Opuntia Ficus-indica Extract Research Articles

A combination of carbonates and Opuntia ficus-indica extract protects esophageal cells against simulated acidic and non-acidic reflux in vitro

Buffering of stomach acid by antacids is a well-established symptomatic therapy for heartburn. In addition, preparations from prickly pear (Opuntia ficus-indica) have been shown to reduce tissue damage in experimental gastritis models and to attenuate gastrointestinal discomfort in patients. Both active principles have been included in a fixed-combination product for symptomatic treatment of heartburn containing carbonate antacids (CaCO3 and MgCO3) and an extract from Opuntia ficus-indica cladodes. The aim of the study was to characterize the acid neutralization and esophageal cell protective activities of the product and its individual active ingredients in a set of in vitro assays. Acid neutralization was assessed in a simulated stomach model. Protective activity of individual constituents and in combination was analyzed in an esophageal cell line (COLO-680 N) exposed to low pH and deoxycholic acid to simulate acidic and non-acidic reflux challenge. The combination product protected cells against low pH mediated cytotoxicity via acid neutralization by carbonates. Opuntia extract itself and the combination product attenuated bile acid-induced cell irritation as measured by reduced release of proinflammatory interleukin-6 and -8. In conclusion, addition of Opuntia extract to a mineral antacid provides dual protection against acidic and non-acidic simulated reflux challenge.

In vitro and in silico investigations of the pro-apoptotic activity of Opuntia ficus-indica cladode extracts against K562 cells

Abstract Objectives Cladodes of Opuntia ficus-indica (OFI) are thought to be an excellent source of bioactive compounds, making them an aspirant for the manufacture of health-promoting compounds. This study aims at exploring the pro-apoptotic effects of spiny and thornless OFI cladode extracts on the human immortalized myelogenous leukemia cell line (K562). Methods The ethanol extraction method was used for preparing cladode extract. Cytotoxicity was evaluated by MTT assays. Membrane permeability/damage was detected by annexin V-binding assays, and mitochondrial damage/alteration was detected by mitochondrial membrane potential measurements. The protein expression quantities of Bax and Bcl-2 were assessed by Western blotting. The pro-apoptotic potentials of the main spiny and thornless OFI extract constituents were investigated structurally and mechanistically using protein–ligand docking and interaction profiling. Results Spiny OFI extract displayed a stronger cytotoxic effect than thornless OFI extract on K562 cells. In silico findings agreed with the pro-apoptotic action observed in vitro. Conclusions Finally, our findings imply that OFI extracts cause apoptosis in K562 cells in order to have anti-cancer effects.

Discriminating among Alternative Dressing Solutions for Cereal Seed Treatment: Effect on Germination and Seedling Vigor of Durum Wheat

A prompt seed germination and emergence coupled with an excellent seedling vigor are highly desired features to ensure perfect crop establishment and subsequent vegetative growth. Seed dressing with pesticides represents the most common technology for enhancing seed performance after sowing, while little is known about biostimulant seed dressing. This practice could play a fundamental role in developing new sustainable starter fertilization for cereals. The enhancement of germination and seedling vigor of durum wheat seeds (Triticum turgidum L. subsp. durum (Desf.) Husn) was the main target of this research. The experiment took place in a germination cabinet under controlled environmental conditions, settled at the constant temperature of 10 °C and under dark conditions for 8 days. The different seed dressings, sprayed on the seeds, were composed by a combination of a fungicide and different biostimulants. Coleoptile and root length, as well as biomass, were significantly increased by the different biostimulants, compared to the control. As for germination traits, seeds treated with Codium fragile and Opuntia ficus-indica extracts, containing phytohormones and different nutrients, showed a final germination (96%) significantly higher than the one obtained with the control treatment (86%). These results show that treating seeds with a suitable dressing solution can greatly improve the germination features and seedling vigor of durum wheat. This can help the crop to withstand future stresses, especially in early stages, and possibly increase the grain yield with a reduction in agrochemicals. However, the combination of the substances used in the present study rarely showed a synergistic effect on the tested variable.

Bacterial Inoculation and Extracts of Opuntia Rackets or Marine Algae Trigger Distinct Proline Balances in Tomato Salt Stress Alleviation

High salt levels in soil can severely limit plant development and diminish the positive effect of plant-growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR). However, extracts of organisms adapted to high salinity, such as Opuntia ficus-indica (OFI) and Enteromorpha intestinalis (EI), can restore the growth of PGPR. Therefore, we used OFI or EI extracts and their combination with the PGPR Achromobacter xylosoxidans BOA4 to evaluate salt stress relief in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum). The experimental setup consisted of a plant pot trial under greenhouse conditions with 12 treatments: control, irrigation with OFI extract; EI extract; BOA4-inoculated plus OFI extract and BOA4-inoculated plus EI extract under no salinity or salinity conditions (150 mM NaCl). The percentage of germination, and plant’s fresh and dry weight were registered 30 and 46 days after sowing. At 46 days, the ratio between proline and glutamic acid concentration (PR/GA) was determined, expecting high PR/GA ratios in plants more responsive to salt stress since proline is an osmolyte mainly synthesized from glutamate. The results showed that 52% of the control seeds under salt stress germinated, a figure that was increased to 92% in OFI-treated seeds. Tomato plants were shown to be very sensitive to salt stress since the dry weight was ca. one fourth that of the plants grown without salinity. However, EI or BOA4 plus EI stimulated plant biomass by ca. 3 times compared to the control with salt, restoring plant biomass to values comparable to those of control plants grown without salinity. The joint treatments with BOA4 and EI or OFI caused distinct PR/GA levels in plant tissues. An inverse relationship between the sum of relative shoot proline and glutamic acid contents and shoot biomass accumulation was observed, namely in treatments accumulating more biomass under no salinity and salinity conditions. This indicates that the proline/glutamate pathway represents a carbon sink that is needed to fight stress and is competing with the carbon flow used for growth.

Structural, Characterization, And Morphological Properties Of Copper Nanoparticles From Opuntia Ficus Indica Plant

AbstractOne of the most recent areas of interest in current nanotechnologies and nanosciences is the use of biomaterials in the manufacturing of nanoparticles. More and more research is being carried out on environmentally friendly methods to create metal oxide nanoparticles (NP), with the intention of preventing any potential risks associated with harmful substances for a safe and healthy environment. In this study, Copper Oxide (CuO) is synthesized utilizing Opuntia ficus‐indica as the plant extract using a Microwave Combustion Technique (MCM) and its comparison against the Conventional Combustion Method (CCM) are investigated. The synthesized CuO nanoparticles were characterized using X‐ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT‐IR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Energy Dispersive X‐ray Analysis (EDX) analysis. Photoluminescence spectroscopy was undertaken to acquire emission and absorption spectra and determine defects in the structures of all synthesized nanopowder samples. The antibacterial activity of the CuO nanoparticles was evaluated in‐vitro using gram‐negative and gram‐positive bacteria (Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus). Enhanced anti‐bactericidal activity was shown against Gram‐negative bacteria compared to Gram‐positive bacteria. Through these findings, the use of CuO using Opuntia ficus indica extracts is hereby shown to be a cost‐effective and environmentally friendly alternative and that can be used in a variety of applications.

Evaluation of the Efficacy of Xyloglucan, Pea Protein and Opuntia ficus-indica Extract in a Preclinical Model of Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by epidermal gene abnormalities, epidermal barrier defects and inflammation. Corticosteroids are considered to be standard treatments, but often come with side effects and lose efficacy with long-term use. Alternative treatments targeting the epidermal barrier defect are needed to manage the disease. Film-forming substances such as xyloglucan, pea protein and Opuntia ficus-indica extract (XPO) have generated interest for their ability to restore skin barrier integrity and may pose an alternative approach to disease management. Thus, the aim of this two-part study was to evaluate the barrier-protective properties of a topical cream containing XPO on the membrane permeability of keratinocytes exposed to inflammatory conditions and compare its efficacy to dexamethasone (DXM) in an in vivo model of psoriasis-like dermatitis. XPO treatment significantly reduced S. aureus adhesion, subsequent skin invasion and restored epithelial barrier function in keratinocytes. Furthermore, the treatment restored the integrity of keratinocytes, reducing tissue damage. In mice with psoriasis-like dermatitis, XPO significantly reduced erythema, inflammatory markers and epidermal thickening with a superior efficacy to dexamethasone. Given the promising results, XPO may represent a novel steroid-sparing therapeutic for epidermal-related diseases such as psoriasis, thanks to its ability to preserve skin barrier function and integrity.

Biochemical contents and antiquorum sensing, antiproliferative activities of Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill. peel extract

• Anti-quorum sensing effect of peel extract of Ofi was firstly studied. • Peel extract of Ofi decreased the level of quorum sensing genes. • Ofi extract administration limited breast cancer cell proliferation. • The extract was studied against human cell lines as in vitro . • Mechanism of action for the anti-quorum sensing and antiproliferative effect was elucidated by docking. Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill., which is generally consumed as a fruit, has many pharmacological properties. In this study, we investigated antibacterial and antiproliferative effect of methanol extract of Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill peel. and swarming motility and biofilm formation on Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1. Also, the phenolic profile was analyzed by HPLC and rutin was found to be as major compound. The mode of action for the in vitro antiquorum sensing and antiproliferative activity of the extract was elucidated by qRT-PCR and molecular docking, respectively. Our results indicated that the methanol extract of Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill. peel extract significantly decreased the expression level of quorum sensing related lasI, lasR, rhlI and rhIR genes. According to the antiproliferative activity studies, the extract was found to be more cytotoxic activity against breast (MDA-MB-231) and liver (HepG2) cancer cell lines compared to colon (DLD-1) cancer cell line with IC 50 values of 2.00 ± 0.19, 3.85 ± 0.24 and 26.17 ± 0.73, respectively. Additionally, the antiproliferative activity against breast cancer could be the result of the inhibition of CCL18 by rutin.

Opuntia Ficus Indica Extract as a Corrosion Inhibitor for 304 Stainless Steel in Sulfuric Acid Solution

Opuntia Ficus Indica Extract as a Corrosion Inhibitor for 304 Stainless Steel in Sulfuric Acid Solution

Edible Coatings from Opuntia ficus-indica Cladodes Alongside Chitosan on Quality and Antioxidants in Cherries during Storage.

The aim of this work was to investigate the effect of edible coatings (ECs) prepared from extracts of Opuntia ficus-indica (OFI) cladodes in comparison with a commercial chitosan formulation on the quality of ‘Regina’ cherries packaged in macro-perforated bags and stored for up to 28 d (1 °C, 90% RH). The coating concentrations were 25% and 50% aqueous OFI extract (approximately 0.59 and 1.18% dry matter, respectively), 1% OFI alcohol insoluble polysaccharide and 1% chitosan. The variables evaluated included weight loss (WL), respiration rates (RR), peel color, firmness, microbial decay, total antioxidants (phenolics, flavonoids, anthocyanins, antioxidant capacity), individual phenolic compounds (anthocyanins, hydroxycinnamic acids, flavan-3-O-ols), and pedicel removal force. The main results show that all coatings reduced WL and RR similarly, enhanced firmness throughout storage and antioxidants after 28 d of storage compared to the controls. Among treatments, chitosan resulted in much higher peel glossiness and firmness in comparison to OFI extracts. On day 28, all ECs resulted in higher antioxidants than controls, OFI extracts resulted in higher cyaniding-3-O-rutinoside than chitosan, while 50% OFI treatment resulted in the highest catechin concentration. Therefore, OFI extracts are promising ECs for cherry storage since they exhibited no negative effect, improved quality and extended storage life by one week compared to the controls.

Opuntia ficus-indica Alleviates Particulate Matter 10 Plus Diesel Exhaust Particles (PM10D)—Induced Airway Inflammation by Suppressing the Expression of Inflammatory Cytokines and Chemokines

Particulate matter (PM) exposure may cause adverse health effects such as respiratory disorders. We evaluated the protective effects of various Opuntia ficus-indica (OFI) extracts on airway inflammation associated with exposure to PM10D with an aerodynamic diameter <10 μm (PM10) and diesel exhaust particles (DEP). BALB/c mice were exposed to PM10D via intranasal tracheal injection three times over a period of 12 days and various OFI extracts (water, 30% ethanolic, or 50% ethanolic extracts) were administered orally for 12 days. All OFI extracts suppressed neutrophil infiltration and the number of immune cells (CD3+/CD4+, CD3+/CD8+, and Gr-1+/CD11b) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and lungs. OFI extracts decreased the expression of cytokines and chemokines, including chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand (CXCL)-1, interleukin (IL)-17, macrophage inflammatory protein-2, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, cyclooxygenase-2, IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-5, IL-6, transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 1, and mucin 5AC, and inhibited IRAK-1, TNF-α, and CXCL-1 localization in BALF and lungs of mice with PM10D-induced airway inflammation. Serum asymmetric and symmetric dimethyl arginine levels were also decreased by OFI extracts treatment. Moreover, all OFI extracts restored histopathological damage in the trachea and lungs of mice with PM10D-induced airway inflammation. These results indicate that OFI extracts may be used to prevent and treat airway inflammation and respiratory diseases.

Structuration of biosorbents in the form of reinforced gelled and porous composites based on Opuntia ficus indica (cactus) extract and sodium alginate

The main objective of the proposed work was to optimize an adsorbent gel from biological material with the substitution of PVA by biopolymer extracted from cactus while maintaining the mechanical and sorption properties. The porous composite was based on cactus extract (CE) and sodium alginate (SA) and the mechanical properties and adsorption capacities of these beads were then compared with those modified using polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and calcium carbonate (CC), respectively.Twenty formulations, based on CE, SA, PVA and CC, have made it possible to prepare, in accordance with an experimental design conducted in Mode 6, four major classes of beads. The three responses used to assess the evolution in bead performance were: the breaking point of the beads, bead rigidity based on a rheological study and the adsorption capacity of pentachlorophenol (PCP). The analysis of these responses showed that CE exerted a positive effect on both the mechanical strength (400–2200 Pa) and rigidity (5%–11%) of the beads, similar to that of PVA with the conservation of bead adsorption capacity (80–120 mg g−1of dry matter).The beads, based on CE and SA, revealed their regular shape with a porous structure and good chemical and physical stability. The FTIR spectral analysis suggested that the interactions between SA and CE take place via hydrogen interactions and/or covalent bonds between the hydroxyl and carboxyl groups.

In Vitro Antioxidant and Antibacterial Properties of The Leaf Extracts of Cactus Plant (Opuntia Ficus Indica)

Opuntia ficus-indica has been reported to be used in folk medicine due to its diverse pharmacological effects. Maceration method was employed in the determination of antioxidant activity and antibacterial effects of the plant leaf using Three (3) different solvents (methanol, ethanol and aqueous). The following isolates; S. aureus, S. pneumoniae, K. pneumonia, E. coli and S. typhi were tested using agar well diffusion method. Meanwhile, the antioxidant activity of the plant extract was carried out through the determination of total antioxidant capacity assay and reducing power assay. Hence, the leaf extracts showed various levels of activity on the different test organisms; The methanolic leaf extract showed highest antibacterial activity against all tested organisms followed by ethanolic extract and finally aqueuos extract with least antibacterial activity against the tested bacterial isolates as showed in S. pneumoniae methanol extracts (17.5±0.66mm), ethanol extract recorded 15.2±0.76mm in S. aureus, and aqueuos extract showed 10.7±0.76mm in both E. coli and S. typhi. On the other hand, the minimum inhibitory concentration in methanolic extract indicated least value in K. pneumoniae with 6.2±0.03 mg\mL, followed by ethanolic extract with 12.4±0.32mg\ml in S. typhi, and aqueuos extract with 29.5±0.12mg\mL in E. Coli. The ability of the methanolic extract to reduce Fe3+ to Fe2+ and Cu2+to Cu+ in reducing power assay and total antioxidant capacity respectively using ascorbic acid as a standard reveal it’s antioxidant property. The present study suggests that the methanolic leaf extract of Opuntia ficus-indica may contain compounds that can form the basis for the development of a chemopreventive agent against free radical damage and development of novel antibacterial chemotherapeutic agent.

Antioxidant Potential of the Biosynthesized Silver, Gold and Silver-Gold Alloy Nanoparticles using Opuntia ficus-indica extract

Nanobiotechnology has become a resourceful/crucial research area due to their copious applications in industrial, pharmacological and medical fields. In the current study, silver nanoparticles (OFI-AgNPs), gold nanoparticles (OFI -AuNPs) and bimetallic alloy nanoparticles (OFI-Ag-AuNPs) were mediated with Opuntia ficus indica (OFI) extract. Evaluation of antioxidant potential of the biosynthesized nanoparticles was done through total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC) and Nitric oxide scavenging assay. The nitric oxide scavenging activity, total phenolic and total flavonoid contents of the synthesized nanoparticles increased in a dose dependent manner as compared to the standard. The OFI-AuNPs had highest total phenol of 258.28 µg GAE/g and OFI-extract gave the least value of 216.64 µg GAE/g at concentration of 100 µg/ml. The highest value of total flavonoid content (83.88 µg g-1 QE) was recorded at OFI-AgNPs, while the least value of 21.38 µg g-1 QE obtained in OFI-extract. OFI-Ag-AuNPs showed the highest nitric scavenging power of 50.8%, followed by OFI-AgNPs (42.2%), OFI-AuNPs (40.3%) and the least value of 29.7% were obtained in OFI-extract at concentration of 100 µg/mL. These results indicate Opuntia ficus indica as a suitable biomaterial for the synthesis of the nanoparticles which can be utilized as an antioxidant agent. In conclusion, these fascinating bioactivities exhibited by the synthesized nanoparticles established their usefulness in the production of antioxidants OFI-AgNPs, OFI-AuNPs and OFI-Ag-AuNPs for their biomedical applications Keywords: Opuntia ficus indica, antioxidant activity, nanoparticles, nitric oxide, total phenolic (TPC), flavonoid content (TFC)

PEG-crosslinked-chitosan hydrogel films for in situ delivery of Opuntia ficus-indica extract

In the present study, chitosan-based wound dressings loaded with the extract of Opuntia ficus-indica (OPU) were prepared. OPU is known for its capability to accelerate skin injury repair. Chitosan (Ch) was crosslinked with a low molecular weight diepoxy-poly(ethylene glycol) (diePEG), and hydrogel films with different Ch/PEG composition and OPU content were prepared by casting. The occurrence of crosslinking reaction was confirmed by FTIR spectroscopy. FTIR and DSC analysis suggested that ionic interactions occur between chitosan and OPU. Tensile tests evidenced that the crosslinking caused a decrease of Young’s modulus, which approaches the value of the human skin modulus. Swelling characteristics, water vapor transmission rate, and release kinetics demonstrated that these films are adequate for the proposed application. Finally, a scratch test on a keratinocytes monolayer showed that the rate of cell migration in the presence of OPU-loaded samples is about 3-fold higher compared to unloaded films, confirming the repairing activity of OPU.

Antimicrobial Effect of Opuntia Ficus-Indica Extract on Escherichia coli Isolated from Patients with Urinary Tract Infection.

The article's abstract is not available.

Pasta Supplemented with Opuntia ficus-indica Extract Improves Metabolic Parameters and Reduces Atherogenic Small Dense Low-Density Lipoproteins in Patients with Risk Factors for the Metabolic Syndrome: A Four-Week Intervention Study.

Food supplementation with Opuntia ficus-indica (OFI) has been associated with a significant reduction in total cholesterol, body fat, hyperglycemia and blood pressure. Since OFI may also have antioxidant and anti-atherogenic properties, we hypothesized that its supplementation might reduce atherogenic lipoproteins, including small, dense low-density lipoproteins (sdLDL). Forty-nine patients (13 men and 36 women, mean age: 56 ± 5 years) with one or two criteria for the metabolic syndrome weekly consumed 500 g of pasta supplemented with 3% OFI extract (30% of insoluble polysaccharides with high antioxidant power) for 1 month. The full LDL subclass profile was assessed by gel electrophoresis (Lipoprint, Quantimetrix, Redondo Beach, CA, USA). After 1 month of pasta supplementation, waist circumference (p = 0.0297), plasma glucose (p < 0.0001), triglycerides (p = 0.0137), plasma creatinine (p = 0.0244), urea and aspartate transaminase (p < 0.0001 for each) significantly decreased. A percentage increase in larger, less atherogenic LDL-1 (p = 0.0002), with a concomitant reduction in smaller, denser LDL-2 (p < 0.0001) and LDL-3 (p = 0.0004), were found. LDL-4 and-5 decreased, although not significantly. This is the first intervention study suggesting that pasta enriched with an OFI extract may have beneficial effects on some metabolic parameters and the LDL particle sizes, reducing atherogenic sdLDL. Future studies will help to establish if these findings impact cardiovascular outcomes.

Identification of metabolites present in Opuntia callus and study of their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-adipogenic properties

The metabolites present in Opuntia species have been widely studied by their health-promoting effects, but there is no information about the compounds present in Opuntia callus or their biological effects. The aim of this study was to identify the metabolites in Opuntia ficus indica, Opuntia megacantha and Opuntia streptacantha callus ethanolic extracts, and to analyze their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-adipogenic properties in mammalian cells. The compounds identified by chromatographic analysis and mass spectroscopy showed that the Opuntia callus from the three species synthesized 3,5-Di-O-galloylshikimic acid as major compound, as well as gallic acid and epicathequin derivates in lower concentration. The calluses metabolites reduced the formation of reactive oxygen species in Caco-2 cells similarly to the flavonoid isorhamnetin. The anti-inflammatory activity, measured as the production of nitric oxide, was inhibited between 20 and 68% in a murine macrophage cell line. This inhibition was higher with O. streptacantha callus extracts, followed by those of O. megacantha and O. ficus-indica. Additionally, a reduction on the lipid accumulation in 3T3 cells was observed, during and after adipocyte differentiation using extracts from the three Opuntia species. Our results prove that Opuntia calluses are a source of compounds with pharmacological relevance. Opuntia calluses produce metabolites of pharmacological relevance.

Surface-enhanced Raman scattering and antibacterial properties from copper nanoparticles obtained by green chemistry

In this study, copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) were synthesized using the extract of Opuntia ficus-Indica and Geranium as a reducing agent. By transmission electron microscopy, the morphology of the nanoparticles was determined to be mostly spherical, with a particle size about 3–10 nm. The UV–Vis spectra displayed absorption bands between 525 and 550 nm, associated with the surface plasmon resonance in the CuNPs. The various particle sizes obtained were tested as SERS substrate with the pyridine molecule. Antibacterial activity of copper nanoparticles against Escherichia coli gram-negative bacteria was studied. Bacteriological inhibition tests were performed on nutrient agar plates supplemented with different concentrations of copper nanoparticles. The copper nanoparticles with a concentration of 150 μg/mL and a size distribution around 6 nm showed the largest bactericidal effectiveness against E. coli.

Effect of Alcoholic Extract of Opuntia Ficus Indica on Semen Quality of Awassi Rams after Different Cooling Periods

Effect of Alcoholic Extract of <i>Opuntia Ficus Indica</i> on Semen Quality of Awassi Rams after Different Cooling Periods

Antimicrobial and antioxidant activity of Silver, Gold and Silver-Gold Alloy Nanoparticles phytosynthesized using extract of Opuntia ficus-indica

Abstract Aqueous extract of Opuntia ficus-indica (OF) was employed to reduce salt solutions of silver nitrate, gold chloride and silver nitrate/gold chloride to OFAgNPs, OFAuNPs, and OFAg-AuNPs respectively. Characterization of the particles was carried out using different standard methods, and their antimicrobial and antioxidant activities were also evaluated. The UV-vis spectroscopy showed silver, gold and silver-gold alloys nanoparticles with surface plasmon resonance at 462, 545 and 539 nm, respectively. The significant FTIR peaks: OFAgNPs (3300 and 1635 cm−1), OFAuNPs (3288 and 1635 cm−1) and OFAg-AuNPs (3307 and 1637 cm−1) for synthesized nanoparticles pointed to protein as both capping and stabilizing agent. Generally, particles were spherical with size range of 27-38 nm, 11-28 nm and 15-54 nm for silver, gold and silver-gold alloys nanoparticles respectively. OFAgNPs gave highest antagonistic effects against tested bacteria (35-82%), followed by OFAg-AuNPs (12-75%) and AuNPs (11-48%). The fungal inhibition of 44-70% for OFAgNPs, 42-79% for OFAuNPs and 52-92% for OFAg-AuNPs were obtained. DPPH scavenging activities were obtained as follows: OFAgNPs (52.25–57.50%), OFAuNPs (37.07-59.07%) and OFAg-AuNPs (37.07-63.00%) at tested concentrations of 20–100 µg/ml, which were dose-dependent in comparison with standard BHA (42.57–91.27%) and ascorbic acid (52.13–84.20%). The bleaching inhibition assay of ABTS showed activities of 41.33–61.83% (OFAgNPs), 27.37-50.60% (OFAuNPs) and 32.83-44.33% (OFAg-AuNPs). The synthesized nanoparticles demonstrated an excellent antioxidant and antimicrobial activity. The current study, to the best of our knowledge, is the first time to use Opuntia ficus-indica to synthesize silver, gold and silver-gold alloys nanoparticles.