Comprehensive Valorization of Peanut (Arachis Hypogaea L.) Fractions from Seed to Hull: Compositional Insights, Bioactive Potential, and Sustainable Applications

Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is globally recognized for its nutritional and economic importance; however, substantial fractions, including the skin and hull, remain underutilized, generating significant agro-industrial residues. This comprehensive review critically synthesizes scientific literature, emphasizing studies published between 2020 and 2025 that address the chemical composition, bioactive properties, safety aspects, and sustainable applications of the main peanut fractions: seed, skin, and hull. Results indicate that the skin exhibits the highest phenolic content and antioxidant activity, supporting its potential use as a natural preservative, functional ingredient, and component of biodegradable and active packaging systems. The hull, rich in lignocellulosic compounds, presents promising opportunities for bioadsorbents, bioplastics, composite materials, and renewable energy generation. The seed, beyond its established nutritional value, demonstrates potential for protein isolates, oil optimization, and nutraceutical development. Integrating these fractions into circular economy strategies can enhance resource efficiency, reduce environmental impacts, and promote sustainable production models across food, cosmetic, and environmental sectors. Nevertheless, methodological heterogeneity, limited toxicological validation, and regulatory uncertainties constrain broader industrial adoption. Overall, this review provides an integrated, critical comparison of peanut fractions and highlights the need for standardized extraction protocols, robust safety assessments, life-cycle evaluations, and techno-economic analyses to enable scalable, regulatory-compliant valorization strategies worldwide.