Cladodes Powder Research Articles

Chemical Composition, Nutritional Value, Antioxidative, and In Vivo Anti-inflammatory Activities of Opuntia Stricta Cladode.

The cactus family plant has been used in folk medicine for a long time. In this work, Opuntia stricta chemical composition and its antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties were investigated. Our results showed that O. stricta is highly rich in fibers and minerals. The present study assessed the levels of polyphenol contents and antioxidant and in vivo anti-inflammatory activities. The highest phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity were observed in the methanolic extract. Concerning the qualitative analysis, nine phenolic and organic acids were identified and quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Luteolin-7-Glu (4.25 μg/g), apigenin-7-Glu (3.15 μg/g), and catechin (2.85 μg/g) were identified as major phenolic compounds. The predominant fatty acids detected by gas chromatography (GC) coupled to a flame ionization detector were linoleic and linolenic acids (35.11%). A factorial design plan was used to determine the effect of temperature, agitation speed, and maceration period on phenolic contents. In vivo, the methanol extract from Opuntia stricta showed anti-inflammatory activity. The computational modeling reveals that O. stricta compounds bind VEGF, IL-6, and TNF-α with high binding scores that reach -8.7 kcal/mol and establish significant molecular interactions with some key residues that satisfactorily explain both in vitro and in vivo findings. These data indicate that Opuntia stricta cladode powder could be potentially useful in pharmaceutical and food applications.

Cladodes of Opuntia ficus indica as a functional ingredient in the production of cookies: physical, antioxidant and sensory properties

Cladodes of Opuntia ficus indica: a functional ingredient for healthful foods. Study on cookies substituting wheat flour with cladode powder.

Development of Eco-Friendly Biocomposite Films Based on Opuntia ficus-indica Cladodes Powder Blended with Gum Arabic and Xanthan Envisaging Food Packaging Applications.

Currently, food packaging is facing a critical transition period and a major challenge: it must preserve the food products' quality and, at the same time, it must meet the current requirements of the circular economy and the fundamental principles of packaging materials eco-design. Our research presents the development of eco-friendly packaging films based on Opuntia ficus-indica cladodes (OFIC) as renewable resources. OFIC powder (OFICP)-agar, OFICP-agar-gum arabic (GA), and OFICP-agar-xanthan (XG) blend films were eco-friendlily prepared by a solution casting method. The films' properties were investigated by scanning electron microscope (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (X-RD), and differential scanning calorimeter (DSC). Water solubility and moisture content were also determined. Morphology, thickness, molecular interactions, miscibility, crystallinity, and thermal properties, were affected by adjusting the gums (GA and XG) content and glycerol in the blend films. Moisture content increased with increasing glycerol and XG content, and when 1.5 g of GA was added. Water solubility decreased when glycerol was added at 50% and increased with increasing GA and XG content. FTIR and XRD confirmed strong intermolecular interactions between the different blend film compounds, which were reflected in the shifting, appearance, and disappearance of FTIR bands and XRD peaks, indicating excellent miscibility. DSC results revealed a glass transition temperature (Tg) below room temperature for all prepared blend films, indicating that they are flexible and soft at room temperature. The results corroborated that the addition of glycerol at 30% and the GA to the OFICP increased the stability of the film, making it ideal for different food packaging applications.

Blends of Cactus Cladode Powder with Corn Starch, Milk Proteins and Gelatin: Rheological Evaluation and Application to a Soup Model

Cactus cladodes (Opuntia ficus-indica) is a valuable source of dietary fibers. In this study, peeled cladode powder was produced by air drying at 40 °C and was characterized for its color, dietary fiber content, and rheological behavior. Cladode powder aqueous suspensions of 3% w/w were prepared and the effect of protein (gelatin, sodium caseinate, and whey protein) or salts (NaCl/CaCl2) on the blend’s viscosity was investigated. Additionally, cladode powder was incorporated in a soup model, aiming at substituting corn starch. Our powder had an appealing green color, but its deterioration was fast when it was exposed to light. A shear-thinning behavior was observed in all cladode-protein mixtures, but viscosity values depended considerably on the protein type and the pH values. Notably, gelatin addition led to higher apparent viscosity of cladode powder at pH 6, suggesting interactions with cladode mucilage, but this effect was reversed at pH 4, below gelatin isoelectric point. The Ostwald-de Waele model successfully correlated viscosity-shear rates data, whereas the Casson model presented a good fit mainly in starch containing systems. Corn starch substitution by cladode powder, in the soup model, led to lower consistency coefficient values. In soups, the logarithmic mixing law was applied at different corn starch: cladode powder ratios to highlight their possible interactions. The values obtained diverged slightly downwards from the logarithmic mixing law. When purified mucilage was added—instead of cladode powder—the samples diverged slightly upwards from the logarithmic mixing law.

The influence of cactus (Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill) cladodes powder on improving the characteristics and shelf life of low-fat beef and chicken burgers

This research aims to investigate the influence of using cactus cladodes powder (CP) as a binder at three concentrations (1%, 3%, and 5%) on selected quality characteristics of low-fat beef and chicken burgers after formulation and during freeze storage (-18 °C) for 100 days, in comparison to control treatments without CP. Using CP at 3% and 5% influenced (p < 0.05) the proximate composition of the formulated burgers, while 1% CP did not influence the proximate composition significantly. Cooking loss was decreased (p < 0.05) by using CP at 3% and 5%. Oxidation stability of raw and cooked burgers formulated with 3% and 5% CP increased after formulation and during freezing storage for 100 days in comparison to control burger samples. Sensory preferences of color, tenderness, juiciness, taste, and overall acceptability were improved in samples with 3% and 5% CP in comparison to control and 1% CP burgers.

BIOSORPTION OF LEAD HEAVY METAL ON PRICKLY PEAR CACTUS BIOMATERIAL: KINETIC, THERMODYNAMIC AND REGENERATION STUDIES

The potential of Tunisian prickly pear cactus as a low-cost adsorbent for Pb(II) ions from aqueous solution was investigated in batch mode. To determine the optimum adsorption conditions, experiments were conducted varying the operating parameters, as follows: pH of the solutions (2-10), initial concentration of metal ions (0.98-2.4 mmol/L) and temperature (30-60 °C). The adsorption isotherm data were analyzed by applying the Langmuir, Freundlich, Dubinin–Raduskevich, Temkin and Redlich–Peterson models. The experimental results were better fitted by the Freundlish model. The pseudo-first order, pseudo-second order, Elovich and intraparticle diffusion models were applied to the description of the kinetic data. The best fit was achieved for the pseudo-second order model, and the presence of both film and intraparticle diffusion mechanisms was demonstrated. Thermodynamic studies indicated that the biosorption on the cladode powder is an exothermic and chemical process. The desorption/regeneration process was also investigated. The obtained results revealed over 90% desorption of Pb(II) metal ions from the total metal-loaded mass of the adsorbent and good stability of the cactus adsorbent for four successive adsorption/desorption cycles.

Effect of extracts and isolated compounds derived from Retama monosperma (L.) Boiss. on anti-aging gene expression in human keratinocytes and antioxidant activity

Ethnopharmacological relevanceMoroccan folk medicine treats skin cicatrization with Retama monosperma (L.) Boiss. locally named "Rtem", but the mechanism involved is still not well known. Traditional healers use the plant in small doses as an anthelmintic, disinfectant and an effective abortive. In addition, the cladodes powder mixed with honey is employed as purgative and vermifuge.Equally, the SIRT1 and SIRT3 genes activation and sirtuin proteins expression, which delay cellular senescence, participate in wound healing and skin regeneration especially, SIRT1 the most studied gene, leads to fast skin restoration and cicatrization. Aim of the studyIn this study, we evaluated the ability of the Retama monosperma (L.)Boiss. flowers and seeds extracts and the isolated compounds in augmenting the SIRT1 and SIRT3 gene expression in HaCaT cells and expressing the antioxidant activity. Materials and methodsWe examined for quantitative expression levels of SIRT1 and SIRT3 in HaCaT cell by qRT-PCR and the antioxidant activity by four tests (conjugated diene, TBARS assay, DPPH scavenging activity and H2O2 radical scavenging assay) of diethyl ether extract of flowers (DEF extract) and ethyl acetate extract of seeds (EAS extract) of R. monosperma(L.) Boiss. and the isolated compounds (quercetin, 6-methoxykaempferol, kaempferol and genistein). ResultsThe screening system by EGFP fluorescence revealed that all samples and resveratrol significantly increase SIRT1 and SIRT3 promoters activities in HaCaT cells with p< 0.05. Furthermore, EAS, quercetin, 6-methoxykaempferol and kaempferol increase significantly (p< 0.05) SIRT1 (3.43, 1.18, 2.62, and 1.72 expression quantity, respectively) and SIRT3 (16.27, 5.01, 3.01, and 6.18 expression quantity, respectively) in HaCaT cells. On the other hand, genistein has a moderate activity on SIRT1 and SIRT3 with 1.43 and 2.04 expression levels. For the antioxidant activity, the EAS and the pure compounds exhibited stronger antioxidant activity than BHT. While DEF and genistein have a moderate antioxidant activity when compared with BHT. ConclusionsIn this study, the expression levels of SIRT1 and SIRT3 in HaCaT cells increase in the presence of extracts of R. monosperma (L.) Boiss. and the pure compounds.

Bio‐based sustainable films from the Algerian Opuntia ficus‐indica cladodes powder: Effect of plasticizer content

AbstractThe present study investigated the fabrication and characterization of bio‐based sustainable films composed of a terrestrial plant raw material, namely Opuntia ficus‐indica (OFI) cladodes powder (CP) and a marine seaweed derivative, namely agar (A). The effect of glycerol concentration on the properties of the casted films was evaluated at four different contents, namely 30, 40, 50 and 60 wt%. The films present UV‐blocking properties, as well as moderate mechanical performance, thermal stability, and water vapor transmission rate (WVTR). The results point to an increase in thickness, elongation at break, moisture content, water solubility, and WVTR with increasing glycerol content. On the contrary, Young's modulus, tensile strength, and water contact angle decreased as glycerol concentration increased. The best combination is obtained for the film with 30% glycerol, based on an intermediate compromise between physical, mechanical, thermal, and barrier properties. All these outcomes express the potentiality of the powder obtained from grinding the OFI cladodes as raw material to produce low‐cost films for the development of sustainable packaging materials.

Assessment of technological and nutritional qualities of the powder of prickly pear cladodes at four ages of growth

Rich in bioactive and nutritional phytochemicals, the cladode is an important part of prickly pear plant (cactus). Its processing into powder is a way of adding value allowing its use as a food, dietary supplement and cosmetic ingredient. This work aims to assess the suitability for processing into powder of prickly pear cladodes at four ages of growth and to assess technological and nutritional qualities of the obtained powders. The cladodes belonging to the Opuntia ficus-indica species, aged less than one year, one year, from 1.5 to 2 years and from 3 to 3.5 years, were harvested in Skhour Rhamna (Centre of Morocco). The quality of the fresh cladodes and the cladodes powder was evaluated by studying powder yield, humidity, water absorption index (WAI), water activity (aw), sorption curves, colour, total titratable acidity, pH, soluble solids, cellulose and ash contents. This work has highlighted the suitability of the cladodes of different ages for processing into powder. The resulted powders were characterized by different and interesting characteristics in terms of technological and nutritional qualities allowing their orientation towards different uses. WAI values, which increased with age, provided information on different rheological properties of powders when using as an ingredient in liquid or semi-solid formulations and on different saturation effects when using in food preparations. Moreover, aw values, lower than 0.29, can ensure a good biochemical and microbial stability. The sorption behaviors of cladodes powder, almost similar for the four studied ages, are moderately hygroscopic. The appreciation of the colour using the Hunter Lab scale, showed an opposite trend of a* and L* parameters, with age, between fresh cladodes and their powders indicating that the smaller the cladodes age, the greenest the resulting powder. Having an acidic pH, powders recorded also increases of cellulose and ash contents with the cladodes age.

Characterization of Two Cactus Formulation-Based Flocculants and Investigation on Their Flocculating Ability for Cationic and Anionic Dyes Removal.

Dye invasion in wastewaters is undeniably one of the crucial environmental concerns in addition to the supplement of toxic synthetic chemical flocculants used for color removal using the conventional coagulation-flocculation process. With the aim to improve the flocculation stage in terms of reagents safety and ensure dyes removal, the present study explores the flocculating effectiveness of two natural, stable, and eco-friendly cactus formulations, namely 60 °C oven-dried (DP) and lyophilized (LP) cladodes. Both formulations were assessed to treat cationic (Methylene blue; MB) and anionic (Methyl Orange; MO) dye solutions as a substitution attempt for the currently questioned employed synthetic chemical flocculants. Obtained results demonstrate that, in conjunction with alum as coagulant, the lyophilized powder (LP) bio-based flocculant appears to be the most efficient cactus formulation, showing a significant color (83%) and a turbidity (69%) abatement for the cationic dye (MB) and, respectively, 63% and 62% for the anionic one (MO). Additionally, the flocculation activity of the LP formula remained high over an eight-month period of storage. Moreover, based on the Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopic analysis and the chemical characterization of cactus formulations, the occurring flocculation mechanisms of the dye removal are presumed to be based on both adsorption and bridging phenomena. Further, the significant color and turbidity decline achieved upon the addition of the lyophilized cactus cladodes powder (LP), enhancing thus the coagulation performance of the alum-based coagulant, proved the effectiveness of this bio-flocculant compared to the commonly used chemical flocculant (polyacrylamide). Hence, it was suggested that lyophilized cactus cladodes as a natural flocculant could be one of the effective surrogates to chemical flocculants conventionally used in wastewater treatment for the sake of a safer and sustainable environment.

Phytochemical study and evaluation of the antioxidant activity of extracts of Opuntia Ficus-Indica cladodes from the Oriental of Morocco and the effect of microwave activation on the drying time of the plant

In the present work, the phytochemical study and evaluation of the antioxidant activities of the crude extracts of various solvents with increasing polarity (ethanol> acetone> dichloromethane > ethyl acetate > hexane) on fine dried cladode powder was studied. Each microwave oven power (500, 350, 160 and 90 W), of an Opuntia ficus-indica (OFI) medicinal species of the Cactaceae family collected in the rural commune of Bni Rais in Taourirt province of Oriental of Morroco. The phytochemical screening showed the presence of the studied chemical compounds (Flavonoids, Tannins, Quinones and Steroids) rich in powers of 500W and 350 W, especially in extracts with ethanol and acetone. The antioxidant activity of OFI cladodes extracts was evaluated by the DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) free radical scavenging method. The results obtained show that the acetone extracts have a very important activity, especially at the power of 500 W, IC50 = 0.29 mg/ml is found followed by the ethanol extract with a value of IC50 equal to 0.34 mg/ml. After the results we realize that the power 500 W showing antioxidant activity of each solvent extract (Et, Ac, Dc, AE and Hx) greater than that of the power 350, 160 and 90 W respectively (IC50: 500 W <350W <160 W <90 W). Also, the effect of microwaves on the duration of drying of the plant was assessed (40 min under microwave activation compared to 17.5h of conventional heating). The cleaning activities of all extracts, however, were significantly low compared to the reference standard of ascorbic acid with a sequence IC50 = 0.114 mg/ml, used at the same dose.

Characterization of Micronutrients, Bioaccessibility and Antioxidant Activity of Prickly Pear Cladodes as Functional Ingredient.

The Opuntia ficus indica (L.) (OFI) is used as a nutritional and pharmaceutical agent in various dietary and value added products. This study underlines the possible use of native prickly pear cladode powder as a functional ingredient for health-promoting food production. To summarise, chemical characterization of polyphenols, minerals and soluble dietary fibre was performed; furthermore, the antioxidant activity and bioaccessibility of polyphenols and minerals were assessed. Eleven compounds between phenolic acids and flavonoids were identified, with piscidic acid and isorhamnetin derivatives being the most abundant. Opuntia’s dietary fibre was mainly constituted of mucilage and pectin, and was composed of arabinose, galactose, glucose, mannose, rhamnose, and xylose sugars. The polyphenols’ bioaccessibility was very high: piscidic acid at 200%, eucomic and ferulic acids >110% and flavonoids from 89% to 100%. The prickly pear cladode powder is also a source of minerals, as cations (calcium, sodium, potassium and magnesium) and anions (sulphate and chloride), with high magnesium bioaccessibilty (93%). OFI powder showed good capacity of radical scavenging measured by DPPH and ABTS methods, with 740 and 775 μmol Trolox/100 g OFI, respectively. Finally, the presented results allow the consideration of this natural product as a source of several essential nutrients, with a possible use in the food industry as a functional ingredient.

Impact of particle size on functional, physicochemical properties and antioxidant activity of cladode powder (Opuntia ficus-indica).

Particle size is an important quality parameter of pharmaceutical and processed food products. The present study aimed at evaluating the effect of powder fractionation on the functional, physicochemical properties and antioxidant activity of cladode powder with particle size ranging from < 45 to 500µm. Granulometric study presented bimodal granules' volume distribution explaining the irregular shape of particles. The results indicated that functional properties were significantly (p < 0.05) affected by particle size distribution and the critical fraction size was 63-80µm. Scanning electron microscopy showed that morphology of cladode powder granules was highly related to the grinding treatment. Physicochemical analysis showed that ash content and soluble solids were more affected contrary to moisture, pH and titratable acidity. Chlorophylls (a, b) and carotenoids content of fractionated powder were affected significantly unlike color (b* value). The granulometric classes (80-100µm) had the highest polyphenol and flavonoids content (605.30mg GAE/100g and 476.33mg CE/100g respectively). Two fractions "100-200µm" and "80-100µm" exhibited a high rise in the antioxidant activity as determined by the DPPH, ABTS and FRAP essays compared to other fractions. The chemical composition and bioactive compounds analysis of cladode powder confirmed a differential distribution of chemical composition and bioactive compounds according to particle size.

Use of Tunisian Opuntia ficus-indica Cladodes as a Low Cost Renewable Admixture in Cement Mortar Preparations

The present study deals with the influence of Opuntia ficus-indica cladodes powder on the durability and the mechanical properties of Portland cement mortar, including setting time and compressive strength. A control specimen with ordinary Portland cement was made and in other specimens, cement was replaced with 1, 2.5 and 4% of Opuntia ficus-indica cladode’s powder by weight of cement. The obtained results showed that setting times decreased notably with the addition of Opuntia ficus-indica cladodes and that there is an enhancement of the mechanical strength and the resistance to acetic and hydrochloric 5% acid solution compared with the standard specimen.

Prickly pear cactus cladodes powder of Opuntia ficus indica as a cost effective biosorbent for dyes removal from aqueous solutions.

The textiles manufacturing is one of the core industries that release a huge amount of dyes during the dyeing process. As a result, the growing demand of an efficient and low-cost treatment has given rise to alternative adsorbents. In the present study, prickly pear cactus cladodes powder (PPCP) of Opuntia ficus indica was investigated as an ecofriendly and low-cost biosorbent of Acid orange 51 (AO51) and Reactive Red 75 (RR75) dyes commonly used in dyeing. The FTIR spectroscopic characterization of PPCP showed the heterogeneity in surface structure and functional groups which confers to the biosorbent its capability to interact with acidic (AO51) and reactive (RR75) dyes molecules. Effects of pH, temperature, initial dye concentration and adsorbent dose on adsorption yield were investigated. The dyes uptake process was closely fitted to the pseudo-second order kinetic for both dyes. Experimental data were analyzed by applying the Langmuir, Freundlich, Dubinin-Raduskevich, Temkin, Redlich-Peterson, and BET isotherms equations. The models of BET and Langmuir were considered as the best isotherms models fitting experimental data, respectively, of RR75 and AO51. The maximum Langmuir monolayer biosorption capacities were of 198.9 and 45mg g-1, respectively for RR75 and AO51.

Influence of Operating Factors on Turbidity Removal of Water Surface by Natural Coagulant Indigenous to Tunisia Using Experimental Design

A systematic study of the influence of operating conditions on clarification process efficiency using Tunisian cactus cladodes powder (Opuntia ficus indica) was performed. A model of turbid water, using fibrous clay such as palygorskite, ranging from 50 to 500 NTU was investigated. The turbidity removal ability was assessed by the use of standard jar test measurements. A screening experimental design 37//16 was implemented to screen 7 experimental input factors at 3 levels each in 16 experimental runs. Initial turbidity, pH, particle size and mass of sorbent-coagulant added, as well as the type of cactus treatment, the stirring speed and the settling time on turbidity removal were tested. With Starks screening matrix, this work demonstrated that turbidity removal is affected by 5 input factors: initial turbidity, settling time, powder size, slow stirring and pH. Cladode powder acts positively on the turbidity removal.

Proximate analysis, mineral composition, phytochemical contents, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities and GC-MS investigation of various solvent extracts of cactus cladode

Abstract Cladodes Powder Extracts (CPE) are known for their medicinal properties such as being an auxiliary treatment for obesity and gastrointestinal or cardiovascular disorders as well as lowering cholesterol levels. The presented results proved that CPE was found to be a rich source of carbohydrate, ash, moisture and minerals namely Magnesium, Calcium and Zinc which highlighted its good nutritional value. Moreover, the solvent extracts displayed appreciable level of polyphenols, flavonoids and tannins contents compounds which may explain their higher and varied antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. The time-kill assay revealed that the bactericidal concentration required for cladode to kill M. luteus should be less than 3.12 mg/mL (2MIC). Interestingly, GC-MS analyses of ethyl acetate CPE demonstrate the presence of six compounds. The overall data emphasize the nutritional potential of CP as a promising natural preservative and a substitute to the synthetic counterparts and therefore to be consumed in a healthy diet.

Opuntia ficus-indica cladodes as a functional ingredient: bioactive compounds profile and their effect on antioxidant quality of bread

BackgroundIn the context of a balanced diet, the antioxidant-rich food consumption is a preventive way of many degenerative diseases. Consequently, improving the nutraceutical quality of traditional foods such as bakery products is an interesting approach. Considering the present consumer’s demand, cladodes from prickly pear that were traditionally used as a valuable food as well as in folk medicine for the treatment of several chronic diseases were investigated for their use in bread production to improve its functionality.MethodsBioactive substances were determined by liquid chromatography-high resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (LC-HRESIMS) analysis. Dough rheological properties were characterized by alveographic measurements. Bread antioxidant quality was evaluated by total phenolics content, DPPH• radical-scavenging, metal (Fe2+) chelating and Fe3+ reducing power determinations.ResultsLC-HRESIMS analysis of the cladodes extract allowed the identification of 9 flavonoids, 2 phenolics, 1 alkaloid and 1 terpenoid compounds. Cladodes powder enrichment induced important modifications on the dough rheological parameters in terms of the extensibility (L) and deformation energy (W) decrease. Moreover, cladodes powder addition to bread resulted in a decrease in both crust and crumb colour parameters (L*, a* and b*). A 5% supplementation resulted in an increase of the bread yield and bread specific volume by 8.9 and 25%, respectively. Interestingly, Bread containing cladodes powder showed enhanced total phenolics content and antioxidant potential as compared to the control.ConclusionsSubstitution of wheat flour by the cladodes powder at 5% level was optimal for improving the total phenolics content and the antioxidant potential of bread without having any negative effect on its sensory acceptability. Cladodes from Opuntia ficus-indica could be considered as a potential health-promoting functional ingredient in bakery products.

Dietary cladode powder from wild type and domesticated Opuntia species reduces atherogenesis in apoE knock-out mice.

Dietary intake of Opuntia species may prevent the development of cardiovascular diseases. The present study was designed to characterize the biological antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of Opuntia species and to investigate whether Opuntia cladodes prevent the development of atherosclerosis in vivo, in apoE(-)KO mice. The effects of the two Opuntia species, the wild Opuntia streptacantha and the domesticated Opuntia ficus-indica, were tested on the generation of intra- and extracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and kinetics of the LDL oxidation by murine CRL2181 endothelial cells and on the subsequent inflammatory signaling leading to the adhesion of monocytes on the activated endothelium and the formation of foam cells. Opuntia species blocked the extracellular ROS (superoxide anion) generation and LDL oxidation by CRL2181, as well as the intracellular ROS rise and signaling evoked by the oxidized LDL, including the nuclear translocation of the transcription factor NFκB, the expression of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 adhesion molecules, and the adhesion of monocytes to CRL2181. In vivo, Opuntia significantly reduced the formation of atherosclerotic lesions and the accumulation of 4-hydroxynonenal adducts in the vascular wall of apoE-KO mice, indicating that Opuntia cladodes prevent lipid oxidation in the vascular wall. In conclusion, wild and domesticated Opuntia species exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiatherogenic properties which emphasize their nutritional benefit for preventing cardiovascular diseases.

Cladodes from prickly pear as a functional ingredient: effect on fat retention, oxidative stability, nutritional and sensory properties of cookies

The stems of Opuntia ficus-indica known as cladodes are rich source of bioactive and functional substances, which make them important candidate for the production of health-promoting food. Cladodes powder was incorporated at different levels of substitution (2.5%, 5% and 7.5%) in cookies (butter/wheat flour: 55/100 m/m). Substitution of wheat flour by cladodes powder improved dietary fiber, ash, potassium, magnesium and calcium contents of enriched cookies. The results also revealed that cladodes supplementation increased hardness; however, it decreased a* and b* values and reduced exudate loss of cookies during storage. Moreover, rising levels of cladodes powder contribute to the increase of antioxidant activity of cookies and decreased their oxidative degradation. Sensory evaluation showed that cladodes supplementation at 5% level remained acceptable at 5-point hedonic scale. The present study suggested that cladodes supplementation in high-fat cookies not only added nutritional value to food, but also improved its functional characteristics.