Phytochemical profiling, antimicrobial, and antioxidant activities of hydroethanolic extracts of prickly pear (Opuntia ficus indica) fruit and pulp

Volatile constituents of Opuntia ficus indica (L.) Mill (prickly pear or nopal cactus) cladodes, fruits peel and fruits pulp were prepared by hydrodistillation. The chemical composition was investigated by GC/MS analysis. Dodecane found as the major compound in the volatile constituents of fruits peel and cladodes representing (32.3%) and (20.05%) respectively followed by undecane (20.02%) in cladodes, (14.47%) in fruits peel while the fruits pulp volatile constituents contain undecane as a major compound (20.52%) followed by dodecane (16.86%). The antimicrobial activity was carried out for all samples using diffusion agar method against Aspergillus flavus, Candida albicans, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtillis, Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium. Fruits peel volatile constituents showed antimicrobial activity against all tested microorganisms except Candida albicans while fruits pulp volatile constituents showed activity against Staphylococcus aureus and gram-negative bacteria and had no activity against fungi and Bacillus subtillis. Cladodes volatile constituents had no activity against all tested microorganisms.

This study focused on the valorization of prickly pear (PP) fruit (Opuntia ficus-indica) into vinegar by spontaneous surface fermentation on different starting matrices (with/without the addition of sucrose and with/without PP peel in the raw material). Different parameters were monitored during the fermentation process in terms of their physicochemical and biological properties. Physicochemical and phytochemical analysis revealed significant differences depending on the starting matrix. An increase in total phenolic content (TPC) was observed for the majority of samples when transformed from PP juice into PP vinegar revealing the role of fermentation in enhancing the bioactive compounds content. Better antioxidant and antibacterial activity were detected for vinegar samples compared with the initial starting matrix. Using whole PP fruit resulted in better TPC and antioxidant activity; in contrast, sugar addition had no significant effect on any studied data. Analysis of variance, taking into account the four factors that were studied (matrix, variety, with/without peel, and with/without sugar), demonstrated that only the factor 'presence or absence of the peel' had a significant influence on the TPC values. This study demonstrated that both whole PP fruit and PP juice could be used as new raw materials for vinegar production. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Exploitation of Leuconostoc mesenteroides strains to improve shelf life, rheological, sensory and functional features of prickly pear (Opuntia ficus-indica L.) fruit puree

Integrating Traditional and Complementary Medicine into National Health Care: Learning from the International Experience. Can Traditional Medicine Coexist with Modern Medicine in the Same Health Care System? Clinical Trials for Herbal Extracts. Herbal Medicine: Criteria for Use in Health and Disease. Effects of Phytochemicals in Chinese Functional Ingredients on Gut Health. Tea and Health. Ginkgo biloba: From Traditional Medicine to Molecular Biology. Ginger. Lingzhi Polyphorous Fungus (Ganoderma lucidum). Epimedium Species. Ligusticum chuanxiong Hort. Salvia miltiorrhiza. Schisandrin B and Other Dibenzocyclooctadiene Lignans. Spirulina: An Overview. Averrhoa bilimbi. Lentinus edodes: Shiitake Mushrooms. Cruciferous Vegetables and Chemoprevention: The Mechanisms of Isothiocyanate-Mediated Chemoprotection in Humans. Pharmacological and Chemopreventive Studies of Chrysanthemum. Andrographis paniculata and the Cardiovascular System. Rosemary. Crataegus (Hawthorn). Resveratrol: The Promise Therein. Pharmacological and Physiological Effects of Ginseng. Antioxidant Activities of Prickly Pear (Opuntia ficus indica) Fruit and Its Betalains: Betanin and Indicaxanthin. Antioxidant Activity and Antigenotoxicity of Cassia tora. Sho-saiko-to. Licorice Root Flavonoid Antioxidants Reduce LDL Oxidation and Attenuate Cardiovascular Diseases. Estrogen-Like Activity of Licorice Root Extract and Its Constituents. Protection of Oxidative Brain Injury by Chinese Herbal Medicine: Shengmai San as a Model Formula for the Antioxidant-Based-Compounds Therapy of Oxidative Stress-Related Diseases. Eurycoma longifolia Jack (Tongkat Ali). The Biological and Pharmacological Properties of Cordyceps sinesis, a Traditional Chinese Medicine That Has Broad Clinical Applications. Phytochemistry, Pharmacology, and Health Effects of Brandisia hancei. Ephedra. Echinacea and Immunostimulation. Medical Attributes of St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum). Therapeutic Potential of Curcumin Derived from Turmeric (Curcuma longa). Extracts from the Leaves of Chromolaena odorata: A Potential Agent for Wound Healing. Medicinal Properties of Eucommia Bark and Leaves. Systemic Reviews of Herbal Medicinal Products: Doing More Good Than Harm? Use of Silicon-Based Oligonucleotide Chip in Authentication of Toxic Chinese Medicine. Traditional Chinese Medicine: Problems and Drawbacks. Review of Adverse Effects of Chinese Herbal Medicine and Herb-Drug Interactions.

Introduction: Nowadays, consumers demand for foods that contain compounds with enhanced nutritional quality. Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill belongs to the Cactaceae family and is a tropical or subtropical plant that grows wild in the arid and semi-arid regions of the world. However, its nutritional and bioactive potential remains to be exploited. The aim of this study was to evaluate the nutritional composition and biological activity of O. ficus-indica fruit pulp. Materials and methods: In 2017, the prickly pears were obtained at Herdade de Peliteiros (Silveiras, Montemor-o-Novo, Évora). Nutritional composition was determined according to the methods described by Albuquerque et al. (2016) [1]. The energy value and available carbohydrates were calculated [2,3]. Antioxidant activity of prickly pear was determined using two different methods (2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH•) and ferric reduction power (FRAP)) [4]. Moreover, total phenolic and total flavonoids contents were also assessed by spectrophotometric methodologies [4]. Results: With the results obtained, it was possible to verify that water is the main constituent of the pulp (83%), the energy value was 59 kcal/245 kJ per 100 g of edible portion and total dietary fibre was 4.8 g/100 g of edible portion. The total phenolics content for the analysed prickly pear pulp was 19.8 ± 0.78 mg gallic acid equivalents/g, while the total flavonoid content was 1.70 ± 0.08 mg epicatechin equivalents/g. Regarding the antioxidant activity evaluation, the results obtained for the two different analytical methods applied, were 17.12 ± 0.71 mg/mL and 46.6 ± 1.99 mg Trolox eq./g for DPPH• and FRAP assays, respectively. Discussion and conclusions: Based on the results obtained for the analysed prickly pear pulp, it is possible to conclude that it is a good source of bioactive compounds and could contribute to the intake of natural antioxidants. It is a fruit with nutritional interest and its use in human diet can bring potential health benefits to consumers.

The antioxidant and antimycobacterial activities of Opuntia ficus-indica (OFI) fruit extracts were evaluated according to seasonal cultivation. The antioxidant activities of OFI extracts were assessed by different in vitro methods and the total phenolic and flavonoid contents were also examined. The antimycobacterial activity was measured against Mycobacterium tuberculosis strain H37Rv (ATCC 27294) by the microplate alamar blue assay method. In the antioxidant assay, methanol extracts of OFI in summer showed the highest antioxidant activity of all tested methods, and the lowest IC50 was observed in the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging assay. Pearson's correlation coefficient was evaluated and the results from the extracts of summer and rainy season OFI were significantly correlated with the total phenolic and flavonoid contents. The methanol extracts of OFI in summer showed a high level of antimycobacterial activity against M. tuberculosis H37Rv, with a minimum inhibitory concentration of 50 µg ml−1. The results of this study suggest that OFI could be an important source of antioxidants as well as antimycobacterials against M. tuberculosis.

Prickly pear (Opuntia ficus indica (L.) Mill.) is a rich source of vitamins C, B1, B2, A, and E, minerals such as calcium, potassium, magnesium, iron, and phosphorus, as well as bioactive substances, i.e., carotenoids, betalains, and phenolic compounds. Of these, the phenolic acids, betalains, and flavonoids are notable in that they are largely responsible for the health-promoting properties of this plant. The purpose of the presented research was to first determine the antioxidant properties and the content of polyphenolic compounds (including individual phenolic acids) in prickly pear fruit, then to produce an innovative gluten-free pasta from rice-field bean flour enriched with various amounts of pear prickly fruit. The content of free phenolic acids, the sum of polyphenols and antioxidant properties of pasta were subsequently determined in the supplemented pasta. Chromatographic analysis (HPLC-ESI-MS/MS) showed a wide variety of phenolic acids. In the fruit sample, 14 acids were detected, whereas in the pasta sample without additives, 9. The dominant acid was isoferulic. The total content of free phenolic acids and the sum of polyphenols increased with increasing content of the functional additive. Moreover, the content of individual acids generally increased as the Opuntia fruit was added. The antioxidant activity was also positively correlated with the addition of fruit, with the content of free phenolic acids and the sum of polyphenols. Our research has shown that our innovative pasta with the addition of prickly fruit can become a source of the free phenolic acids indispensable for human health.

The protective effects of the juice of Opuntia ficus indica fruit (prickly pear) against carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4))-induced hepatotoxicity were examined in rats. The animals were treated orally with the juice (3 mL/rat) 2 h after administration of the hepatotoxic agent. Preventive effects were studied by giving the juice (3 mL/rat) for 9 consecutive days. On day 9 the rats received the hepatotoxic agent. Morphological and biochemical evaluations were carried out 24, 48 and 72 h after induction of the hepatic damage. Data show that O. ficus indica fruit juice administration exerts protective and curative effects against the CCl(4)-induced degenerative process in rat liver. Histology evaluation revealed a normal hepatic parenchyma at 48 h; the injury was fully restored after 72 h. Moreover, a significant reduction in CCl(4)-induced increase of GOT and GPT plasma levels is evident; these data are in agreement with the functional improvement of hepatocytes. O. ficus indica fruit juice contains many phenol compounds, ascorbic acid, betalains, betacyanins, and a flavonoid fraction, which consists mainly of rutin and isorhamnetin derivatives. Hepatoprotection may be related to the flavonoid fraction of the juice, but other compounds, such as vitamin C and betalains could, synergistically, counteract many degenerative processes by means of their antioxidant activity.

MALAGASY AROMATIC PLANTS: ESSENTIAL OILS, ANTIOXIDANT AND ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITIES

Opuntia ficus indica peel derived pectin mediated hydroxyapatite nanoparticles: Synthesis, spectral characterization, biological and antimicrobial activities

Reactive oxygen species and oxidative stress are related to a large number of human degenerative diseases. Consequently, plants have been investigated across the world to exploit their potential antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. In the current study, Caralluma deflersiana is native to Saudi Arabia and was screened to assess its antioxidant and antimicrobial potential activities as well as the phenolic content/phytochemicals. Subsequently, the collected aerial parts were extracted by maceration with different solvents. The antioxidant activity was investigated using the total antioxidant capacity, diphenylpicryl hydrazine (DPPH)- radical scavenging assay, ABTS radical scavenging assay, and Ferric reducing antioxidant power assay (FRAP). Regarding the antimicrobial activity, the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) assays were used. The total phenolic content of C. deflersiana extracts was quantified using standard methods. As a result, the water extract of C. deflersiana displayed a strong antioxidant activity in all tested methods compared to other plant extracts. Moreover, it was also noted that water and methanolic extracts exhibited approximately similar bacterial and fungal growth inhibition. Additionally, the water extract of C. deflersiana also demonstrated the highest phenol content among other plant extracts, consistent with the higher antioxidant activity found in C. deflersiana. In conclusion, Caralluma species could be a promising source of antioxidant and antimicrobial agents. Key words: Caralluma deflersiana, antioxidant, antimicrobial.

Phytochemical characterization and biological activities evaluation of Opuntia sp. cladodes

Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill, commonly called prickly pear or nopal cactus, belongs to the Cactaceae family. Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill is a dicotyledonous angiosperm plant, known, since the dawn of time, for its ability to thrive under environments recognized as stressful for most plant species. Opuntia ficus-indica has been used for a long time as diet, fodder, and beverage for both humans and animals, as well as to prevent soil erosion and to combat desertification. Opuntia ficus-indica has traditionally marked the folk medicine, owing to its therapeutic properties to a plethora of bioactive molecules, involving organic acids, phenolic acids, flavonoids, betalains, carotenoids, vitamins, biothiols, taurine, saponins, fatty acids, and phytosterols. The content of these bioactive molecules varies within cladodes, fruits or prickly pears, peels, seeds, and flowers. Whereas pears were commonly considered as noble fruits, peels have been arisen in the last decades as a promising by-product for both animals and humans health and nutrition. Nowadays, there is compelling evidence that Opuntia cacti are functional foods, source of nutrients, and bioactive molecules endowed with high antioxidant potential, and a large specter of biological, medicinal, and pharmacological applications. Indeed, Opuntia ficus-indica is highlighted as an excellent source of natural pigments, having promising applications in food industry and cosmetic. The present chapter aims to stressing the major classes of bioactive phytochemicals from Opuntia ficus-indica, with a deep understanding of the basis of their antioxidant activities, as well as an overview of their biological and medicinal properties.KeywordsAntioxidant activityBioactive moleculeCactus pearCladodeNopal Opuntia ficus-indica

Introduction: Fruits have become increasingly important in human nutrition because of their nutrient and bioactive composition, as well as potential beneficial health effects. Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill. and Annona cherimola Mill. are commonly known as prickly pear and cherimoya, respectively. These exotic fruits are highly appreciated due to their attractive sensorial properties [1]. However, considerable quantities of by-products from the production of these fruits are discarded, and these can be a valuable source of bioactive compounds. Therefore, this study aims to perform a comparison between the antioxidant activity, total phenolics, total flavonoids and vitamin C contents of the peels of prickly pear and cherimoya, in order to evaluate their potential to obtain added value natural extracts. Materials and methods: Samples of cherimoya were supplied by a company located in Madeira Island (Portugal) and samples of prickly pear were obtained at Herdade de Peliteiros (Silveiras, Montemor-o-Novo, Évora, Portugal). Then, samples were manually divided between edible portion (pulp) and non-edible portion (peel). Peels of the selected fruits were analysed concerning: (i) antioxidant activity by radical 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhidrazyl (DPPH•) scavenging activity method; (ii) total phenolics determined by Folin-Ciocalteu assay and expressed as mg of gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g of sample; and (iii) total flavonoids, expressed as mg of epicatechin equivalents (ECE) per g of sample, through the interpolation of the calibration curve of epicatechin [2]. Total vitamin C content was determined by high performance liquid chromatography coupled to diode array detection. All analyses were performed in triplicate [1]. Results: EC50 is the concentration of the sample that decreases the initial DPPH• absorbance by 50%. Therefore, the highest antioxidant activity was observed for the peel of cherimoya (EC50, 0.18 ± 0.0 mg/mL). With respect to total phenolics, the obtained values were 0.195 ± 0.01 and 49.1 ± 1.0 mg of GAE/g of sample, for cherimoya and prickly pear peels, respectively. Also, prickly pear peel showed the highest total flavonoids content (3.01 ± 0.14 mg ECE/g) and total vitamin C content (132.4 ± 0.61 mg/100 g of sample). Discussion and conclusions: These results highlight the antioxidant properties of these by-products and support their employment as added value natural extracts in cosmetic, pharmaceutical and food processing industries. Furthermore, this work will contribute to maintain the biodiversity and to promote the sustainable development and exploitation of these exotic fruits.

Anacardium occidentale L., Anacardiaceae, is frequently used to treat infections. We evaluated the antimicrobial and antioxidant activity of extracts obtained from aerial parts of the plant in comparison with the extract prepared with the flowers. Ethanol extracts of the leaves (EEL), stem bark (EEB), and flowers (EEF) were prepared separately. The antimicrobial activity was evaluated by agar diffusion and broth dilution methods. The minimum bactericidal and fungicidal concentrations were determined against: Streptococcus mutans, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Staphylococcus aureus, MRSA, Enterococcus faecalis, Streptococcus pyogenes, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus mirabilis, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Helicobacter pylori, Salmonella choleraesuis, Candida albicans, and Candida tropicalis. The antioxidant activity of the extracts was evaluated based on their scavenger capacity of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyle. The phytochemical profile was analyzed by colorimetric methods and by HPLC with UV detection. All extracts exhibited antioxidant and antimicrobial activity. Although, the EEF was the most effective since it inhibited the growth of all 14 microorganisms tested. Anacardic and galic acids were identified in all extracts as well phenolic compounds, triterpenes, flavones and xanthones. In conclusion, the extracts obtained from the aerial parts of A. occidentale, mainly the extract of flowers that was the most effective, are rich in bioactive metabolites that exert a potent antioxidant and antimicrobial effect. Taken together, the results indicate an important biotechnological potential of A. occidentale as a source of compounds with broad-spectrum antimicrobial and of antioxidant activity to be used in the food and cosmetics industry.