Geographical distribution of scientific production on J. curcas by country from 1998 to 2026

A bibliometric review of edible Jatropha curcas L.: Current status, trends, and emerging perspectives

Elizabeth Argüello García, Jorge Martínez Herrera, Arturo Pérez Vázquez, Galdy Hernández Zárate, Cristian Jiménez Martínez, Gregorio Hernández Salinas, Rosa Isela Castillo-Zamudio

Abstract


Background: This study presents an analysis of the scientific literature on Jatropha curcas L. for food purposes, emphasizing its revaluation as an underutilized genetic resource and highlighting knowledge gaps to guide innovation with a territorial approach. Objective: To analyze the scientific production on edible genotypes of J. curcas L. and the factors associated with their nutritional quality and safety. Methodology: Records were retrieved from Scopus® for 1998–2026 using the search string (“Jatropha curcas L” OR “Jatropha curcas” OR “Jatropha curcas L.”) AND food AND edible. After manual screening, a descriptive network analysis was conducted using VOSviewer®, SciMAT, and Scimago Graphica. To examine the non-toxic variant in greater depth, a manually verified subset (n=42) was constructed, including documents that explicitly demonstrate food use. Results: Total production included 518 documents, with marked growth since 2008 and a significant increase in 2021 (2026 data are partial). The leading countries in scientific production are India, Brazil, and Malaysia, with a notable contribution from Mexico. The main subject areas are Agricultural and Biological Sciences (26%), Energy (14.7%), and Environmental Science (14.3%). Implications: Agro-food consolidation requires rigorous differentiation of non-toxic germplasm and stronger evidence on nutrition and safety to support scaling decisions. Conclusions: The use of a verified subset made it possible to delimit an expanding field that still presents gaps in conceptual standardization. Critical perspectives were identified for territorially relevant innovation that contributes to food security and food sovereignty.

Keywords


Non-toxic; agri-food; nutritional quality; edible genotypes; food sovereignty.

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References


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URN: http://www.revista.ccba.uady.mx/urn:ISSN:1870-0462-tsaes.v29i2.68459

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.56369/tsaes.6845

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