Cactus Extracts Research Articles

Green Synthesis of CuO Nanoparticles-Structural, Morphological, and Dielectric Characterization.

This study investigates the structural, chemical, and morphological properties of CuO nanoparticles synthesized via a green synthesis route using Opuntia ficus-indica cladode extract, with a focus on the effects of stepwise versus direct calcination. Raman spectroscopy revealed the presence of CuO, Na2CO3, and Na2SO3, with the latter two being associated with elements inherited from the cactus extracts. XRD patterns confirmed the presence of crystalline CuO and Na2CO3 phases, with the low content of Na2SO3 inferred to be amorphous. Rietveld refinement estimated a CuO content of approximately 77% in the stepwise-calcined sample and 75% in the directly calcined sample, with lattice parameters closely aligning with reference values. SEM micrographs revealed a tendency for CuO nanoparticles to aggregate, likely due to high surface energy and interaction with the viscous plant extract used in the green synthesis. Crystallite size estimates, along with morphological observations, suggest that stepwise calcination enhances crystallinity and particle definition without altering the fundamental nanoparticle morphology. These findings highlight the influence of calcination method and natural extracts on the composition and morphology of green-synthesized CuO nanoparticles, offering insights into potential applications, namely in microelectronics, due to their promising dielectric properties.

Insight on an Eco-Friendly Flocculation Using Cactus Extracts: Synthetic Dye and Heavy Metals Removal

Insight on an Eco-Friendly Flocculation Using Cactus Extracts: Synthetic Dye and Heavy Metals Removal

Golden Barrel Cactus: Unveiling Its Potential as a Functional Food and Nutraceutical Source.

A comprehensive analysis of phytochemicals, digestive stability, and bioaccessibility was conducted on a golden barrel cactus extract from 3- and 6-year-old plants. Both ages contained lutein and four chlorophyll derivatives (chlorophyll a, b, pheophytin a, and b), but younger cacti revealed a significantly higher abundance. Total phenolics reached 3545.35 mg gallic acid equivalent/100 g dry weight in the 3-year-old extracts compared to 2557.96 mg/100 g in the older ones. Antioxidant activity, assessed by DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays, was consistently higher in the younger group. While digestion impacted all compounds, lutein exhibited relative stability at 69.03% and 58.33% retention for 3- and 6-year-old extracts, respectively. Chlorophylls displayed lower stability (37.64% and 33.34% remaining for younger and older cacti) despite showing higher bioaccessibility (73.385% and 64.65%). Phenolics also demonstrated promising bioaccessibility (76.39% and 69.88%) despite moderate digestive degradation (60.52% and 56.89% retained). Conclusively, all investigated attributes-phytochemical content, digestive stability, and bioaccessibility-favored the younger golden barrel cactus extracts. This highlights the crucial role of plant age in maximizing the potential health benefits of these extracts.

Removal of lead in water by coagulation flocculation process using Cactus-based natural coagulant: optimization and modeling by response surface methodology (RSM).

The aim of this research is to study the ability of Cactus leaves to act as a biocoagulants for the removal of lead in water. Different solvents, such as distilled water, NaCl, NaOH, and HCl, were used as chemical activators to extract the active components from the Cactus. The Cactus was utilized as an organic coagulant in five different forms: (i) Cactus juice (CJ); Cactus extract using (ii) distilled water (C-H2O); (iii) NaCl at 0.5M concentration (C-NaCl); (iv) NaOH at 0.05M concentration (C-NaOH); and (v) HCl at 0.05M concentration (C-HCl). In order to establish the optimal conditions for the coagulation, this study employed the jar test as an experimental technique and the Box-Behnken design (BBD) as an experimental approach. According to BBD, there are three factors (k=3), namely pH, biocoagulant dosage, and settling time. The R2 and R2 adjusted for all coagulants were close to 100%, confirming the validity of all the mathematical models. The results were significant; the highest lead removal efficiencies were 98.11%, 98.34%, 95.65, 96.19%, and 97.49%, utilizing CJ, C-H2O, C-NaCl, C-HCl, and C-NaOH as natural coagulants. The Cactus has been characterized using FTIR, XRD, and SEM to identify the active components that remove lead.

Anticancer Activity of the in Vitro-Derived Extract of Cactus (Opuntia ficus-indica L. Mill) Treated with Selenium Nanoparticles

Anticancer Activity of the in Vitro-Derived Extract of Cactus (Opuntia ficus-indica L. Mill) Treated with Selenium Nanoparticles

The Effect of Opuntia Cactus Extract on Hospitalized Moderate COVID-19 Infection: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Due to the high load of the COVID-19 pandemic and its extraordinary mortality rate and some antiviral effects of cactus compounds reported in the literature, the present study aimed to assess the effect of Opuntia cactus on patients with COVID-19 infection and symptoms of disease. Methods: This is a randomized controlled trial study. Patients with COVID-19 infection who were referred to Imam Ali hospital, located in Karaj, Iran, were randomly divided into intervention and control groups. All patients received a standard treatment regimen based on the latest guidelines. Patients in the intervention group received 250 mL of Opuntia extract syrup daily. In addition to standard treatment, the control group received only the standard regimen. Patients’ symptoms including coughing, dyspnea, myalgia, headache, weakness, etc., were estimated daily and compared between the two groups. Results: Fifty-two patients participated in the study. The average length of hospital stays was significantly shorter in the intervention group; also, blood oxygen saturation below 93%, fever, anosmia, coughing, headache, dizziness, myalgia, dyspnea, chest pain, and anorexia were significantly less frequent in the intervention group compared to the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion: Opuntia cactus extract can improve the condition of COVID-19 patients due to symptomatic improvement in patients and decreased hospital stays. Moreover, the duration of most signs and symptoms significantly decreased in the patient group. More clinical trials are also necessary to approve this.

Durability Evaluation of Cactus-infused M25 Grade Concrete as a Bio-admixture

The durability of concrete incorporating cactus extract as a bio-admixture is the focus of this study, which is the first of its kind in the literature. Cactus-infused concrete is a novel type of concrete with exceptional fluidity, strength, and durability. In this project, cactus was employed as an addition to M25(3626 psi) concrete, which was designed to Indian standards. Cactus extract (1% to 9% of the total weight) was used to replace the water in the mix. In order to look into the durability properties of cactus concrete, durability experiments such as drying shrinkage test, water absorption, porosity, sorptivity, accelerated carbonation, acid, and alkalinity tests were carried out on the material. ETC concrete enhances the fluidity of the mixture, making it more workable. To determine the particle distribution in concrete, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to investigate the material. According to experimental research, polysaccharides and fats in concrete have increased their durability properties by 30% when used at their optimal level. However, a high level of durability is attained, which encourages concrete voids to be effectively filled.

Study on the effect of plant extracts as low carbon green admixtures on the performance of cement mortar

The pollution of the environment by chemical admixtures for cement and concrete and the carbon emission in the production of cement and other concrete raw materials have attracted increasing attention from scholars. In order to improve the physical and mechanical properties of cement, eliminate pollution and reduce carbon emission, this paper uses natural plant extracts (cactus sativus extract and mulberry leaf extract) as admixtures to make cement mortar. The consistency, water absorption, compressive strength, flexural strength, chloride ion penetration resistance and microstructure of the mortar were tested and analyzed, the effects of different admixtures of natural plant extracts on the physical and mechanical properties of cement mortar were investigated. The results show that the consistency of the cement mortar was increasing with the increase of the admixture of cactus sativus extract and mulberry leaf extract; the admixture of cactus sativus extract and mulberry leaf extract did not change the hydration reaction and hydration products. When the admixture amount was lower, the extracts could promote the hydration reaction, improve the internal crystal morphology and generate more C-S-H, thus improving the physical and mechanical properties of cement mortar. The physical and mechanical properties of the cement mortar were optimized when the amount of mulberry leaf extract was 0.15% of the cement mass, and the overall performance was improved more compared with that of cactus extract. With the increase of amount of admixture, the viscosity of the system increases due to plant extracts, and the air bubbles formed during mortar mixing cannot be discharged and form micro-pores inside, resulting in the reduction of physical and mechanical properties. As a low carbon green admixture, plant extract is worthy of further research and promotion.

A Histological Study on the Effect of Aqueous Extract of Cactus on Frontal Cortex of Diabetes Mellitus Wistar Rat

The cactus plant is one of the most common plants used in treatment all kinds of ailment. Studies have shown that the cactus extract has both antihyperglycemic and neuroprotective effects. This research will focus on some of the effect of an aqueous extract of cactus on the cytoarchitecture of the frontal cortex of the diabetic Wistar rats. Thirty (30) male Wistar rats were randomly selected and placed into five (5) groups of 6 Wistar rats each. These include the control group A, diabetic only group B, diabetic+cactus group C, diabetic+metformin group D, and cactus only group E. The animals were acclimatized for one week. The Rats were weighed, and a baseline glucose level established after the overnight fasting period. The animals were injected with streptozotocin calculated at a dose of 70 mg/kg body weight and reintroduced to the normal feeding cycle. After about 72 hours, diabetes was established (blood glucose≥ 7 mmol). The administration of Cactus extract of 100 mg/kg BW and Metformin of 100 mg/kg BW commenced for four weeks. After fourth week the animals were sacrificed by euthanasia and the brain was harvested and fixed in 10 % formal saline for H and E and PTAH staining. At the end of the four weeks experiments the results shows, the average body weight of the rats in the diabetic+cactus group showed an increase by the end of the four-week experiment which was not significantly different to the normal control group, while the diabetic+metformin group was significantly different to the control group and also diabetic control group was significant to normal control group. The relative brain weight of the diabetic+cactus and diabetic+metformin group were not significantly different to the normal control (p>0.05). The blood glucose levels of the diabetic+cactus and diabetic+metformin group at the end of the fourth week were not significant different from Group A (p>0.05). The H and E photomicrographs of diabetic group show that most cells were necrotic, and the normal pyramidal cells present were scanty. The diabetic+cactus group showed presence of more normal pyramidal cells than necrotic cells. The diabetic+metformin group showed presence of both normal and necrotic pyramidal cells. The PTAH staining in the diabetic group, there were astrocytes present with degenerated neuron. Diabetic+cactus and diabetic+metformin groups showed some neurons were degenerated while some appeared normal with astrocytes while the cytoarchitecture of cactus only group are similar to that of normal control group. Aqueous extract of cactus possesses anti hyperglycemic effects and can be a potential and effective therapy for the management of diabetes due to its ameliorative properties as shown in the findings of this research.

Histological investigation of aqueous extract of cactus on the heart of diabetic Wistar rats

This study aimed to examine the effects of aqueous leaf extract of Cactus on the Heart of Diabetic Wistar Rats. Thirty adult male Wistar rats weighing between (160-200) g were randomly grouped into five consisting of six rats each viz: A. normal control, B. diabetic only, C. diabetic treated with Cactus, and D. diabetes treated with Metformin only, and E. Cactus extract only. Diabetes was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of Streptozotocin of 70mg/kg/body weight. After 72 hours of uninterrupted diabetes (blood glucose≥ 7 mmol), aqueous extracts of Cactus and Metformin were administered orally at 100 mg/kg body weight daily for four weeks and blood glucose level was recorded weekly. After four weeks of extract administration, animals were sacrificed by euthanasia. Organs were weighed and their weight was recorded. Data were analyzed using excel and one-way ANOVA. The findings of this study showed that the blood glucose level of Diabetic +Cactus group and diabetes + Metformin were significant when compared to the diabetic group (p<0.05). The body weight and relative organ weight of the Diabetic +Cactus group and diabetes+ Metformin when compared to the diabetic group was significant P<0.05. Histological findings showed a normal control group had normal histoarchitecture with numerous healthy cardiomyocytes and normal distribution of collagen. Diabetic groups showed many degenerating cardiomyocytes and numerous depositions of collagen. Diabetes +Cactus and Metformin treated groups showed little disruption. Aqueous extract of Cactus showed ameliorative effects on the heart of adult male Wistar rats against the damage initiated by diabetes.

Micro anatomical effects of aqueous cactus extract in the lungs of a diabetic Wistar rat

Opuntia stricta is a naturally occurring plant and is readily available in some parts of Zambia where it is used for its decorative nature and its fruits consumed. This present laboratory based study was carried out to assess some micro anatomical effects of aqueous cactus on the lungs of a diabetic Wistar rat. The male adult Wistar rats (30) weighing between 160-200 g were indiscriminately classified into five groups consisting of 6 Wistar rats namely: control, diabetic control, Diabetes+ Metformin, Diabetes+ cactus and cactus only groups. Diabetes was induced with Streptozotocin dose 70 mg/kg BW and sustained increase in blood glucose levels after 72 hours and treatment commenced with aqueous cactus extract and Metformin with 100 mg/kg body weight respectively and was administered orally for 4 weeks . Blood glucose levels (mmol/L) were monitored. After 4 weeks of treatment the animals were sacrificed by euthanasia, the lungs were excised, weighed and fixed in 10% formal saline. Data was analyzed using Excel and one way ANOVA. p<0.05 was considered significant. Change in body weight and relative organ weight of the Diabetic+ cactus and Diabetes + Metformin was significant when compared to diabetic group(p<0.05). Diabetic + cactus became normoglycemic at week 3 and diabetic+ Metformin at week 4. The histological examination of the lungs of the diabetic rats showed disruption in cytoarchitecture with necrotic pneumocyte. Diabetic + cactus and Diabetes + Metformin showed no disruption in their cytoarchitecture and both had healthy pneumocyte present. Cactus only was similar to control. In conclusion, aqueous extract of Cactus showed ameliorative effects on the lung of adult male Wistar rats against the damage caused by diabetes.

Histological investigation of aqueous extract of cactus on the heart of diabetic Wistar rats

Histological investigation of aqueous extract of cactus on the heart of diabetic Wistar rats

Micro anatomical effects of aqueous cactus extract in the lungs of a diabetic Wistar rat

Micro anatomical effects of aqueous cactus extract in the lungs of a diabetic Wistar rat

Mechanism and inhibitory effects of cactus (Opuntia dillenii) extract on melanocytes and its potential application for whitening cosmetics

Penghu cactus (Opuntia dillenii [Ker.] Haw) is a cactus plant that commonly grows in Penghu Island, Taiwan, Republic of China (ROC). However, still lack of scientific study on the Opuntia dillenii [Ker.] Haw extract on skin-whitening-associated tyrosinase activity and melanin production. The activities of its extract in melanogenesis were investigated in this article. In this experiment, we used an extract from the Penghu cactus (Opuntia dillenii [Ker.] Haw) to study its tyrosinase inhibition, anti-melanin generation, UV-protection effects and wound healing capacity in B16-F10 melanocytes. Without reducing cell growth greatly or causing cell death, 20 g/L cactus extract effectively inhibited the melanin production of B16-F10 cells, and melanogenesis was induced by 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine. The cactus extract could also promote cell proliferation. Cactus extract treatment decreased the mRNA expression of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and increased that of transforming growth factor β (TGF-β). Thus, it could reduce cell melanin production and promote cell growth but by also reducing IGF-1 and VEGF mRNA expression, may reduce wound scarring and prevent tumor proliferation and swelling. Increasing TGF-β mRNA expression can help increase collagen to remove wrinkles and help in wound healing. Skin patch test results agreed with in vitro results with B16-F10 melanoma cells. The cactus extract significantly inhibited tyrosinase activity and reduced melanin production, showing a whitening effect on skin tests. Cactus may be a good natural candidate for inhibiting melanin production and promoting cell proliferation.

Streptozotocin and diabetes: Modulatory role of an aqueous extract of cactus on kidney histo-architecture of model

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a group of metabolic diseases characterized by hyperglycemia resulting from defects in insulin secretion, insulin action, or both. The prevalence of DM globally in 2019 was estimated to be 9.3% of the world’s population. Complications of DM include nephropathy, neuropathy, retinopathy, stroke and coronary heart disease. Traditional plants have been used in the management of diabetes mellitus, an example is the cactus plant. This study aimed to shade more light on the effect of an aqueous extract of cactus on the kidney histo-architecture of the diabetic Wistar rats. Thirty adult male Wistar rats weighing between 160-200g and were randomly grouped into five consisting of six rats each: group A. normal control, group B. diabetic only, group C. diabetic treated with Cactus and group D. diabetes treated with Metformin only and group E Cactus extract only. Diabetes was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of Streptozotocin of 70mg/kg/body weight. After 72 hours of uninterrupted diabetes (blood glucose≥ 7mmol). The cactus extract and Metformin was administered orally at 100 mg/kg body weight daily for four weeks and blood glucose level were recorded weekly. After the fourth week of administration, animals were sacrificed by euthanasia. The kidneys from all the groups were weighed and their weight recorded and were fixed in 10% formal saline. Data was analyzed using one way ANOVA p<0.05 was considered significant and the graphs were plot using excel. The findings of this study showed that the blood glucose level of Diabetic +Cactus group and diabetes + Metformin were significant when compared to the diabetic group (p<0.05). The body weight and relative organ weight of Diabetic +Cactus group and diabetes+ Metformin when compared to the diabetic group was significant P<0.05. Histologically, the diabetic group that showed disruption of macula densa and a large urine space compared to the Wistar rats in the Diabetes+cactus group and Diabetes+metformin group that showed little disruption in macula densa were observed. From the results obtained, the aqueous cactus extract has the ability to lower blood glucose level in diabetic Wistar rat and is histologically renoprotect to the damage caused by Diabetes mellitus.

Streptozotocin and diabetes: Modulatory role of an aqueous extract of cactus on kidney histo-architecture of model

Streptozotocin and diabetes: Modulatory role of an aqueous extract of cactus on kidney histo-architecture of model

The Role of an Aqueous Extract of Cactus on Histopancreatic Architecture in Streptozotocin Induced Diabetes Mellitus in Wistar Rats

Herbs have been used as medicinal for several years to cure or rather manage different ailments such as diabetes mellitus. This is very common in rural settings of sub-saharan Africa and is now being adopted in urban areas. Opunta species have widely been seen to contain antihyperglycaemic effects. To evaluate the antihyperglycaemic and histopancreatic effect of aqueous extract of prickly pear cactus (Opuntia species) cladodes in streptozotocin-induced diabetic male Wistar rats in vivo. This was a laboratory based research conducted at Mulungushi University involving 30 wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus) that weighed between 160-200 g which were randomly selected into five groups (6 per cage); normal control, diabetic control, diabetic +metformin, diabetic +cactus and cactus only group. Initial blood glucose levels were obtained from the tail and record then Diabetes mellitus was induced using a single intraperitoneal dose of streptozotocin (70mg/kg BW) and established a persistent state of hyperglycemia after 72hours. The aqueous cactus extract of 100 mg/kg BW and metformin of 100 mg/kg BW was administered orally using intragastric cannula daily for a period of 4 weeks. At the end of the fourth week, Diabetes + cactus and diabetes + metformin groups body weights were statistically significant when compared to the diabetic group (P<0.05). While diabetic group was statistically significant when compared to normal control (P<0.05). The relative weight of the pancreas in diabetic group was statistically significant to other groups (P<0.05). The blood glucose in diabetic + cactus was normoglycaemic at 3rd week, Diabetic + metformin group when compared to diabetic group was statistically significant (P<0.05). The normal control and cactus only groups maintained normoglycaemic till the end of the 4th week. The histological findings of the normal control and cactus only group showed normal pancreatic cytoarchitecture. Diabetes group showed high degree of disorganization in the cytoarchitecture in the islet with reduction in β cell mass and deposition of elastic fibres. The Diabetic+Metformin group showed slight decrease in the cell mass (β cells) and elastic fibres were extensively deposited. Diabetic+Cactus treated group exhibited normal histology of the pancreas with increased number of β cells. Opuntia species are able to lower elevated blood glucose levels and ameliorate the effects of STZ on the pancreatic morphology

Therapeutic potential of Opuntia ficus indica extract against cadmium-induced osteoporosis and DNA bone damage in male rats

The purpose of the present study was to assess the protective effects of ‘Opuntia ficus indica’ (family Cactaceae) against osteoporosis induced by cadmium chloride in female Wistar rats. Experiments were carried out on 36 male Wistar rats (6-8 weeks old) divided into four groups of nine each: a control group, a group treated with cadmium (3,5 mg/kg /day) by subcutaneous injection, a group treated with Opuntia ficus indica extract (100 mg/Kg/day) by gavage, and a group treated with opuntia extract then treated with cadmium. After 10 weeks of treatment, animals from each group were rapidly sacri?ced by decapitation. Blood serum was obtained by centrifugation. Bone toxicity was estimated by examining femoral length and weight, calcium, phosphorus, vitamin D3 and alkaline phsphatase (ALP) levels, oxidative status and DNA aspects in femur tissue. Results showed that cadmium could induce hypocalcemia, hypophosphatemia, Vit D deficiency, increase in ALP level, and decrease in femur weight and length. Also, an oxidative stress evidenced by statistically signi?cant losses in the activities of catalase (CAT), superoxide-dismutase (SOD), glutathione-peroxidase (GPX) activities and an increase in lipids peroxidation level in bone tissue of cadmium-treated group compared with the control group. In addition, histological analysis in bone tissue of cadmium-induced rats revealed pronounced morphological alterations with areas of bone resorption and a loss of normal architecture of femur diaphysis bone as well as DNA fragmentation. However, administration of cactus extract attenuated cadmium-induced bone damage. The protective effect of the plant can be attributed to its antioxidant properties and the existence of phenolic acids and flavonoids, as highlighted by HPLC-based analysis. These findings indicate that ‘Opuntia ficus indica’ extract, can be used as a new option in nutraceutical field.
 

Alleviative Effect of Herbal Extract Containing Phytoconstituents of Bambusa vulgaris and Opuntia ficus-indica against AOM/DSS-Induced Colorectal-Carcinoma-Bearing Mice

AbstractThe study includes preliminary phytochemical screening and assessing alleviative effects of ethanolic extract of Bambusa vulgaris shoots and Opuntia ficus-indica fruits (EEBO) on azoxymethane/dextran sodium sulfate (AOM/DSS)-induced colorectal cancer in rodents. Acute oral toxicity study was performed to find the therapeutic dose of EEBO. In animals, cancer was induced by single injection of AOM 10 mg/kg intraperitoneally followed by supply of three repeated cycles of 2.5% of DSS solution. Then animals were treated with EEBO from third day of experiment and treatment was continued throughout the experimental period. The anticancer effect was assessed by studying body weight (b. wt) changes, macroanatomy, antioxidant level, and microanatomy of colon. The phytochemical evaluation revealed the presence of alkaloid, glycoside, carbohydrate, and flavonoid in bamboo extract, whereas glycoside and flavonoid in cactus extract. The results found that EEBO increases the b. wt and level of antioxidants like sodium dismutase, glutathione, and catalase and meanwhile decreases malondialdehyde. Macroanatomy study indicated a decrease in the numbers of adenoma and inflammatory signs in the treated group when compared with diseased group. Histopathology revealed that the presence of EEBO improved the colon histoarchitecture similar to normal and masked the crypt appearance. Decreased chromosomal aberrations and micronucleus numbers were observed in EEBO treated group. Overall, results suggest that the EEBO 400 mg/kg exhibited highest activity compared with 200 and 100 mg/kg and the effect may be attributed to its antigenotoxic or antioxidant effect.

Study On Properties Of Cactus In Concrete - Cactus Concrete

An investigation was carried out to find the cactus concrete strength which has cactus extract combination of some organic matter in the concrete. In this experiment we have some variable parameters for finding the difference in strength. These properties include compressive strength and split tensile strength. The effects of three variable parameters on these properties were carefully studied, we have the of replacement cactus extract was carried by the three ratio there are 0 % and 25% and 50% of cactus extract replaced for water in M “30” grade concrete which have been in curing for 14 days and 28 days . The properties of hardened concrete such as compressive strength and split tensile strength of the concrete on 14, & 28 days curing period has been achieved. A comparative study of cactus concrete was also done based on the obtained results with the conventional concrete.