Seven seed samples of J. curcas, both in raw and roasted state, sold in some 
villages in Quintana Roo state, Mexico for human consumption were analyzed for 
physical characteristics, nutrients and antinutrients. The average seed weight 
varied from 0.53 to 0.74 g and kernel weight as proportion of raw seed weight 
was from 61 to 66%. The contents of crude protein, lipid and ash of kernels from 
raw seeds were 27-30%, 55-62% and 3.7-5.2% respectively. The levels of 
antinutrients in meal from the raw seeds were: trypsin inhibitor activity 
(14.6-28.7 mg trypsin inhibited/g), lectin (25.6-52.2 unit; one unit is the 
reverse of minimum amount of mg meal/ml assay which produced haemagglutination), 
saponins (1.9-2.3% as diosgenin equivalent) and phytate (8.4-10%). Phorbol 
esters in kernels from raw seeds were not detected in four samples and in other 
three samples it ranged from 0.01 to 0.02 mg/g as phorbol-12-myristate 
13-acetate equivalent. Roasting of seeds inactivated almost 100% of trypsin 
inhibitor activity. Although lectin activity reduced on roasting, it was still 
present in high amounts. Saponins, phytate and phorbol esters were not affected 
by roasting.