Opuntia Ficus-indica Cladodes Research Articles

Protective effect of Opuntia ficus-indica L. cladodes against UVA-induced oxidative stress in normal human keratinocytes

Opuntia ficus-indica L. is known for its beneficial effects on human health, but still little is known on cladodes as a potent source of antioxidants. Here, a direct, economic and safe method was set up to obtain water extracts from Opuntia ficus-indica cladodes rich in antioxidant compounds. When human keratinocytes were pre-treated with the extract before being exposed to UVA radiations, a clear protective effect against UVA-induced stress was evidenced, as indicated by the inhibition of stress-induced processes, such as free radicals production, lipid peroxidation and GSH depletion. Moreover, a clear protective effect against apoptosis in pre-treated irradiated cells was evidenced. We found that eucomic and piscidic acids were responsible for the anti-oxidative stress action of cladode extract. In conclusion, a bioactive, safe, low-cost and high value-added extract from Opuntia cladodes was obtained to be used for skin health/protection.

Targeting Aging with Functional Food: Pasta with Opuntia Single-Arm Pilot Study.

Interventions to extend life span represent the new perspective in aging investigation. Healthy dietary habits are important modifiable factors that can favor a healthy aging phenotype. Many studies have demonstrated benefits for metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes mellitus resulting from the traditional Mediterranean foods. Opuntia Ficus Indica (OFI), widespread in the Mediterranean basin, belongs to the Cactaceae family. It is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Moreover, products containing extracts from OFI fruits or cladodes have been used to control obesity and other metabolic parameters, such as glycemia and lipid profile. The aim of this study was to analyze the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect of pasta with 3% of OFI cladode extracts added to show its beneficial effect in human health. We performed a single arm longitudinal intervention study in 42 healthy volunteers, administrating 500 g/week of this functional pasta for 30 days. Our pasta had antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties with putative effect on the aging process and related metabolic diseases. We also demonstrated a hypoglycemic effect. The results are preliminary, but it is possible to speculate that our pasta could be considered an effective food for the prevention of age-related metabolic disorders.

Hydrothermal carbonization of Opuntia ficus-indica cladodes: Role of process parameters on hydrochar properties

Opuntia ficus-indica cladodes are a potential source of solid biofuel from marginal, dry land. Experiments assessed the effects of temperature (180–250°C), reaction time (0.5–3h) and biomass to water ratio (B/W; 0.07–0.30) on chars produced via hydrothermal carbonization. Multivariate linear regression demonstrated that the three process parameters are critically important to hydrochar solid yield, while B/W drives energy yield. Heating value increased together with temperature and reaction time and was maximized at intermediate B/W (0.14–0.20). Microscopy shows evidence of secondary char formed at higher temperatures and B/W ratios. X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric data, microscopy and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry suggest that calcium oxalate in the raw biomass remains in the hydrochar; at higher temperatures, the mineral decomposes into CO2 and may catalyze char/tar decomposition.

Comparison of hypotensive, diuretic and renal effects between cladodes of Opuntia ficus-indica and furosemide.

To investigate the diuretic, hypotensive and renal effect of Opuntia ficus-indica in two different species in oral and intravenous administration. Diuretic activity was evaluated in rats with the plant cladode gel and aqueous extract administrated orally, and was evaluated in rabbits with plant extract administered intravenously. Single and repeated doses of cladode gel or aqueous extract of cladode were tested. Urine volume and blood and urine creatinine, sodium and potassium were measured, and creatinine clearance was calculated. The hypotensive effect of lyophilized extract of cladode was evaluated in rabbits. Two polyethylene PE50 catheters were used: one in the jugular vein for the infusion of the plant extract and the other in the carotid for the evaluation of the arterial pressure. The cladode gel or aqueous extract increased urine volume, creatinine clearance and urinary excretion of sodium and potassium without significant effect on serum creatinine or blood urea. Furosemide, gel and aqueous extract of cladode insignificantly lowered plasma potassium in rats. Intravenous administration of the lyophilized extract caused a significant decrease in mean arterial pressure in rabbits with a significant increase in urine volume and urine sodium and potassium; the effect was dose dependent. Intravenous administration of lyophilized extract did not affect plasma sodium or potassium. Gel and aqueous extract of Opuntia ficus-indica cladode have a significant diuretic effect on rats, and the lyophilized extract has a diuretic and hypotensive effect on normotensive rabbits without deterioration in renal function test. Additional studies on active ingredients are essential to pave the way for clinical studies on diuretic and hypotensive effect of the plant.

Optimization of enzymatic extraction of pectin from Opuntia ficus indica cladodes after mucilage removal

In this study, pectin was isolated from Opuntia ficus indica (OFI) cladodes after removing mucilage using the xylanase and cellulase. The process variables were optimized by the Box Behnken design with three factors at three levels. The optimal extraction condition obtained was: liquid to solid (LS), cellulase to xylanase and enzymes to matter ratios of 22ml/g, 2:1U/U and 4U/g, respectively. The simulated extraction yield of 17.91% was validated by the experimental result (16.67±0.30). The enzyme-extracted pectin from OFI cladodes (EAEPC) was low methylated, with a high uronic acid content, a water and oil holding capacity of 5.42g/g and 1.23g/g, respectively, a good foam and emulsion stability and important DPPH radical scavenging activity. Both the OFI cladodes and enzymatic process present promising alternatives to traditional sources and extraction processes of pectin, respectively. EAEPC thus represents a promising additive in food industries.

Extracts from Marine Macroalgae and Opuntia ficus-indica Cladodes Enhance Halotolerance and Enzymatic Potential of Diazotrophic Rhizobacteria and Their Impact on Wheat Germination Under Salt Stress

Soil salinity, which affects more than 6% of the earth's land surface and more than 20% of its irrigated areas, is a major threat to agriculture. Diazotrophic bacteria are among the functional groups of soil microbiota that are threatened by this abiotic stress, as their activity is mostly inhibited by salt stress. Seventy bacterial strains with distinct characteristics were isolated from soils by using N-free Jensen's selective medium. Based on their ability to produce metabolites of agricultural interest, four strains were selected and identified as Flavobacterium johnsoniae, Pseudomonas putida, Achromobacter xylosoxidans, and Azotobacter chroococcum. The selected strains were grown at different NaCl concentrations (0–600 mmol L–1 in N-free broth and 0–2 000 mmol L–1 in Luria-Bertani medium) in the presence and absence of glycine betaine (GB), aqueous and hydro-alcoholic extracts from marine macroalgae, Ulva lactuca and Enteromorpha intestinalis, and Opuntia ficus-indica cladodes. The selected bacterial strains, GB, and the aforementioned extracts were tested for their ability to promote the germination of wheat (Triticum durum) seeds at 0–300 mmol L–1 NaCl. Compared with the results obtained with the synthetic osmoprotectant GB, the extracts from O. ficus-indica, U. lactuca, and E. intestinalis significantly promoted bacterial growth and seed germination under salt stress.

Ultrasonic extraction of pectin from Opuntia ficus indica cladodes after mucilage removal: Optimization of experimental conditions and evaluation of chemical and functional properties.

Ultrasonic assisted extraction (UAE) of pectin from Opuntia ficus indica (OFI) cladodes after mucilage removal was attempted using the response surface methodology. The process variables were optimized by the isovariant central composite design in order to improve the pectin extraction yield. The optimum condition obtained was: sonication time 70min, temperature 70°C, pH 1.5 and the water-material ratio 30ml/g. This condition was validated and the performance of experimental extraction was 18.14%±1.41%, which was closely linked to the predicted value (19.06%). Thus, UAE present a promising alternative to conventional extraction process thanks to its high efficiency which was achieved in less time and at lower temperatures. The pectin extracted by UAE from OFI cladodes (UAEPC) has a low degree of esterification, high uronic acid content, important functional properties and good anti-radical activity. These results are in favor of the use of UAEPC as potential additive in food industry.

Bone Mineral Density, Mechanical, Microstructural Properties and Mineral Content of the Femur in Growing Rats Fed with Cactus Opuntia ficus indica (L.) Mill. (Cactaceae) Cladodes as Calcium Source in Diet.

Mechanical, microstructural properties, mineral content and bone mineral density (BMD) of the femur were evaluated in growing rats fed with Opuntia ficus indica (L.) Mill. (Cactaceae) cladodes at different maturity stages as calcium source. Male weanling rats were fed with cladodes at early maturity stage (25 and 60 days of age, belonging to groups N-60 and N-200, respectively) and cladodes at late maturity stage (100 and 135 days of age, belonging to groups N-400 and N-600, respectively) for 6 weeks. Additionally, a control group fed with calcium carbonate as calcium source was included for comparative purposes. All diets were fitted to the same calcium content (5 g/kg diet). The failure load of femurs was significantly lower (p ≤ 0.05) in groups N-60 and N-200 in comparison to N-400, N-600 and control groups. The cortical width (Ct.Wi) and trabecular thickness (Tb.Th) of the femurs in control and N-600 groups were significantly higher (p ≤ 0.05) than Ct.Wi and Tb.Th of femurs in groups N-60 and N-200. Trabecular separation of the femurs in N-60 and N-200 groups showed the highest values compared with all experimental groups. The highest calcium content in the femurs were observed in control, N-600 and N-400 groups; whereas the lowest phosphorus content in the bones were detected in N-200, N-600 and N-400 groups. Finally, the BMD in all experimental groups increased with age; nevertheless, the highest values were observed in N-600 and control groups during pubertal and adolescence stages. The results derived from this research demonstrate, for the first time, that the calcium found in Opuntia ficus indica cladodes is actually bioavailable and capable of improving mineral density and mechanical and microstructural properties of the bones. These findings suggest that the consumption of cladodes at late maturity stage within the diet might have a beneficial impact on bone health.

Antioxidant Phytochemicals of Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill. Cladodes with Potential Anti-spasmodic Activity.

Background:Opuntia ficus-indica (OFI) (L.) Mill. (Cactaceae), a plant widespread in dry regions of the world, shows interesting biological activities (cicatrizant, antiulcer, anti-inflammatory, and hypolipidemic) and is widely used in traditional medicine.Objectives:Phytochemical analysis and antispasmodic effect of wild OFI cladodes were carried out.Material and Methods:Polyphenols and Vitamin E occurrence, in antioxidant pool of OFI cladodes, were quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography. The antispasmodic effect of OFI cladodes was assessed in isolated rabbit smooth muscle tissues. The experiments were carried out with preparations of rabbit jejunum and uterus with the spontaneous contractile activity, to evaluate the effect of cumulative concentrations of the extract on basal tone, amplitude, and frequency of contractions.Results:Catechin, quercetin, kaempferol, isorhamnetin and chlorogenic, ferulic, and p-coumaric acid were identified. α-, β-, and γ-tocopherols have been highlighted and α-tocopherol is the major component. OFI cladodes contain significant amount of polyphenols and tocopherols that are effective radical scavengers and inhibited ethanol 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl formation by 50%. OFI cladodes caused a light inhibition of amplitude and frequency of spontaneous contractions and a marked decrease in muscle basal tone of rabbit jejunum preparations. On spontaneously contracting uterus preparations, the addition of increasing concentrations of cladode extract caused uterine muscle relaxation.Conclusion:The contraction of smooth muscle preparations depends on an increase in cytoplasmic free calcium ion concentration, which activates the contractile elements. The flavonoids may suppress the contractility of smooth myocytes, by an inhibition of availability of Ca2+ for muscle contraction.SUMMARY Opuntia ficus-indica (OFI) cladodes contain significant amount of polyphenols and tocopherols that are effective radical scavengers and inhibited ethanol 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl formation by 50%Polyphenols and Vitamin E complex occurrence in OFI cladodes were characterized by high-performance liquid chromatographyOFI cladodes exhibited significative antispasmodic activity. The antispasmodic effect was assessed in isolated rabbit smooth muscle tissues. The experiments were carried out with preparations of rabbit jejunum and uterus with the spontaneous contractile activity, to evaluate the effect of cumulative concentrations of the extract on basal tone, amplitude, and frequency of contractions. Abbreviations used: OFI: Opuntia ficus-indica, DPPH: Ethanol 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl.

Replacement of gelatin with Opuntia ficus-indica mucilage in flavored pink and unflavored white marshmallows. Part 2: Consumer liking

Mucilage from the cladodes of Opuntia ficus-indica is under investigation for application inseveral foodstuffs. Since it can not form gels on its own, it is advised to be used incombination with other hydrocolloids. The aim of this study was to compare consumer likingof flavored and unflavored marshmallows made with wet mucilage, to that of a flavored andunflavored control sample (with 100% gelatin), as well as a flavored and unflavoredcommercial brand. Ninety-two consumers tasted the following six samples: whitecommercial (Manhattan); white control (gelatin); white mucilage (75% mucilage + 12.5%agar + 12.5% xanthan); pink commercial (Manhattan); pink control (gelatin); and pinkmucilage (75% mucilage + 12.5% agar + 12.5% xanthan). Consumer liking was tested fortaste, aftertaste, texture, as well as an overall acceptability of liking. The white mucilagemarshmallows had the lowest ranking for taste, aftertaste, texture and overall acceptability,and differed significantly (p<0.05) from all the other samples. However, the pink mucilagemarshmallow did not differ from the pink commercial one (which had the highest rankingsfor taste, aftertaste, texture, and overall acceptability) and pink control marshmallow. Thedifferences between the white and pink mucilage marshmallows ranged between 2.75 and2.89 on the hedonic scale. It could be concluded that flavoring successfully masked thedistinctive aroma of the mucilage in the marshmallows, thereby also increasing scores fortexture and overall acceptability.

Lead bioaccumulation in Opuntia ficus-indica following foliar or root exposure to lead-bearing apatite

The contamination of edible leafy vegetables by atmospheric heavy metal-bearing particles is a major issue in environmental toxicology. In this study, the uptake of lead by cladodes of Opuntia ficus-indica (Ofi), traditionally used in Mexican cuisine and in livestock fodder, is investigated after a 4-months exposure of either cladodes or roots to synthetic Pb-fluorapatite particles. Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) for the quantitative analysis of Pb levels, Scanning Electron Microscopy coupled with Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (SEM-EDX) for the examination of the cladode surface and fate of particles, and Micro-X-ray fluorescence (μXRF) measurements for elemental mapping of Pb in cladodes, were used. The results evidence that foliar contamination may be a major pathway for the transfer of Pb within Ofi cladodes. The stomata, areoles, and cuticle of cladode surface, play an obvious role in the retention and the incorporation of lead-bearing apatite, thus revealing the hazard of eating contaminated cladodes. The possibility of using series of successive cladodes for biomonitoring the atmospheric pollution in arid and semi-arid regions is also rapidly discussed.

재배지역별 보검선인장 줄기의 영양성분 및 생리활성 평가

본 연구는 재배지역이 다른 보검선인장의 일반성분, 비타민 C, 페놀 화합물 함량, 항산화 활성 및 <TEX>${\alpha}$</TEX>-glucosidase 저해활성을 평가하고, 기초 자료로 제공하고자 하였다. 보검선인장 줄기의 수분함량은 85~95%이었으며, 조회분이 8.69~16.50%로 가장 높은 비율을 차지하였다. 무기성분 중 Ca이 1,745~4,204 mg/100 g으로 다량 함유되어 있었으며, 비타민 C 역시 57.87~143.72 mg/100 g으로 함량이 높게 나타나, 재배지역에 따라 유의적인 차이를 보였다. 총 폴리페놀과 플라보노이드 함량은 각각 38.69~55.29 mg/g과 3.33~4.03 mg/g으로 지역적인 차이는 크지 않았다. DPPH 및 ABTS 라디칼 소건 활성 역시 45.19~61.52%와 39.15~48.48%로 유사하게 나타났다. <TEX>${\alpha}$</TEX>-glucosidase 저해 활성은 저농도(1 mg/mL)에서는 29.72~45.73%로 재배지역에 따라 차이를 보였으나, 고농도(10 mg/mL)에서는 68.91~78.51%로 차이가 적어 농도에 따라 저해 활성이 달라짐을 확인하였다. 일반성분, 무기성분 및 비타민 C 함량은 재배지역에 따라 큰 차이를 보였지만, 총 폴리페놀 및 플라보노이드 함량과 환원력 및 <TEX>${\alpha}$</TEX>-glucosidase 저해 활성은 지역적 차이가 적었다. 이상의 결과를 바탕으로 보검선인장 줄기는 우수한 Ca 급원이 될 수 있으며, 항산화 및 항당뇨 활성으로 인해 건강기능식품의 소재로 활용이 가능할 것이라고 기대된다. This study was conducted to investigate changes in the proximate composition, antioxidant activities, and <TEX>${\alpha}$</TEX>-glucosidase inhibitory activity of Opuntia ficus-indica (OFI) cladodes cultivated in Jeju (JJ1, JJ2, JJ3) and Jeonnam (JN1, JN2). The difference in the proximate composition (crude protein, lipid and ash content) of OFI between the two regions was not significant. Ca, Mg and Na were the major mineral components of OFI. The ascorbic acid content of OFI ranged from 57.87 to 143.72 mg/100 g. A 70% ethanol extract was used to investigate the antioxidant content and activity as well as the <TEX>${\alpha}$</TEX>-glucosidase inhibitory activity. The total polyphenol and flavonoid contents of OFI were 38.69~55.29 and 3.33~4.03 mg/g, respectively. The antioxidant activities based on the DPPH and ABTS free radical scavenging assays were 45.19~61.52% and 39.15~51.96%, respectively, at a concentration of 1 mg/mL. The inhibitory activity of OFI extracts against rat intestinal <TEX>${\alpha}$</TEX>-glucosidase was 29.72~45.73% at 1 mg/mL concentration, and JN1 showed the highest <TEX>${\alpha}$</TEX>-glucosidase inhibitory activity. This information could be very useful for authentication of Opuntia species with the highest potential as sources of nutritional and therapeutic elements.

English

The effect of exogenous auxins on the development of root system in cladodes of Opuntia ficus-indica was tested using different concentrations of indole butyric acid (lBA), naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) and a combination of IBA and NAA, and the control treated with 50% aqueous solution of ethanol. Results obtained showed that rooting in cladodes is most effective when treated with 2500 mg L-1 of IBA. A non-significant effect on rooting was observed when cladodes were treated with NAA alone or in combination with IBA. The development of O. ficus-indica in orchard and farmlands particularly in the dry Sudano-Sahelian zone of Nigeria would provide a valuable source of vegetarian food for humans and feed for livestock. Key words: Opuntia ficus-indica, rooting, cladodes, Indole butyric acid (IBA) Naphthalene acetic acid (NAA).

Effect of pH during Extraction on the Antioxidant and Antiglycated Activities of Polysaccharides fromOpuntia Ficus Indica

The extraction of carbohydrates from Opuntia ficus indica cladodes at different pH was carried out by ultrasound followed by ethanol precipitation and dialysis. The extraction yields ranged from 4.6 to 24.5%. The highest content in galacturonic acid was observed for the acidic extract (37.4%). On high-performance size exclusion chromatography, the average molecular weight of all extracts ranged from 7,500,000 to 9,610,000 g/mol. The antioxidant activity of extracted polysaccharides was tested by three assays (1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazil radical scavenging assay, Nitric oxide radical scavenging assay and Linoleic acid peroxidation). The glucose-induced advanced glycation end-product (AGE) formation of all extracts was also carried out using in vitro galactose–bovine serum albumin assay. Results showed that the acidic extract exhibited even better antioxidant capacity and inhibitory effect of AGE formation. Practical Applications Plant extracts containing polysaccharides are widely used in folk medicine for the treatment of skin and epithelium wounds and of mucous membrane irritation. In this case, polysaccharides extracted from Opuntia ficus indica cladodes, which is a plant native to South America and cultivated in dry regions as an important nutrient and food source, also are used in traditional medicine for their antiulcer and wound-healing effects. Thus, Opuntia ficus indica cladodes could be a natural candidate for research of herbal complement to the treatment of many diseases. The results found in this study reveal that the extraction under acidic conditions may enhance the antioxidant and antiglycated potential of polysaccharides extracted from Opuntia ficus indica cladodes.

Conventional and Microwave-Assisted Extraction of Mucilage from Opuntia ficus-indica Cladodes: Physico-Chemical and Rheological Properties

Cactus pear cladodes processing has potential value for mainstream industries and is equally important for marginal rural communities in arid regions. This work is focused on physico-chemical and rheological properties of Opuntia ficus-indica (OFI) peeled cladodes extracted by conventional method “CE” and using microwave-assisted extraction “MAE.” MAE gave the highest yield extraction (8.13 %, w/w) within the lowest extraction time (500 W/7 min) and provided more protein (×1.03) and carbohydrates (×1.51) than CE. The monosaccharides detected by gas chromatography were arabinose, galactose, rhamnose, xylose, and galacturonic acid. The dialyzed mucilage solution characterized by SEC/MALS/VD/DRI (size-exclusion chromatography coupled with online multi-angle light scattering, viscometer detectors, and differential refractive index) revealed fractions with molecular weight (M w ) ranging from 15.3–15.7 × 106 g mol−1 for the CE extracts and about 16.7–17.5 × 106 g mol−1 for the MAE extracts. Dynamic oscillatory testing has been used to study the rheological properties of mucilage solution within the concentration of 0.50–3.00 % (w/v) at 25 °C. The rheological profiles of CE and MAE showed similar behavior. At low frequency and low mucilage concentration ( G"). If safely controlled, alternative energies like microwaves could extract soluble polymers with comparable properties to commercial ones, conventionally extracted.

Extraction, characterization and gelling behavior enhancement of pectins from the cladodes of Opuntia ficus indica

Total Pectins Fraction (TPF) was extracted at room temperature from dried cladodes of Opuntia ficus indica. TPF is constituted of three pectic fractions WSP, CSP and ASP, which are made up of 66.6%, 44.3% and 81.1% (w/w) of galacturonic acid, respectively. The antioxidant ability of TPF increased with the concentration increasing. It scavenged hydroxyl radical by 90% and chelated 90% of ferrous ions at 5g/L. FTIR study was carried out. Strong characteristic absorption peaks at 1618cm−1 assigned to the vibration of COO– group of galacturonic acid. In the fingerprint region, we noticed three well-defined peaks at 1054, 1085, and 1154cm−1 characteristic of pectic polysaccharides. TPF are non-gelling pectins. The co-crosslinking of TPF with carrageenan was carried out and the gelling behavior was successfully improved. Thermo-sensitive hydrogel was obtained with 82% of TPF and 18% of carrageenan (w/w).

Bioflocculants extraction from Cactaceae and their application in treatment of water and wastewater

Effect of extraction conditions, including solvent types and extraction temperatures on the power flocculant of the mucilage (MP), and water (WP), acid (AP), chelating (CP) and alkali-pectin (PHEX) extracted from the cladodes of Opuntia Ficus Indica (OFI) was evaluated. Two protocols (protocol 1 at 90 °C and protocol 2 at ambient temperature) were used with different combination and temperature for the extraction of the foregoing. It was found that AP, PHEX and CP extracted by high temperature showed higher yield than those extracted at room temperature except water extract. Flocculant power was evaluated for sets of products on the elimination of materials in suspension for three different pH values. The PHEX extracted at ambient temperature can act as a coagulant and flocculant together for turbid water.

Rotational molding of biodegradable composites obtained with PLA reinforced by the wooden backbone of opuntia ficus indica cladodes

ABSTRACTThis work is aimed to study the suitability of the wooden backbone of opuntia ficus indica cladodes as reinforcement for the production of biodegradable composites by rotational molding. The wooden backbone is extracted from opuntia ficus indica cladodes, which constitute a very relevant agricultural scrap, and is characterized by a thick‐walled cellular structure. In view of the potential of poly‐lactic acid (PLA) for the production of hollow components by rotational molding, the use of the wooden backbone is expected to increase the stiffness of the material. The wooden backbone of opuntia cladodes can be readily incorporated in the wall thickness of rotational molding products, in contrast to other natural fibers in the form of filaments and/or bundles, which are very difficult to use in the rotational molding. The results obtained showed that, although being characterized by lower properties compared with compression‐molded PLA, the bio‐composites are characterized by adequate mechanical properties, higher than those previously found for PLA processed by rotational molding. In view of a potential application for the production of fully biodegradable hollow parts, an increase of stiffness and strength can therefore be attained adopting materials and procedure developed in this work. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 42447.

Topical anti-inflammatory effects of isorhamnetin glycosides isolated from Opuntia ficus-indica.

Opuntia ficus-indica (OFI) has been widely used in Mexico as a food and for the treatment of different health disorders such as inflammation and skin aging. Its biological properties have been attributed to different phytochemicals such as the isorhamnetin glycosides which are the most abundant flavonoids. Moreover, these compounds are considered a chemotaxonomic characteristic of OFI species. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of OFI extract and its isorhamnetin glycosides on different inflammatory markers in vitro and in vivo. OFI extract was obtained by alkaline hydrolysis of OFI cladodes powder and pure compounds were obtained by preparative chromatography. Nitric oxide (NO), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), tumor necrosis factor- (TNF-) α, and interleukin- (IL-) 6 production were measured. NO production was tested in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells while in vivo studies were carried on croton oil-induced ear edema model. OFI extract and diglycoside isorhamnetin-glucosyl-rhamnoside (IGR) at 125 ng/mL suppressed the NO production in vitro (73.5 ± 4.8% and 68.7 ± 5.0%, resp.) without affecting cell viability. Likewise, IGR inhibited the ear edema (77.4 ± 5.7%) equating the indomethacin effects (69.5 ± 5.3%). Both IGR and OFI extract significantly inhibited the COX-2, TNF-α, and IL-6 production. IGR seems to be a suitable natural compound for development of new anti-inflammatory ingredient.

Protein enrichment of an Opuntia ficus‐indica cladode hydrolysate by cultivation of Candida utilis and Kluyveromyces marxianus

BACKGROUNDThe cladodes of Opuntia ficus-indica (prickly pear cactus) have a low protein content; for use as a balanced feed, supplementation with other protein sources is therefore desirable. We investigated protein enrichment by cultivation of the yeasts Candida utilis and Kluyveromyces marxianus in an enzymatic hydrolysate of the cladode biomass.RESULTSDilute acid pretreatment and enzymatic hydrolysis of sun-dried cladodes resulted in a hydrolysate containing (per litre) 45.5 g glucose, 6.3 g xylose, 9.1 g galactose, 10.8 g arabinose and 9.6 g fructose. Even though K. marxianus had a much higher growth rate and utilized l-arabinose and d-galactose more completely than C. utilis, its biomass yield coefficient was lower due to ethanol and ethyl acetate production despite aerobic cultivation. Yeast cultivation more than doubled the protein content of the hydrolysate, with an essential amino acid profile superior to sorghum and millet grains.CONCLUSIONSThis K. marxianus strain was weakly Crabtree positive. Despite its low biomass yield, its performance compared well with C. utilis. This is the first report showing that the protein content and quality of O. ficus-indica cladode biomass could substantially be improved by yeast cultivation, including a comparative evaluation of C. utilis and K. marxianus. © 2014 The Authors. Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.