Opuntia Ficus-indica Fruit Research Articles

Use of Opuntia ficus-indica Fruit Peel as a Novel Source of Mucilage with Coagulant Physicochemical/Molecular Characteristics.

The peels obtained as a byproduct from the processing of fruits (prickly pears) of the Cactaceae family are a rich source of mucilage, a hydrocolloid biopolymer that may have potential application in water/wastewater treatment as a natural coagulant. In this study, the structural (UPLC-QTOF-MS, FTIR, Raman, NMR, XRD, and zeta potential), morphological (SEM), and thermal (DSC/TGA) characterizations of the mucilage extracted from the peels of Opuntia ficus-indica (OFI) fruits were carried out. UPLC-QTOF-MS results revealed the presence of a branched polymer with an average molecular weight of 0.44 KDa for this mucilage in aqua media. The NMR spectra of mucilage in DMSO-d6 indicated that it seemed well-suited as a coagulant with its typical oligosaccharide structure. FTIR studies confirmed the presence of hydroxyl and carboxyl functional groups in the mucilage, indicating its polyelectrolyte nature that could provide coagulating properties through binding and adsorption mechanisms. Likewise, the zeta potential of −23.63 ± 0.55 mV showed an anionic nature of the mucilage. Power XRD technique evidenced the presence of crystalline poly(glycine-β-alanine), glutamic acid, and syn-whewellite. SEM images revealed an irregular and amorphous morphology with cracks, which are suitable characteristics for adsorption mechanisms. The mucilage exhibited two endothermic transitions, with a decomposition temperature in uronic acid of 423.10 °C. These findings revealed that mucilage obtained from OFI fruit peels has molecular and physicochemical characteristics that are suited to its possible application as a natural coagulant in water/wastewater treatments.

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.

Endophytic Fungus from Opuntia ficus-indica: A Source of Potential Bioactive Antimicrobial Compounds against Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria.

Endophytic Aspergillus species represent an inexhaustible source for many medicinally important secondary metabolites. The current study isolated the endophytic Aspergillus niger (OL519514) fungus from Opuntia ficus-indica fruit peels. The antibacterial activities were reported for both Aspergillus species and Opuntia ficus-indica fruit peel extract. Extraction of the endophytic fungal metabolites using ethyl acetate and fractionation was performed, yielding dihydroauroglaucin (C1), isotetrahydroauroglaucin (C2), and cristatumin B (C3). Resistant bacterial strains were used to investigate the efficiency of the total fungal ethyl acetate extract (FEA) and the isolated compounds. FEA showed promising wide spectrum activity. (C3) showed excellent activity against selected Gram-negative resistant bacteria; However, (C2) exhibited tremendous activity against the tested Gram-positive resistant strains; conversely, (C1) possessed the lowest antibacterial activity compared to the two other compounds. An in silico virtual molecular docking demonstrated that cristatumin B was the most active antimicrobial compound against the selected protein targets. In conclusion, the active metabolites newly isolated from the endophytic fungus Aspergillus niger (OL519514) and present in plants’ waste can be a promising antimicrobial agent against multidrug-resistant bacteria.

Tunisian Opuntia ficus-indica fruit peels: biochemical and microbiological characterization and possible applications

In Tunisia, the number of prickly pear seed oil companies is currently increasing. However, a large amount of prickly pear fruit by-products is discarded. Proper utilization of these by-products, in particular fruit peels, could lead to the obtaining of a new important source of nutraceutical compounds. This investigation was aimed at conducting a phytochemical screening and assessing the antibacterial properties of prickly pear peels cultivar ‘orange’. These samples were analyzed fresh and oven-dried at 45 °C to develop concepts for applications in the food industry as potential sources of fibers and antimicrobial “green” additives. The proximate compositions of both prickly pear peels were determined along with total phenolic compounds, carotenoids, and antioxidant activity. Free phenolic compounds were determined using liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. Furthermore, the antibacterial effectiveness of the prickly pear peel extracts was tested against selected foodborne pathogens. The highest concentrations of dietary fiber (22.7 g/100 g d.m.) and carotenoids 10.90 mg/100 g d.m. were observed in oven-dried prickly pear peels, which also showed the highest inhibition of the DPPH radicals. The antibacterial activities showed a relevant growth inhibition against Bacillus cereus and a partial inhibition against Staphylococcus aureus. Prickly pear peel is a neglected nutritional and antibacterial source that should be widely valued as food additive.

Pulsed electric fields using a multiple needle chamber to improve bioactive compounds extraction from unprocessed Opuntia ficus-indica fruits

Prickly pear fruit is rich in natural pigments and bioactive compounds that contribute to its antioxidant capacity and health-promoting properties. These compounds can be extracted using pulsed electric fields (PEF), a non-thermal technology that is energy efficient and is being increasingly used for food processing. For that end, a novel electroporation chamber was designed and optimum pulse parameters were selected maximizing juice yield and bioactive compounds extraction. The chamber consists of 5 rows of 10 parallel needles, and the optimum pulse parameters were: Sixty 100 μs long pulses of 1200 V/cm at a frequency of 10 Hz. The average energy input was 11.44 kJ/kg (temperature rise below 10 °C). When comparing PEF-treated samples with untreated ones, juice yield increased 3.3 times, and betalain extraction 1.48 times. Also, the juice extracted had a significantly higher total polyphenol content (1.4 times), and antioxidant capacity (1.4–1.5 times increase, measured by three techniques). This chamber and procedure could be scaled for industrial applications since large samples can be treated without the need of adding conductive medium or peeling the fruits, simplifying the procedure and reducing costs. PEF treatment of prickly pear fruits can effectively provide juice rich in natural colorants and with higher nutritional properties. • The designed chamber enables the treatment of whole fruit with no conductive medium. • PEF treated samples yielded 3.3 times more juice and 1.48 times more betalains. • Antioxidant capacity was 1.4–1.5 times higher compared to control. • The treatment chamber can be easily scaled up for industrial applications.

Effects of Peeling, Film Packaging, and Cold Storage on the Quality of Minimally Processed Prickly Pears (Opuntia ficus-indica L. Mill.)

Opuntia species exhibit beneficial properties when used to treat chronic diseases, particularly obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer; however, the presence of spines and glochids in the species’ skin that easily stick into consumers’ fingers has limited their consumption. For this study, white and orange Opuntia ficus-indica fruits from the Canary Islands (Spain) were minimally processed, packed in a passive atmosphere, and stored at 7 °C. The effects of peeling (by hand or with an electric peeler) and two micro-perforated films (90PPlus and 180PPlus) were evaluated. Changes in the quality parameters, gas composition, bioactive compounds, sensory features, and microbial safety of fresh-cut prickly pears were examined during 10 days of cold storage. Both varieties, hand-peeled and electrically peeled, were microbiologically safe (aerobic mesophiles < 7 log(CFU/g fresh weight)) and retained suitable nutritional quality after 8 days of storage. The yield was greater when fruits were electrically peeled than hand-peeled (70.7% vs. 44.0% and 66.5% vs. 40.8% for white and orange fruits, respectively). The concentrations of oxygen and carbon dioxide were above 15% and below 7.5%, respectively, in all the treatments over the shelf life. TSS decreased during storage independently of variety, peeling method, or film. Fructose was the most abundant sugar, followed by glucose and sucrose. The electric peeling machine improved not only the edible part of the fruit but also the contents of bioactive compounds, such as ascorbic acid and phenolic compounds.

Indicaxanthin from Opuntia ficus-indica Fruit Ameliorates Glucose Dysmetabolism and Counteracts Insulin Resistance in High-Fat-Diet-Fed Mice.

Obesity-related dysmetabolic conditions are amongst the most common causes of death globally. Indicaxanthin, a bioavailable betalain pigment from Opuntia ficus-indica fruit, has been demonstrated to modulate redox-dependent signalling pathways, exerting significant anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effects in vitro and in vivo. In light of the strict interconnections between inflammation, oxidative stress and insulin resistance (IR), a nutritionally relevant dose of indicaxanthin has been evaluated in a high-fat diet (HFD) model of obesity-related IR. To this end, biochemical and histological analysis, oxidative stress and inflammation evaluations in liver and adipose tissue were carried out. Our results showed that indicaxanthin treatment significantly reduced body weight, daily food intake and visceral fat mass. Moreover, indicaxanthin administration induced remarkable, beneficial effects on HFD-induced glucose dysmetabolism, reducing fasting glycaemia and insulinaemia, improving glucose and insulin tolerance and restoring the HOMA index to physiological values. These effects were associated with a reduction in hepatic and adipose tissue oxidative stress and inflammation. A decrease in RONS, malondialdehyde and NO levels, in TNF-α, CCL-2 and F4-80 gene expression, in p65, p-JNK, COX-2 and i-NOS protein levels, in crown-like structures and hepatic inflammatory foci was, indeed, observed. The current findings encourage further clinical studies to confirm the effectiveness of indicaxanthin to prevent and treat obesity-related dysmetabolic conditions.

Opuntia ficus indica waste as a cost effective carbon source for lactic acid production by Lactobacillus plantarum

Opuntia ficus indica (OFI) waste was evaluated as a fermentation feedstock for lactic acid production using Lactobacillus plantarum.Dilute acid pretreatment of the OFI cladodes (OFIC) was performed for extracting maximum fermentable sugars by optimizing process parameters using statistical optimization method. The best results were obtained with HCl 1% (v/v), temperature 120 °C, residence time 40 min, granulation 350 µm and substrate loading 5% (w/v), the sugar concentration reached 24 g/L with low concentration of hydroxymethylfurfural. The feasibility of producing lactic acid from OFI fruit peel (OFIFP) as a source of carbon was also investigated. Lactobacillus plantarum was shown to have a capacity for lactic acid production from OFIC350 (granulation 350 µm) hydrolysate and OFIFP extract without detoxification. The highest lactic acid yields of 0.46 and 0.78 g/g were obtained from enzymatic hydrolysate of pretreated OFIC350 and OFIFP extract, respectively.

A novel green-mediated approach of 3-D hierarchical-like ZnO@Ag, ZnO@Au and ZnO@Ag@Au NCs prepared via Opuntia ficus indica fruits extract for enhancement of biological activities

A novel green-mediated approach of 3-D hierarchical-like ZnO@Ag, ZnO@Au and ZnO@Ag@Au NCs prepared via Opuntia ficus indica fruits extract for enhancement of biological activities

Amyloid-Beta Induces Different Expression Pattern of Tissue Transglutaminase and Its Isoforms on Olfactory Ensheathing Cells: Modulatory Effect of Indicaxanthin.

Herein, we assessed the effect of full native peptide of amyloid-beta (Aβ) (1-42) and its fragments (25-35 and 35-25) on tissue transglutaminase (TG2) and its isoforms (TG2-Long and TG2-Short) expression levels on olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs). Vimentin and glial fibrillary acid protein (GFAP) were also studied. The effect of the pre-treatment with indicaxanthin from Opuntia ficus-indica fruit on TG2 expression levels and its isoforms, cell viability, total reactive oxygen species (ROS), superoxide anion (O2−), and apoptotic pathway activation was assessed. The levels of Nestin and cyclin D1 were also evaluated. Our findings highlight that OECs exposure to Aβ(1-42) and its fragments induced an increase in TG2 expression levels and a different expression pattern of its isoforms. Indicaxanthin pre-treatment reduced TG2 overexpression, modulating the expression of TG2 isoforms. It reduced total ROS and O2− production, GFAP and Vimentin levels, inhibiting apoptotic pathway activation. It also induced an increase in the Nestin and cyclin D1 expression levels. Our data demonstrated that indicaxanthin pre-treatment stimulated OECs self-renewal through the reparative activity played by TG2. They also suggest that Aβ might modify TG2 conformation in OECs and that indicaxanthin pre-treatment might modulate TG2 conformation, stimulating neural regeneration in Alzheimer’s disease.

Promoting of Growth in Ross 208 Chicken Broilers Following a Diet Based on Opuntia ficus-Indica (Prickly Pear) Fruit

Promoting of Growth in Ross 208 Chicken Broilers Following a Diet Based on Opuntia ficus-Indica (Prickly Pear) Fruit

Underutilized Mexican Plants: Screening of Antioxidant and Antiproliferative Properties of Mexican Cactus Fruit Juices.

Cacti fruits are known to possess antioxidant and antiproliferative activities among other health benefits. The following paper evaluated the antioxidant capacity and bioactivity of five clarified juices from different cacti fruits (Stenocereus spp., Opuntia spp. and M. geomettizans) on four cancer cell lines as well as one normal cell line. Their antioxidant compositions were measured by three different protocols. Their phenolic compositions were quantified through high performance liquid chromatography and the percentages of cell proliferation of fibroblasts as well as breast, prostate, colorectal, and liver cancer cell lines were evaluated though in vitro assays. The results were further processed by principal component analysis. The clarified juice from M. geomettizans fruit showed the highest concentration of total phenolic compounds and induced cell death in liver and colorectal cancer cells lines as well as fibroblasts. The clarified juice extracted from yellow Opuntia ficus-indica fruit displayed antioxidant activity as well as a selective cytotoxic effect on a liver cancer cell line with no toxic effect on fibroblasts. In conclusion, the work supplies evidence on the antioxidant and antiproliferative activities that cacti juices possess, presenting potential as cancer cell proliferation preventing agents.

Comparing germination metrics of Opuntia ficus-indica and O. robusta between two sets of bird species (Pied Crows and two smaller species)

The fleshy fruits of exotic Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill and Opuntia robusta (Haw.) Haw (Cactaceae family) are consumed and dispersed by many vertebrates, which likely influences their invasion success. We tested whether seed ingestion by Pied Crows (Corvus albus) and other smaller birds (African Pied Starling Lamprotornis bicolor and the Red-eyed Bulbul Pycnonotus nigricans) improve the germination and speed in O. ficus-indica and O. robusta. Controlled germination trials for two Opuntia species were set up using the seeds extracted from faecal material, depulped seeds, and intact fruits. Overall, results show that seed germination for O. robusta was significantly higher than for O. ficus-indica. There were significant differences in seed germination between treatments of two Opuntia species, with the total mean germination of seeds defecated by the Pied Crows being equivalent to that of seeds defecated by the other smaller birds but significantly greater than the other treatments (i.e., depulped seeds and intact fruit). We noted that removal of the fruit pulp from seeds significantly improved germination in both Opuntia species compared to intact fruits. The O. robusta seeds defecated by the smaller birds had significantly greatest and most accelerated germination of all other treatments followed by the seeds defecated by the Pied Crows. Seeds of O. ficus-indica defecated by the Pied Crows had significantly greater germination than the seeds ingested by smaller birds. We conclude that seed germination success in fleshy fruits including those of alien species, varies with seed treatment by different vertebrate dispersal agents, and their net effect on seeds, may have consequences on species invasion success.

Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles from the Opuntia ficus-indica Fruit and Its Activity against Treated Wastewater Microorganisms

Wastewater can be reused after a treatment process and compliance with high quality standards that guarantee its safe use. The wastewater treatment plant of the Autonomous University of Aguascalientes (AUA), like others, uses primary, secondary, and tertiary processes. The tertiary process followed is chlorination and is used to eliminate microorganisms from the secondary process. Although water of acceptable quality is obtained with chlorine, there is evidence that toxic substances are generated when reacting with organic matter, so alternatives to the use of chlorination have been analyzed. In the present study, silver nanoparticles were synthesized from the aqueous extract of the Opuntia ficus indica fruit peel (OfAgNPs), by reducing a 2 mM solution of AgNO3. OfAgNPs were characterized by UV-visible spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, atomic absorption spectroscopy, and dynamic light scattering, in addition to his electrophoretic mobility. The OfAgNPs are spherical, with an average particle size distribution of 64.28 ± 11.82 nm, relatively stable at room temperature, negatively charged ( − 25.1 ± 0.03 mV), and composed of 61.29% silver. The activity of OfAgNPs was evaluated in water from the effluent of the AUA treatment plant, before and after chlorination, and inhibition of bacteria Escherichia coli var 1, Enterobacter aerogenes var 1, Citrobacter freudi var 2, atypical E. coli, and aerobic mesophilic microorganism was tested.

Comparison between sterilized zeolite and natural zeolite in the Cactus Pear (Opuntia Ficus-Indica L. Mill.) growing

In this experiment it was determined whether the capacities of zeolites are influenced by the microbial colonies that are present in the soil, which can with their activity increase the interactions between roots, zeolites and soil. The microorganisms have the ability to lower the pH of the substrate and soil and can determine a solubilization of the mineral elements contained, which are more absorbed by plants. The experimental groups were: i) group without zeolites, irrigated with water and substrate previously fertilized; ii) group with natural chabazite and fertilised substrate; iii) group with sterilized chabazite and fertilised substrate. The zeolite was sterilized at high pressure saturated steam at 121 ° C for about 20 minutes. The theses treated with natural chabazite showed an improvement of all agronomic parameters analyzed on Opuntia ficus-indica plants, fruit characteristics and mineral content in the three cultivars Sulfarina, Sanguigna and Muscaredda. Natural chabazite gave better results than sterilized chabazite and untreated control, demonstrating that indeed the presence of the biotic component of zeolite plays a fundamental role in the interactions between zeolite and plant. All these aspects are very important for growers because the use of zeolites, especially natural chabazite, guarantees the possibility to reduce the amount of fertilizers in the substrates and to optimize irrigation while obtaining quality plants that grow better, produce more and suffer less.

Seasonal characterization of nutritional and antioxidant properties of Opuntia ficus-indica [(L.) Mill.] mucilage

Opuntia ficus-indica fruit and cladodes are a source of mucilage, a carbohydrate complex, as well as of phytochemicals and other nutrients, useful in the food industry. Despite the environmental-based composition variability has been studied, there is no information on its seasonal variability, which is particularly important for its industrial use. In this study, some technological, nutritional, and bioactive properties of O. ficus-indica cladodes mucilage were analyzed during the seasonal growth period. Total proteins did not change during the whole period and the lipid content significantly decreased from winter to the onset of summer. The fatty acid profile showed high levels of palmitic (16:0), oleic (18:1n9), and linoleic (18:2n6) acids and that the polyunsaturated fatty acid class (PUFA) is the most abundant fatty acid class, which showed a significant increase during the growth period. In this class, the presence of 20:5n-3 (EPA) and 22:6n-3 (DHA), two of the most important human nutrition essential fatty acids, is worth noting as well as the positive effect of the omega-3 series founder, α-linolenic acid 18:3 n-3. Total polyphenol values indicated that extract quality changes with the sampling period and is not closely related to the total extract yield. All the descriptors of the antioxidant power seem to indicate that the best properties are exhibited during the summer. The principal component analysis can significantly help identify the technical, nutritional, and bioactive factors that make it possible to distinguish the quality of O. ficus-indica mucilage, in order to harvest it in the most appropriate season.

Effect of Freezing and Drying Methods on Some Biochemical Properties of Prickly Fig (Opuntia ficus-indica) Fruit

In this study, the fruit of Opuntia ficus-indica was examined in the fresh, frozen, sun and in microwave dried samples. In fresh Opuntia ficus-indica samples, the total phenolic and flavonoid content was found to be 3.30 µg GAE/g DW and 1.46 µg QE/g DW, whereas in sun-dried samples found to be 2.60 µg GAE/g DW and 0.56 µg QE/g DW respectively. TEAC and IC50 are indicators of antioxidant capacity, and in fresh fruits TEAC and IC50 found to be 66.91 µmol Trolox/g DW and 45.95 mg ml-1, while 39.01 µmol Trolox/g DW and 57.36 mg ml-1 in sun-drying, respectively (p<0.05). While the amount of ghrelin, GSH, GSSG and MDA in fresh prickly fig were found to be 19.20; 372; 20.85; 3.00 µg/g DW, on the other hand in sun-dried samples were found to be 9.90; 210.00; 33.60; 4.78 µg/g DW, respectively. In addition, ghrelin and GSH in dried fruits decreased while GSSG and MDA increased in comparison to fresh sample (p<0.05). It can be concluded that the fruit of Opuntia ficus-indica is rich in ghrelin and GSH. The most suitable preservation techniques for Opuntia ficus-indica fruits is freezing to consume it in all season and microwave drying appears to be more advantageous than sun-dried in terms of time.

Effect of extraction solvent on phenolic composition, antioxidant and antibacterial activities of skin and pulp of Tunisian red and yellow–orange Opuntia Ficus Indica fruits

Effect of extraction solvent on phenolic composition, antioxidant and antibacterial activities of skin and pulp of Tunisian red and yellow–orange Opuntia Ficus Indica fruits

Effects of freeze-dried pulp of Eugenia uniflora L. and Opuntia ficus-indica fruits on quality attributes of beef patties enriched with n-3 fatty acids.

The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of freeze-dried pulps of Eugenia uniflora L. and Opuntia ficus-indica fruits on oxidative stability of n-3-enriched beef patties. Besides, the effect of freeze-dried pulps on cooking yield, color, texture parameters and sensory acceptance of patties was also evaluated. Eugenia uniflora L. (orange-skinned variety) and Opuntia ficus-indica (orange-skinned and red-skinned varieties) fruits were collected, their pulp was lyophilized and incorporated, as a natural source of antioxidant, in beef patties enriched with canola oil as a source of polyunsaturated fatty acids. Oxidation stability of samples was monitored by measuring thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances during refrigerated storage. Results show that all freeze-dried pulps limited lipid oxidation to an acceptable level during 15days refrigerated storage, having Opuntia ficus-indica (red-skinned variety) the highest inhibitory activity. Besides, the addition of freeze-dried pulps increased the cooking yield and decreased the hardness of beef patties. Respect to sensorial parameters, patties elaborated with no added freeze-dried fruit pulp and patties elaborated with freeze-dried pulp of Opuntia ficus-indica (red-skinned variety) presented the highest overall acceptance of consumers, remaining as a future task to improve the color and taste of patties elaborated with freeze-dried pulps of Eugenia uniflora L. and Opuntia ficus-indica (orange-skinned variety). This research reveals the effectiveness of studied fruits to reduce lipid oxidation in beef patties. In addition, preliminary information about which sensorial parameters of these products should be improved in futures incorporation of pulps in the manufacture of healthy meat products.

The Phytochemical Indicaxanthin Synergistically Enhances Cisplatin-Induced Apoptosis in HeLa Cells via Oxidative Stress-Dependent p53/p21waf1 Axis.

Combining phytochemicals with chemotherapics is an emerging strategy to treat cancer to overcome drug toxicity and resistance with natural compounds. We assessed the effects of indicaxanthin (Ind), a pigment obtained from Opuntia ficus-indica (L. Mill) fruit, combined with cisplatin (CDDP) against cervical cancer cells (HeLa). Measured cell viability via Trypan blue assay; cell morphology via fluorescence microscopy; apoptosis, cell cycle, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and cell redox balance via flow-cytometry; expression levels of apoptosis-related proteins via western blot. Cell viability assays and Chou-Talalay plot demonstrated that the combination of CDDP and Ind had synergistic cytotoxic effects. Combined treatment had significant effects (p < 0.05) on phosphatidylserine externalization, cell morphological changes, cell cycle arrest, fall in MMP, ROS production and GSH decay compared with the individual treatment groups. Bax, cytochrome c, p53 and p21waf1 were over-expressed, while Bcl-2 was downregulated. Pre-treatment with N-acetyl-l-cysteine abolished the observed synergistic effects. We also demonstrated potentiation of CDDP anticancer activity by nutritionally relevant concentrations of Ind. Oxidative stress-dependent mitochondrial cell death is the basis of the chemosensitizing effect of Ind combined with CDDP against HeLa cancer cells. ROS act as upstream signaling molecules to initiate apoptosis via p53/p21waf1 axis. Ind can be a phytochemical of interest in combo-therapy.