International Science Community Association Research Journal of Chemical Sciences 16 3 2026 10 18 Nutraceutical Potential of Jatropha tanjorensis Stem: Comprehensive Nutritional Characterization and Heavy Metal Risk Assessment 18 22 EN Mohammed Jibrin 1 Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Natural & Applied Sciences, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Nigeria Aremu Matthew Olaleke 2 Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Physical Sciences, Federal University of Lafia, Nigeria Usman Abdullahi 3 Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Physical Sciences, Federal University of Lafia, Nigeria Pare Brijesh 1 Department of Photochemistry, Govt. Madhav Science P.G. College, Ujjain, M.P., India Geed Poonam 2 Department of Photochemistry, Govt. Madhav Science P.G. College, Ujjain, M.P., India Oluchukwu Ndukaire Victory 1 Chemistry Advanced Research Centre, Sheda Science and Technology Complex, Abuja, Nigeria Favour Okonna Chinonso 2 Biotechnology Advanced Research Centre, Sheda Science and Technology Complex Abuja, Nigeria Chinenye Loveth Ogbodo 3 Biotechnology Advanced Research Centre, Sheda Science and Technology Complex Abuja, Nigeria Ajunwa Ameh David 4 Biotechnology Advanced Research Centre, Sheda Science and Technology Complex Abuja, Nigeria Emmanuel David 5 Biochemistry Department, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, Niger State, Nigeria Idris Usman 6 Biochemistry Department, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, Niger State, Nigeria Nkemakonam Olime Moses 7 Chemistry Advanced Research Centre, Sheda Science and Technology Complex, Abuja, Nigeria > Research Paper 2026 8 4 2026 10 18 Jatropha tanjorensis is a medicinal plant frequently consumed as a vegetable in Nigeria, yet the nutritional value of this plant's stems remains largely unknown. This study evaluated the proximate and mineral composition of Jatropha tanjorensis stem to assess its nutraceutical potential. Stems were collected, authenticated, dried, and pulverized. Proximate analysis was conducted using standard analytical methods, and Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS) was used to quantify mineral elements. The stem contained high carbohydrate (43.93%) and crude fiber (20.90%) levels, indicating strong potential as an energy and dietary fiber source. Lipid content was appreciable (13.73%), with moderate ash (7.53%) and moisture (10.76%). Protein was relatively low (3.15%). Mineral analysis revealed exceptionally high calcium (1190.75 mg/100 g) and potassium (1003.1 mg/100 g), alongside appreciable magnesium (63.65 mg/100g). Trace elements included iron (58.83 mg/100 g), copper (27.62 mg/100g), and zinc (4.43 mg/100g). However, lead was detected at 15.70 mg/100 g, exceeding the WHO safety limits, while cadmium, nickel, and cobalt were below detection limits. Overall, the stem of Jatropha tanjorensis shows considerable nutraceutical potential due to its carbohydrate, fiber, and mineral content, particularly calcium and potassium. Nonetheless, the elevated lead concentration presents a considerable health hazard, highlighting the urgent need for safety assessments and possible detoxification methods before consumption. Copyright@ International Science Community Association