenic effects likely attributed to phenolic compounds such as apigenin. While these findings are promising, clinical effect sizes and human-specific data are still needed to confirm these benefits.

How it works

The mechanisms by which mesquite exerts its effects are multifaceted. Its high-quality protein content provides essential amino acids necessary for muscle maintenance, tissue repair, and various metabolic functions. The phenolic compounds, such as apigenin, are believed to contribute to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties by modulating lipid metabolism and reducing oxidative stress. These compounds may also play a role in the observed lipid-lowering effects. The antimicrobial actions of mesquite extracts are likely due to bioactive phytochemicals that interfere with microbial cell wall integrity or disrupt essential metabolic pathways in bacteria and fungi. However, the exact bioavailability of proteins and phenolic compounds from mesquite flour or concentrate in the human body is not yet well characterized.

Side effects

Based on the currently available research, no adverse effects have been reported in the in vitro or animal studies conducted on mesquite. There is a notable absence of human safety data or documented reports of side effects in the reviewed literature. Furthermore, no specific drug interactions or contraindications have been identified. While traditional use of mesquite in food applications suggests a general level of safety, it is crucial to note that formal toxicology studies and comprehensive clinical safety trials in humans are currently lacking. Therefore, while preliminary indications suggest a favorable safety profile, the full extent of potential side effects, especially with long-term or high-dose supplementation, remains unestablished.

Dosage

Currently, there are no established dosing guidelines for mesquite supplements due to the limited number of human clinical trials. The available animal research, which showed metabolic benefits, utilized a diet containing 2.33% mesquite seed. Mesquite is available in various forms, such as protein concentrate and flour, with protein content varying significantly (e.g., up to 68% protein in concentrates). Optimal dosing, timing of intake, and specific recommendations for different forms or purposes require further clinical validation through human studies. Without such data, it is difficult to specify safe upper limits or precise therapeutic dosages.

FAQs

Is mesquite protein a complete protein?

Mesquite protein concentrate contains most essential amino acids in good amounts, but one study indicated that threonine may be lacking, suggesting it might not be a complete protein on its own.

Does mesquite have antimicrobial properties?

Yes, in vitro studies have shown that mesquite flour extracts exhibit antimicrobial activity against various Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, as well as certain fungi.

Can mesquite help with cholesterol or weight?

Preliminary animal data suggests that mesquite may help reduce visceral fat, blood glucose, triglycerides, and cholesterol, indicating potential benefits for metabolic health, but human data is needed.

Is mesquite safe?

No adverse effects have been reported in animal or in vitro studies, and traditional use suggests general safety. However, comprehensive human safety data is currently insufficient.

Research Sources

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8947921/ – This analytical study focused on the compositional analysis of mesquite protein concentrate. It found that the concentrate had a high protein content (up to 68%) and a rich profile of essential amino acids, although threonine was not detected. The study provides high-quality compositional data but lacks clinical relevance.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7278699/ – This in vitro study investigated the antimicrobial properties of mesquite flour extracts. It demonstrated that these extracts possess antibacterial activity against common Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, as well as antifungal activity against several *Aspergillus* and *Penicillium* species. The findings suggest potential for mesquite as a natural antimicrobial agent, but further in vivo research is required.
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/leg3.109 – This animal randomized controlled trial (RCT) in C57BL/6J mice explored the metabolic effects of a diet supplemented with 2.33% mesquite seed. The study reported significant reductions in visceral fat, blood glucose, triglycerides, and cholesterol, indicating an anti-atherogenic potential. While a good quality animal study, its findings need to be validated in human trials.