Opuntia (Cactaceae) plant compounds, biological activities and prospects - A comprehensive review

Anti-Steatotic Effect of Opuntia stricta var. dillenii Prickly Pear Extracts on Murine and Human Hepatocytes

Opuntia stricta var. dillenii extracts exhibit anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory properties, which are of significant interest for the prevention and management of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD). The present study is the first to investigate the potential anti-steatotic effect of Opuntia stricta var. dillenii extracts. The aim is to evaluate the anti-steatotic effect of extracts from various parts of the plant (whole fruit, peel, pulp, and the industrial by-product, bagasse) in an in vitro model using both murine AML12 and human HepG2 hepatocytes. Results have demonstrated that all tested extracts, including those from the whole fruit, peel, pulp, and bagasse, exert an anti-steatotic effect. In murine hepatocytes, the whole fruit extract at 100 μg/mL and the peel extract at 10 μg/mL presented the highest capacity to reduce PA-induced triglyceride accumulation. In fact, the peel was the most potent extract, preventing lipid accumulation at the lowest dose used. In human HepG2 hepatocytes, the peel, pulp, and bagasse extracts at 100 μg/mL demonstrated the greatest triglyceride reduction, suggesting that the human model is less responsive. Regarding the main mechanism of action, the peel and pulp extracts seem to inhibit de novo lipogenesis. Additionally, the downregulation of the fatty acid transporter CD36 appears to contribute to the prevention of triglyceride accumulation in both extracts.

The Mucilage From the Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill. Cladodes Plays an Anti-Inflammatory Role in the LPS-Stimulated HepG2 Cells: A Combined In Vitro and In Silico Approach

The effect of a mucilage extracted from Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill (OFI) cladodes was tested in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-challenged HepG2 hepatocarcinoma cells, through a combined in vitro-in silico approach. The OFI mucilage was characterized by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry. In cells treated with OFI (5-10 µg/mL) prior to LPS (1 µg/mL, 24 h), the gene expression profile of pro-inflammatory mediators, namely tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin-1 beta, interleukin-8, and cyclo-oxygenase-2, was significantly (p < 0.01) reduced if compared to single LPS-challenged cells. The OFI-mediated cytokines reduction was also validated in polystyrene scaffold-grown 3D HepG2 cultures, undergoing treatment with the OFI mucilage (50 µg/mL, 24 h) and LPS stimulation (50 µg/mL, 24 h). We further demonstrated that OFI suppresses the LPS-triggered inflammatory response via impairment of the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/Myeloid differentiation protein-88/Nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kB) pathway, by interfering with NF-kB phosphorylation at Serine 536. By molecular docking approach, we provided in silico demonstration of the direct molecular interaction between the mucilage monosaccharides and the TLR4 that interferes with the LPS receptor binding and down-stream inflammatory cascade activation. We also demonstrated that OFI cladodes mucilage downregulates the TLR4 pathway, showing an anti-inflammatory potential in HepG2 cells.

Quality Preservation and Shelf-Life Extension of Prickly Pear (Opuntia ficus-indica L. Mill) Using Edible Coatings

Prickly pear consumption is increasing across the world due to its rich variety of nutrients and bioactive compounds. Yet, it is a seasonal and highly perishable fruit, and the application of edible coatings emerges as an alternative to extend its shelf life. In this work, the effects of alginate, starch, chitosan, and pectin as coatings on the physicochemical, bioactive, microbiological, and textural properties of two prickly pear varieties (orange and red), kept under refrigeration (5 ± 2 °C) were evaluated for 6 weeks. Coatings proved to be helpful in the maintenance of the fruits' color and textural properties, especially when pectin was applied. Overall, starch and chitosan can be considered the most effective coatings in preserving the quality of prickly pears among the options studied. A lower weight loss (8-10%) in fruits was achieved when starch and chitosan were applied, while in control fruits (without coating), the loss was 18-23%. Starch and chitosan also contributed to preserving the bioactivity of red fruits and showed good results in the preservation of total phenolic content in the orange fruits. In addition, starch and chitosan coatings also presented the best performance for the reduction of microbial contamination (both yeasts and molds and total mesophilic aerobic microorganisms). These findings highlight the role of edible coatings in preserving prickly pears, for a longer period, meeting consumers' demand for fresh fruit.

Effect of Opuntia ficus-indica Extract in Pro-Healthy Chicken Patties: Physicochemical Properties and Oxidative Stability

Opuntia ficus-indica is a subtropical fruit rich in dietary fibers, carotenoids, vitamins, minerals, and polyphenols. To substitute synthetic additives, its extracts could become an interesting proposal to preserve quality while adding desirable characteristics to meat products. This study aimed to develop healthier chicken patties (with a structured animal fat replacer) added with prickly pear extract (PPE). The extract was analyzed for total phenolic content and antioxidant activity (FRAP, ABTS, DPPH, and ORAC). Four chicken patty formulations were manufactured with total replacement of animal fat by sesame oil emulsion: control, erythorbate 500 ppm, PPE 500, and PPE 750 ppm. Proximate composition and fatty acid profile were analyzed on day 1, and pH, color, and lipid oxidation on days 1, 4, 8, 12, and 16. PPE treatments showed lower TBARSs (p < 0.05) and greater pigment stability at the end of storage, corroborating its potential to delay oxidation reactions. No significant effects on chemical composition, pH, or fatty acid profile were observed (p > 0.05). Unsaturated represented 76.2% of total fatty acids. Therefore, PPE is an effective antioxidant by improving oxidative stability without promoting changes in other properties, besides adding cleaner label approaches and the use of natural ingredients to develop meat products reformulated with unsaturated oils.

Chemical composition, antimicrobial, and antioxidant activities of Opuntia stricta (Haw.) Haw. mucilage collected in Sicily, Italy

In this work the mucilage obtained from the cladodes of a not previously investigated accession of Opuntia stricta (Haw.) Haw. (syn. Opuntia dillenii (Ker-Gawl) Haw), collected in Sicily, was analysed by 13C-NMR. The yield of mucilage extracted from cladodes in aqueous medium was 2.55%. The monosaccharides identified, after acidic hydrolyses of the mucilage, were arabinose (36.48%), galactose (32.31%), xylose (15.33%), glucose (10.45%) and rhamnose (5.40%). The mucilage showed a sufficient antimicrobial activity and excellent antioxidant property.

Impact of Opuntia ficus-indica Juice and Empagliflozin on Glycemic Control in Rats

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a major global health concern characterized by high blood glucose levels. This study investigates the effects of Opuntia ficus-indica (cactus) juice and empagliflozin, both alone and in combination, on glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels in healthy and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Eighty Wistar albino male rats were divided into eight groups, with four groups being diabetic. Treatment options included cactus juice, empagliflozin, or both. HbA1c levels were measured at baseline and 100 days later using ELISA. In diabetic and non-diabetic rats treated with cactus juice or empagliflozin, HbA1c levels were significantly reduced, but diabetic rats had significantly lower HbA1c values than non-diabetic rats. The combined treatment provided no additional benefits over individual therapies. These findings indicate that cactus juice and empagliflozin effectively lower HbA1c levels, making their use a promising complementary approach to diabetes management. However, the combined treatment of Opuntia ficus-indica juice and empagliflozin did not yield additional reductions in HbA1c levels compared to individual treatments, with no significant synergistic effects observed throughout the study period. More research is needed to better understand the clinical applications and mechanisms in humans.

Phytochemicals from Cactaceae family for cancer prevention and therapy

Cancer is a global health issue, increasingly prevalent and a leading cause of mortality. Despite extensive research, conventional treatments remain aggressive, often damaging healthy cells, and exhibit limited efficacy. Addressing drug resistance and enhancing treatment effectiveness are critical challenges in advancing cancer therapy. This review examines the potential of natural plant compounds, particularly phytochemicals and their derivatives, in developing novel anticancer agents. These metabolites have a long history in traditional medicine, with 42% of molecules approved for cancer treatment between 1981 and 2019 being either natural products or derivatives. The Cactaceae family, which comprises more than 1,500 species, represents a largely untapped source of potentially useful chemopreventive and anticancer agents. Although more than 3,000 plants and their derivatives have contributed to chemotherapeutic development, cactus species have received limited attention until recently. Emerging evidence highlights the anticancer potential of fruits, stems, and cladodes from various cactus species. This review provides a comprehensive and current overview of experimental studies on Cactaceae in cancer research, aiming to pave the way for the development of innovative, natural cancer therapeutics and contribute to the ongoing battle against this formidable disease.

Lactic acid bacteria fermentation improves physicochemical properties, bioactivity, and metabolic profiles of Opuntia ficus-indica fruit juice

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) fermentation has been proven to promote human health. The effect of different LAB fermentation on the quality of Opuntia ficus-indica fruit juice (OFIJ) was investigated. OFIJ was an excellent substrate for fermentation, with colony counts of more than 8 log CFU/mL after fermentation. The fermentation altered the acid and sugar contents. Simultaneously, the total phenolic and anthocyanin contents significantly increased. Antioxidant activity enhanced significantly in Lactiplantibacillus plantarum HNU082-fermented OFIJ, primarily in ABTS+ (increased by 16.81%) and DPPH (increased by 23.62%) free radical scavenging ability. Lacticaseibacillus paracasei HNU502-fermented OFIJ showed the most potent inhibition of xanthine oxidase (IC50 = 31.01 ± 3.88 mg TAC/L). Analysis of volatile and non-volatile compounds indicated that fermentation changed the flavor quality and metabolic profiles and caused the most significant modifications in amino acid metabolism. These findings offer valuable information into processing of OFIJ, making it a great choice for functional foods.

Phytochemical Analysis and Bioactive Properties of Opuntia dillenii Flower Extracts, Compound, and Essential Oil

New research is exploring the enhanced efficacy of antioxidant and antimicrobial compounds developed from Opuntia dillenii flowers, a multifaceted source with pharmacological effects such as antioxidant and microbicide activity indexes showing diverse medical capabilities. The purpose of this study was to determine the chemical composition, isolate the active compounds, and evaluate their antioxidant properties as well as antibacterial potential through HPLC-MS in flower extract from Opuntia dillenii. The extracts were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and essential oil compounds were identified by gas chromatography (GC). Antioxidant properties were assessed using DPPH and ferric-reducing power (FRAP) assays. Antibacterial potential was evaluated using disk diffusion and microdilution methods. Nutritional studies of the flower indicated that it contained moderate levels of sugars (4.27% ± 0.240), proteins (1.913% ± 0.268), and microelements (potassium as a major element), sodium, and calcium, with concentration values of 2.267%, 0.55%, and 0.424%, respectively. Total phenolic content ranged from 1.61 ± 0.37 mg GAE/g (hexane extract) to 34.45 ± 0.42 mg GAE/g (ethanol extract). The study highlighted the richness of secondary metabolites, such as methylated flavonoids (quercetin 3-O-rutinoside, isorhamnetin-3-O-rutinoside, and isorhamnetin-3-O-glucoside), and identified essential oil compounds like trimethylsilyl hexadecenoate, squalene, gamma-eudesmol, and citronellol. Antioxidant activities revealed stronger activity in the butanolic extract, while isorhamnetin-3-O-rutinoside exhibited moderate antioxidant effects. These results provide the rationale for the potential incorporation of Opuntia dillenii flower extracts in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical products as a sustainable natural alternative with broad implications for human health.

Ultrasound-assisted extraction and encapsulation of betalain from prickly pear: Process optimization, in-vitro digestive stability, and development of functional gummies

The study aimed to extract and encapsulate betalain pigment from prickly pear (Opuntia ficus-indica) using ultrasound-assisted extraction and eco-friendly glycerol. Subsequent analysis encompassed assessing its thermal stability, shelf-life, bio-accessibility, and biological properties. The process optimization employed Response Surface Methodology (RSM), focusing on glycerol concentration (20-50 %), sample to solvent ratio (1:10-1:20), temperature (30-60 °C), and time (10-30 min). Optimal conditions were determined as 23.15 % glycerol, 1:10 sample to solvent ratio, 10.43 min treatment time, and 31.15 °C temperature. Under these conditions, betalain content reached 858.28 mg/L with a 93.76 % encapsulation efficiency. Thermal stability tests (80-180 °C; 30 & 60 min) showed degradation of betalain with higher temperatures and longer durations, affecting the visual aspect (ΔE) of the pigment. Encapsulated betalain exhibited favorable shelf stability, with optimal storage life of 404.27 days at 4 °C in amber conditions, compared to 271.99 days at 4 °C without amber, 141.92 days at 25 °C without amber, and 134.22 days at 25 °C with amber. Bio-accessibility of encapsulated betalain was significantly higher (2.05 ± 0.03 %) than conventionally extracted pigment (1.03 ± 0.09 %). The encapsulated pigment displayed strong anti-inflammatory properties in dosages of 2-20 µL, with no cytotoxic effects. Additionally, incorporation into gummies was successful and visually approved by sensory panellists. Glycerol proved to be a green encapsulating agent for betalain, offering high shelf life and bio-accessibility, making it suitable for food industry applications. The encapsulated pigment demonstrated robust thermal stability and shelf life, making it suitable for food industry applications. This study highlights glycerol's potential as a sustainable alternative for natural pigment extraction.

Extracellular Vesicles Derived from Opuntia ficus-indica Fruit (OFI-EVs) Speed Up the Normal Wound Healing Processes by Modulating Cellular Responses

Plant-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) have been recognized as important mediators of intercellular communication able to transfer active biomolecules across the plant and animal kingdoms. EVs have demonstrated an impressive array of biological activities, displaying preventive and therapeutic potential in mitigating various pathological processes. Indeed, the simplicity of delivering exogenous and endogenous bioactive molecules to mammalian cells with their low cytotoxicity makes EVs suitable agents for new therapeutic strategies for a variety of pathologies. In this study, EVs were isolated from Opuntia ficus-indica fruit (OFI-EVs) and characterized by particle size distribution, concentration, and bioactive molecule composition. OFI-EVs had no obvious toxicity and demonstrated a protective role in the inflammatory process and oxidative stress in vitro model of chronic skin wounds. The results demonstrated that pretreatment with OFI-EVs decreased the activity and gene expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α) in the LPS-stimulated human leukemia monocytic cell line (THP-1). Furthermore, OFI-EVs promote the migration of human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs), speeding up the normal wound healing processes. This study sheds light, for the first time, on the role of OFI-EVs in modulating important biological processes such as inflammation and oxidation, thereby identifying EVs as potential candidates for healing chronic cutaneous wounds.

Exploring the biofunctionalities of lactic fermented cactus pear (Opuntia elatior Mill.) fruit beverage: an exotic superfood

Cactus pear fruit is known with many health benefits in ethnomedicine of countries like Mexico, Portugal, Chine, India etc. The study was aimed to develop biofunctional lactic fermented cactus pear fruit beverage to add values to the medicinal fruit. The processing parameters such as quantity of freeze dried cactus pear fruit powder, sucrose and incubation time were optimised using response surface methodology. The optimized product was then subjected to proximate compositional, physicochemical, biofunctional and microbial analysis. The lactic fermented cactus pear fruit beverage was prepared by mixing 12% [w/v] freeze dried cactus pear fruit powder and 3% sucrose in water, then pasteurised and inoculated with 3% Lactobacillus fermentum MTCC 25515 and Lactobacillus rhamnosus M9, then incubated at 37 °C for 6 h. The moisture content of the beverage was 87.77% and major constituent was carbohydrate (9.58% per wet matter basis). The 100 mL beverage contains 89.84 mg GAE phenolic compounds, 5.86 mg QE flavonoids, 71.82 mg betacyanin, 28.08 mg betaxanthin, 10.59 mg ascorbic acid. The beverage also exhibited 58% ABTS antioxidant activity. The beverage was shelf stable for 20 days at 7 ± 1 °C. Such a biofunctional beverage loaded with antioxidant potential can be consumed as refreshing drink.

Graphical abstract

Usefulness of Opuntia spp. on the Management of Obesity and Its Metabolic Co-Morbidities

The plants of the Opuntia genus mainly grow in arid and semi-arid climates. Although the highest variety of wild species is found in Mexico, Opuntia spp. is widely distributed throughout the world. Extracts of these cacti have been described as important sources of bioactive substances that can have beneficial properties for the prevention and treatment of certain metabolic disorders. The objective of this review is to summarise the presently available knowledge regarding Opuntia ficus-indica (nopal or prickly pear), and some other species (O. streptacantha and O. robusta) on obesity and several metabolic complications. Current data show that Opuntia ficus-indica products used in preclinical studies have a significant capacity to prevent, at least partially, obesity and certain derived co-morbidities. On this subject, the potential beneficial effects of Opuntia are related to a reduction in oxidative stress and inflammation markers. Nevertheless, clinical studies have evidenced that the effects are highly contingent upon the experimental design. Moreover, the bioactive compound composition of nopal extracts has not been reported. As a result, there is a lack of information to elucidate the mechanisms of action responsible for the observed effects. Accordingly, further studies are needed to demonstrate whether Opuntia products can represent an effective tool to prevent and/or manage body weight and some metabolic disorders.

Plants from Arid and Semi-Arid Zones of Mexico Used to Treat Respiratory Diseases: A Review

Medicinal plants have been a traditional remedy for numerous ailments for centuries. However, their usage is limited due to a lack of evidence-based studies elucidating their mechanisms of action. In some countries, they are still considered the first treatment due to their low cost, accessibility, and minor adverse effects. Mexico is in second place, after China, in inventoried plants for medicinal use. It has around 4000 species of medicinal plants; however, pharmacological studies have only been carried out in 5% of its entirety. The species of the Mexican arid zones, particularly in semi-desert areas, exhibit outstanding characteristics, as their adverse growing conditions (e.g., low rainfall and high temperatures) prompt these plants to produce interesting metabolites with diverse biological activities. This review explores medicinal plants belonging to the arid and semi-arid zones of Mexico, focusing on those that have stood out for their bioactive potential, such as Jatropha dioica, Turnera diffusa, Larrea tridentata, Opuntia ficus-indica, Flourensia cernua, Fouquieria splendes, and Prosopis glandulosa. Their extraction conditions, bioactive compounds, mechanisms of action, and biological efficacy are presented, with emphasis on their role in the treatment of respiratory diseases. Additionally, current research, novel applications, and perspectives concerning medicinal plants from these zones are also discussed.

Encapsulation of lactic acid bacteria in W1/O/W2 emulsions stabilized by mucilage:pectin complexes

Opuntia silvestri mucilage obtained from dried stems was explored as an emulsifier to prepare double emulsions aiming to encapsulate Lactiplantibacillus plantarum CIDCA 83114. W1/O/W2 emulsions were prepared using a two-step emulsification method. The aqueous phase (W1) consisted of L. plantarum CIDCA 83114, and the oil phase (O) of sunflower oil. The second emulsion was prepared by mixing the internal W1/O emulsion with the W2 phase, consisting of 4 % polysaccharides, formulated with different mucilage:(citric)pectin ratios. Their stability was assessed after preparation (day 0) and during storage at 4 °C (28 days). Determinations included creaming index, color, particle size, viscosity, turbidity, and bacterial viability, along with exposure to simulated gastrointestinal conditions. Significant differences were evaluated by analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Duncan's test (P < 0.05). After 28 days storage, bacterial viability in the W1/O/W2 emulsions was above 6 log CFU/mL for all the pectin:mucilage ratios. Emulsions containing mucilage and pectins showed lower creaming indices after 15 days, remaining stable until the end of the storage period. Formulations including 1:1 pectin:mucilage ratio exhibited the highest bacterial viability under simulated gastrointestinal conditions and were more homogeneous in terms of droplet size distributions at day 0, hinting at a synergistic effect between mucilage components (e.g., proteins, Ca2+) and pectin in stabilizing the emulsions. These results showed that Opuntia silvestri mucilage enhanced the stability of emulsions during refrigerated storage, highlighting its potential for encapsulating lactic acid bacteria. This presents an economical and natural alternative to traditional encapsulating materials.

Adipose tissue inflammation linked to obesity: A review of current understanding, therapies and relevance of phyto-therapeutics

Obesity is a current global challenge affecting all ages and is characterized by the up-regulated secretion of bioactive factors/pathways which result in adipose tissue inflammation (ATI). Current obesity therapies are mainly focused on lifestyle (diet/nutrition) changes. This is because many chemosynthetic anti-obesogenic medications cause adverse effects like diarrhoea, dyspepsia, and faecal incontinence, among others. As such, it is necessary to appraise the efficacies and mechanisms of action of safer, natural alternatives like plant-sourced compounds, extracts [extractable phenol (EP) and macromolecular antioxidant (MA) extracts], and anti-inflammatory peptides, among others, with a view to providing a unique approach to obesity care. These natural alternatives may constitute potent therapies for ATI linked to obesity. The potential of MA compounds (analysed for the first time in this review) and extracts in ATI and obesity management is elucidated upon, while also highlighting research gaps and future prospects. Furthermore, immune cells, signalling pathways, genes, and adipocyte cytokines play key roles in ATI responses and are targeted in certain therapies. As a result, this review gives an in-depth appraisal of ATI linked to obesity, its causes, mechanisms, and effects of past, present, and future therapies for reversal and alleviation of ATI. Achieving a significant decrease in morbidity and mortality rates attributed to ATI linked to obesity and related comorbidities is possible as research improves our understanding over time.

Epidermis of Cereus hildmannianus as a biomimetic scaffold for tissue engineering

A thin plastic-like film separated from the epidermis of Cereus hildmannianus has excellent tensile strength, resistance to water and high antimicrobial activity and supports the growth of mouse fibroblast cells. Cactuses are one of the most under explored plant species with high potential for food, materials, pharmaceutical and other applications. Although studies have shown the ability of cactuses to be used for food, as a source for fibers, as reinforcement for composites and other applications, the role of individual layers and their properties has been studied to a limited extent. In this paper, a thin translucent layer was separated from the epidermis of C. hildmannianus and studied for its composition, structure and properties. The layer is composed of about 73% cellulose and 2% lignin and morphologically, shows surface with uneven and serrated edges. Films with length of up to 36 cm, strength of 6.8 MPa and elongation of 2.5% could be peeled from the cactus suggesting their suitability for food packaging and other applications. X-ray diffraction patterns and FTIR spectrums indicated that the films are similar to that of cellulose and major thermal degradation occurred above 280°C. Compared to standards, the cactus films showed about 41% and 44% inhibition against gram positive and gram negative bacteria and 67% inhibition of the common fungal strain (A. niger). Films showed high stability in water and to common chemicals. When used as substrates for mouse fibroblast cell growth, no cytotoxicity was observed and the cactus peel supported the attachment and proliferation of cells demonstrating potential to be used as a biomaterial for tissue engineering applications.

Composition of discarded Sicilian fruits of Opuntia ficus indica L.: Phenolic content, mineral profile and antioxidant activity in peel, seeds and whole fruit

Sicily (Italy) is the second producer of Opuntia ficus-indica (OFI) fruits after Mexico. To date, huge quantities of fruit are discarded during the selection for the fresh market, generating a large amount of by-product to be valorized. This study aimed to investigate on the composition of OFI discarded fruits from the main Sicilian productive areas, over two harvesting periods. Peel, seeds and whole fruit samples were characterized in terms of minerals and phenolic compounds through ICP-OES and HPLC-DAD-MS. Potassium, calcium and magnesium were the most abundant elements and peel samples showed the highest values. Seventeen phenolic compounds were detected in peel and whole fruit, including flavonoids, phenylpyruvic and hydroxycinnamic acids, while only phenolic acids were found in the seeds. A multivariate chemometric approach highlighted a correlation between the mineral and phenolic content and the different parts of the fruit as well as a significant influence of productive area.

Application of fermentation for the valorization of residues from Cactaceae family

Cactaceae family is well-known for their adaptations to drought and arid environments. This family, formed by four subfamilies (Cactoideae, Opuntioideae, Pereskioideae, and Maihuenioideae) are known for being leafless stem succulent plants with numerous spines, and their commercial fruits, distinguished by their bright colors and their skin covered with bracts. Some of these species have been traditionally used in the food industry (e.g., pitaya, cactus, or prickly pear) or as pharmaceuticals to treat specific diseases due to their active properties. The processing of these fruits leads to different residues, namely pomace, skin, spines, and residues from cladodes; besides from others such as fruits, roots, flowers, mucilage, and seeds. In general, Cactaceae species produce large amounts of mucilage and fiber, although they can be also considered as a source of phenolic compounds (phenolic acids, flavonols and their glycosides), alkaloids (phenethylamines derived betalains), and triterpenoids. Therefore, considering their high content in fiber and fermentable carbohydrates, together with other target bioactive compounds, fermentation is a potential valorization strategy for certain applications such as enzymes and bioactive compounds production or aroma enhancement. This review will comprise the latest information about Cactaceae family, its potential residues, and its potential as a substrate for fermentation to obtain active molecules with application in the food industry.

Beneficial Effects of Opuntia spp. on Liver Health

The genus Opuntia spp. includes plants capable of growing in arid, temperate and tropical climates. The vast majority of wild species grow in Mexico, but O. ficus-indica (prickly pear or nopal) is cultivated around the world and it is one of the most studied. This review shows the currently available knowledge concerning the action of O. ficus-indica and other Opuntia species (Opuntia vulgaris, Opuntia robusta, Opuntia streptacantha, Opuntia microdasys, Opuntia dillenii and Opuntia dejecta) on liver health. The available data demonstrate the positive effects of extracts, vinegar, juices or seed oil of the Opuntia genus on the alterations induced in the liver by inadequate feeding patterns or the administration of chemicals. In this regard, the potential beneficial effects of nopal are related to the attenuation of triglyceride accumulation, oxidative stress and/or inflammation. Nevertheless, there is no information concerning the bioactive compound's characterisation in most of these studies; consequently, it is not possible to link the therapeutic effects of these plants to the presence of specific compounds in the nopal extracts. Therefore, further research is needed to confirm if the positive effects observed in animal models are also found in humans, in order to determine whether Opuntia can represent an effective tool to prevent and/or manage hepatic alterations.

Physicochemical, Nutritional, and Medicinal Properties of Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill. and Its Main Agro-Industrial Use: A Review

The cactus, Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill. (OFI) belongs to the Cactaceae family, which contains about 130 genera and nearly 1600 species. This review aims to evaluate this plant from several perspectives, namely, botanic, physicochemical, nutritional, and medicinal properties, as well as agro-industrial use. The botanical aspects and morphological characteristics of OFI enable genetic variability, ecological adaptation, and broad geographic distribution. Due to its physicochemical and nutritional composition, it has several medicinal properties appropriate (or suitable) for several industries, such as pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetics. Its fruit, the prickly pear (PP), has potential agro-industrial expansion through the application of different conservation and transformation methods, making it possible to obtain a variety of products. The PP is a source of several nutrients and is an effective system to produce varied foods, which have several advantages from a nutritional, sensory, economic, and shelf-life point of view.

Opuntia spp.: An Overview of the Bioactive Profile and Food Applications of This Versatile Crop Adapted to Arid Lands

Opuntia spp. are crops well adapted to adverse environments and have great economic potential. Their constituents, including fruits, cladodes, and flowers, have a high nutritional value and are rich in value-added compounds. Cladodes have an appreciable content in dietary fiber, as well as bioactive compounds such as kaempferol, quercetin, and isorhamnetin. Fruits are a major source of bioactive compounds such as phenolic acids and vitamin C. The seeds are mainly composed of unsaturated fatty acids and vitamin E. The flowers are also rich in phenolic compounds. Therefore, in addition to their traditional uses, the different plant fractions can be processed to meet multiple applications in the food industry. Several bakery products have been developed with the incorporation of cladode flour. Pectin and mucilage obtained from cladodes can act as edible films and coatings. Fruits, fruit extracts, and fruit by-products have been mixed into food products, increasing their antioxidant capacity and extending their shelf life. Betalains, obtained from fruits, can be used as food colorants and demonstrate promising applications as a sensor in food packaging. This work reviews the most valuable components of the different fractions of this plant and emphasizes its most recent food applications, demonstrating its outstanding value.

Lipophilic Compounds and Antibacterial Activity of Opuntia ficus-indica Root Extracts from Algeria

The chemical composition, investigated by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, and antibacterial activity of lipophilic extractives of three varieties of Opuntia ficus-indica roots from Algeria are reported in this paper for the first time. The results obtained revealed a total of 55 compounds, including fatty acids, sterols, monoglycerides and long chain aliphatic alcohols that were identified and quantified. β-Sitosterol was found as the major compound of the roots of the three varieties. Furthermore, considerable amounts of essential fatty acids (ω3, ω6, and ω9) such as oleic, linoleic, and linolenic acids were also identified. The green variety was the richest among the three studied varieties. The antibacterial activity, evaluated with disc diffusion method, revealed that lipophilic extracts were effective mainly against Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) (19~23 mm). Gram-negative strains mainly Pseudomonas aeruginosa gave an inhibition zone of 18 mm, which is considered high antibacterial activity. The minimal inhibitory concentrations of the tested bacteria revealed interesting values against the majority of bacteria tested: 75–100 µg mL⁻¹ for Bacillus sp., 250–350 µg/mL for the two Staphylococcus strains, 550–600 µg mL⁻¹ for E. coli, and 750–950 µg mL⁻¹ obtained with Pseudomonas sp. This study allows us to conclude that the lipophilic fractions of cactus roots possess interesting phytochemicals such as steroids, some fatty acids and long chain alcohols that acted as antibiotic-like compounds countering pathogenic strains.

Bioactive compounds of the Opuntia monacantha fruit

Opuntia monacantha is a Cactaceae found in regions with few nutrients and water. This study aimed to identify bioactive compounds in the fruit of O. monacantha in the southern region of Brazil. In the fruit of O. monacantha, five phenolic compounds were identified: protocatechuic acid, ferulic acid, p-coumaric acid, catechin and quercetin. The ferulic acid and catechin were found in higher concentration in the fruit. The terpenes α-amyrin, β-amyrin, oleanolic acid and cycloartenol were also identified in the hexane fractions of the fruit. Unsaturated fatty acids were found in the fruit seed, with the highest concentration of linoleic acid (69.0%).

Opuntia spp. in Human Health: A Comprehensive Summary on Its Pharmacological, Therapeutic and Preventive Properties. Part 2

Plants of the genus Opuntia spp are widely distributed in Africa, Asia, Australia and America. Specifically, Mexico has the largest number of wild species; mainly O. streptacantha, O. hyptiacantha, O. albicarpa, O. megacantha and O. ficus-indica. The latter being the most cultivated and domesticated species. Its main bioactive compounds include pigments (carotenoids, betalains and betacyanins), vitamins, flavonoids (isorhamnetin, kaempferol, quercetin) and phenolic compounds. Together, they favor the different plant parts and are considered phytochemically important and associated with control, progression and prevention of some chronic and infectious diseases. Part 1 collected information on its preventive actions against atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and obesity, hepatoprotection, effects on human infertility and chemopreventive capacity. Now, this second review (Part 2), compiles the data from published research (in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies) on its neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, antiulcerative, antimicrobial, antiviral potential and in the treatment of skin wounds. The aim of both reviews is to provide scientific evidences of its beneficial properties and to encourage health professionals and researchers to expand studies on the pharmacological and therapeutic effects of Opuntia spp.

Phenolic composition, antioxidant and antiacetylcholinesterase activities of Opuntia ficus-indica peel and flower teas after in vitro gastrointestinal digestion

BACKGROUND

The flowers and peels of cactus Opuntia ficus-indica (OFI) are by-products generally discarded. Their beneficial properties have been linked to the chemical composition without taking into account its transformations during digestion. This study evaluated and compared the phenolic composition, antioxidant and antiacetylcholinesterase activities of OFI peel and flower teas before and after in vitro gastrointestinal digestion.

RESULTS

Results showed that OFI peel tea was a source of natural phenolic compounds and carotenoids, while OFI flower tea was a source of flavonoids. Both OFI peel and flower teas exhibited high antioxidant activities (AAs) measured by several tests [1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH^• ), reducing power (RP), hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity (HPSA)]. Flower teas presented a higher antiacetylcholinesterase inhibition percentage than peel teas. Significant decreases of acetylcholinesterase and AAs were obtained under in vitro gastrointestinal digestion. Fourteen phenolic compounds typical of phenolic acids and flavonoids were identified in both teas. These compounds seemed to be more affected by pancreatic than by the gastric conditions.

CONCLUSION

OFI peel tea has been found as a source of natural phenolic compounds and carotenoids, while OFI dry flower tea as a source of flavonoids. The OFI flower tea phytochemicals were more stable than peel tea during the digestive process. These findings suggest that peels and flowers of OFI should be considered as sources of healthy ingredients. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Opuntia genus in Human Health: A Comprehensive Summary on Its Pharmacological, Therapeutic and Preventive Properties. Part 1

Opuntia spp. is a diverse and widely distributed genus in Africa, Asia, Australia, and America. Mexico has the largest number of wild species; mainly O. streptacantha, O. hyptiacantha, O. albicarpa, O. megacantha and O. ficus-indica. The latter being the most cultivated and domesticated species. Throughout history, plants and their phytochemicals have played an important role in health care and Opuntia spp. has shown a high nutritional, medicinal, pharmaceutical, and economic impacts. Its main bioactive compounds include pigments (carotenoids, betalains and betacyanins), vitamins, flavonoids (isorhamnetin, kaempferol, quercetin) and phenolic compounds. Together, they favor the different plant parts and are considered phytochemically important and associated with control, progression and prevention of some chronic and infectious diseases. This first review (Part 1), compiles information from published research (in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies) on its preventive effects against atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and obesity, hepatoprotection, effects on human infertility and chemopreventive and/or antigenotoxic capacity. The aim is to provide scientific evidences of its beneficial properties and to encourage health professionals and researchers to expand studies on the pharmacological and therapeutic effects of Opuntia spp.

Antidiabetic Activity of Xoconostle Fruit from Opuntia matudae Scheivar in Mice

In Mexico, Cactaceae plants are widely used in folk medicine for the treatment of diabetes. The genus Opuntia spp. Opuntia matudae Sheinvar prickly pears are known as xoconostle and are used in Mexican cuisine for their acidic flavor. Currently there are few reports of pharmacological properties of this plant, which include antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. This study focuses on the chemical characterization of the methanolic (OmMe) and aqueous (OmAq) extracts and the evaluation of the antidiabetic activity of O. matudae fruits in two biological models. For the in vivo model, streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mice were used, and for the in vitro model, liver sections isolated from healthy mice were used. The OmAq (100 mg/kg, oral pathway [p.o.]) extract decreased postprandial glucose peak at 0.5 h after glucose uptake by 43.1%, similarly, OmMe (100 mg/kg, p.o.) extract reduced postprandial glucose peak at 0.5 h by 34.1% in healthy mice. The effect of the two extracts and the fraction of the mixture of unidentified betalains (OmB) of O. matudae evaluated in the isolated mouse liver slice model showed a concentration-dependent decrease in hepatic glucose output (HGO) with and without insulin administration with the OmMe extract. The OmAq extract, however, showed concentration-dependent increases of HGO with and without insulin, and the OmB fraction generally exhibited an insulin mimetic effect. Moreover, both OmAq and OmMe extracts were tested in mice with STZ-induced diabetes (160 mg/kg, intraperitoneal route), using a semichronic daily administration (2-28 days after diabetes onset) of OmAq extract was able to reduce blood glucose by 34.3%, meanwhile OmMe extract reduced blood glucose by 22.9%, 28 days after diabetes onset. We identified five compounds (1-5) in the two extracts, consisting of two phenolic acids (1, 2), three flavanols (3-5), as well as two unidentified betalains. Therefore, we conclude that the aqueous extract of the xoconostle fruit where betalains are present may be useful for the treatment of diabetes mellitus.

Hemoglobin Precipitation: An Index of In Vitro Vasoconstrictive Activities of Methanol Leaf Extracts of Croton megalocarpus Hutch and Lantana camara Linn

The function of innate hemostasis aids the body in bleeding control, preventing the loss of excessive amounts of blood following low-degree injuries. However, injuries of a higher degree may require extrinsic intervention to stop life-threatening blood loss. Astringent agents' actions result in mechanical constriction of small blood vessels and shrinkage of body tissues, thereby stopping blood loss. This enhances the primary phase of hemostasis, where vasoconstriction is the main mechanism at play during the initial response to injury. The effects of plant extracts on protein precipitation have been linked to blood vessel vasoconstriction. Traditionally, the leaves of Croton megalocarpus Hutch and Lantana camara Linn plants are used by communities living in Makueni County, Kenya, for peripheral bleeding control. However, the effects of extracts of both plants on hemoglobin precipitation have not been evaluated scientifically. In the current study, the activities of methanol extracts of C. megalocarpus (H.) and L. camara (L.) on blood protein precipitation were investigated. The leaves were harvested, cleaned, air-dried, milled, and extracted in absolute methanol before being concentrated into dry powders. A qualitative phytochemical screen revealed the presence of terpenoids, steroids, tannins, phenols, flavonoids, reducing sugars, cardiac glycosides, and carbohydrates in the methanol extract of C. megalocarpus (H.). The methanol extracts of L. camara (L.) contained cardiac glycosides, saponins, tannins, phenols, terpenoids, reducing sugars, and carbohydrates. The hemoglobin precipitation ability of various concentrations of extracts using mice samples was presented as relative astringency following the tannic acid external standard method. Methanol extracts C. megalocarpus (H.) and L. camara (L.) had significantly higher relative astringency compared with the normal control, indicating a protein precipitating activity. The relative astringency observed in both plant extracts is linked to the activity of tannins, phenols, flavonoids, and saponins detected during preliminary phytochemical screening.

Prickly Pear Betalain-Rich Extracts as New Promising Strategy for Intestinal Inflammation: Plant Complex vs. Main Isolated Bioactive Compounds

Recently, many studies have highlighted the health effects of betalains beyond their use as food dyes. The present study investigated betalain-rich extracts with different colors and their main bioactive compounds in order to provide first evidence as a new promising strategy for intestinal inflammation management. Prickly pear betalain–rich extracts, obtained by a QuEChERS method, have been characterized by LC-DAD-ESI-MS/MS analysis. The potential role of betanin, indicaxanthin, and prickly pear extracts in counteracting the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory events was evaluated by several in vitro cell-free and cell-based assays. Indicaxanthin and betanin represent the most abundant compounds (≥22.27 ± 4.50 and 1.16 ± 0.17 g/100 g dry extract, respectively). Prickly pear extracts showed the strongest antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities with respect to the pure betalains both on in vitro cell-free and cell-based assays, demonstrating the occurrence of synergistic activity, without any cytotoxicity or alteration of the barrier systems. The release of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and key inflammatory markers (IL-6, IL-8, and NO) was strongly inhibited by both betalains and even more by prickly pear extracts, which showed a similar and sometimes better profile than the reference compounds trolox and dexamethasone in counteracting the IL-1β–induced intestinal inflammation.

Advantages of Hyaluronic Acid and Its Combination with Other Bioactive Ingredients in Cosmeceuticals

This study proposes a review on hyaluronic acid (HA) known as hyaluronan or hyaluronate and its derivates and their application in cosmetic formulations. HA is a glycosaminoglycan constituted from two disaccharides (N-acetylglucosamine and D-glucuronic acid), isolated initially from the vitreous humour of the eye, and subsequently discovered in different tissues or fluids (especially in the articular cartilage and the synovial fluid). It is ubiquitous in vertebrates, including humans, and it is involved in diverse biological processes, such as cell differentiation, embryological development, inflammation, wound healing, etc. HA has many qualities that recommend it over other substances used in skin regeneration, with moisturizing and anti-ageing effects. HA molecular weight influences its penetration into the skin and its biological activity. Considering that, nowadays, hyaluronic acid has a wide use and a multitude of applications (in ophthalmology, arthrology, pneumology, rhinology, aesthetic medicine, oncology, nutrition, and cosmetics), the present study describes the main aspects related to its use in cosmetology. The biological effect of HA on the skin level and its potential adverse effects are discussed. Some available cosmetic products containing HA have been identified from the brand portfolio of most known manufacturers and their composition was evaluated. Further, additional biological effects due to the other active ingredients (plant extracts, vitamins, amino acids, peptides, proteins, saccharides, probiotics, etc.) are presented, as well as a description of their possible toxic effects.

Cladodes: Chemical and structural properties, biological activity, and polyphenols profile

The nopal cactus is an essential part of the Mexican diet and culture. The per capita consumption of young cladodes averages annually to 6.4 kg across the nation. In addition to contributing to the country's food culture, the nopal is considered a food with functional characteristics since, in addition to providing fiber, an important group of polyphenolic compounds is present, which has given cladodes to be considered a healthy food, for what they have been incorporated into the diet of Mexican people and many other countries worldwide. Research suggests that polyphenols from cladodes act as antioxidants and antidiabetics. This review studies the main phenolic components in cladodes and summarizes both conventional and novel methods to identify them.

Phytochemical Content, Antioxidant, Alpha-Glucosidase Inhibitory and Antibacterial Activities of Spineless Cactus Pear Cultivars

Variation in cultivars can influence plant biological activities. This study aimed to identify superior cultivars while determining the variability in the phytochemical content, antioxidant, alpha-glucosidase inhibitory and antibacterial activities of cladode extracts from selected spineless Burbank cactus pear (Opuntia ficus-indica and Opuntia robusta) cultivars. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents were determined using the Folin-Ciocalteu and aluminum chloride spectrophotometric methods, respectively. Antioxidant activity was investigated using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging and β-carotene linoleic acid assays. Alpha-glucosidase inhibition was determined using a spectrophotometric method and antibacterial activity using a non-polar (petroleum ether) and polar (50% methanol) extracts against two Gram-positive and two Gram-negative bacteria. Significant variation in phytochemical content, antioxidant, antidiabetic and antibacterial activities was observed amongst the cultivars. Alpha-glucosidase inhibitory activity varied widely with IC₅₀ values ranging from 0.06 to 1.85 mg/mL. Radical scavenging activity of Polypoly cultivar was about seven fold higher than that recorded in other cultivars with low activity. Turpin and Berg x Mexican cultivars had the highest total phenolic and flavonoid contents, whilst the non-polar extract of Turpin also exhibited higher antibacterial activity against Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli. Sicilian Indian Fig was amongst the cultivars with a higher antioxidant activity, whilst also showing a strong inhibition against B. subtilis and E. coli. Polypoly cultivar demonstrated strong antioxidant and antidiabetic activities while its polar extract showed the highest total antibacterial activity against B. subtilis. The cultivar Malta was superior in terms of its antibacterial potency and efficacy against B. subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus and E. coli. The potential of using spineless cactus pear cladodes as a functional food with antioxidant, antidiabetic and antibacterial properties against pathogenic food spoilage bacteria in place of synthetic compounds was established. The significance of cultivar selection to increase this potential was highlighted.

Opuntia spp. Fibre Characterisation to Obtain Sustainable Materials in the Composites Field

Some studies have evaluated the use of Opuntia as reinforcement for polymeric matrices, obtaining good results in energy absorption tests and increasing the tensile elastic modulus. However, no studies focusing on the previous characterisation of the fibres and their treatment to improve compatibility with polymeric matrices have been found. This work analyses the chemical composition of Opuntia maxima (OM) and Opuntia dillenii (OD) cladodes and fibre, studying how different treatments influence it. AOAC 2000 methods were used to determine non-structural components and the Van Soest method was used to estimate structural components. Surface characteristics of the samples were also evaluated by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). Opuntia fibre presented higher cellulose (50–66%) and lignin (6–14%) content and lower hemicellulose (8–13%) content than Opuntia cladodes (9–14% cellulose, 20–50% hemicellulose, 1–4% lignin). Despite the variability of lignocellulosic materials, OD cladodes treated with water and acetic acid achieved an increase in the structural components. Alkaline fibre treatment removed pectin and hemicellulose from the fibre surface, slightly increasing the cellulose content. Future research should evaluate whether the treated Opuntia fibre can improve the mechanical properties of reinforced polymer.

Cereus jamacaru D.C. (Mandacaru): a Promising Native Brazilian Fruit as a Source of Nutrients and Bioactives Derived from its Pulp and Skin

Aiming the valorisation of the fruit of Cereus jamacaru D.C. (mandacaru), from the Caatinga biome, the physicochemical and nutritional parameters, total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity of its raw pulp and skin were evaluated. Extracts of the lyophilised pulp (PE) and skin (SE) of this fruit were also characterised for their antioxidant capacity parameters, phenolic compounds and for the semi-quantitative elemental analysis of minerals. From the total carbohydrates of the pulp (13.43 g/100 g, in the fresh basis), 79% was composed by total dietary fibre and, from this fraction, 89% was insoluble dietary fibre. The total antioxidant capacity of the raw skin was about 1.5-fold higher than that of the raw pulp, while the improvement of phenolic content in the lyophilised PE and SE was by 5- and 36-folds, respectively, compared with their respective raw samples (fresh basis). The lyophilised SE had the higher antioxidant capacity, requiring only 3.79 g to scavenge 1 g of DPPH radicals. Frequencies of functional groups assessed through the FT-IR spectrum corroborates with the presence of phenolic compounds in the samples. Potassium was the predominant mineral in both PE and SE. These results indicate that mandacaru, currently consumed only locally, can be an important source of nutrients and antioxidants for the general population and also for industrial use.

Interaction among species, time-of-day, and soil water potential on biochemical and physiological characteristics of cladodes of Opuntia

The physiology and biochemistry of young Opuntia spp. cladodes relate with their Crassulacean acid metabolism, which extends over the day-night cycle in four phases, is species-dependent and is affected by water availability. This study aimed to assess the interaction among species, time-of-day, and the soil water potential (Ψ_W) on biochemical and physiological characteristics of cladodes of Opuntia species. Three-week-old cladodes were harvested at 7:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. from plants with or without irrigation for 30 d (-0.17 and -5.72 MPa soil Ψ_W), from O. albicarpa, O. ficus-indica, O. hyptiacantha, O. megacantha, and O. streptacantha. The experimental design was a factorial 5 x 2 x 2 (species, sampling time and soil Ψ_W). The experimental unit was one cladode per plant, and six repetitions were evaluated. Total acids, glucose, fructose, sucrose, starch, total phenolics, free amino acids, and soluble proteins concentrations were evaluated, as well as acid invertase and neutral invertase activities. The interaction among species x soil Ψ_W and species x time of the day was significant (P ≤ 0.05) in all variables evaluated. An exception was the species x soil Ψ_W on starch concentration (P = 0.1827). The biochemical and physiological characteristics of Opuntia cladodes were modified by the time of the day and soil Ψ_W interaction, but most of the characteristics were positively or inversely affected depending on the species, frequently displaying a descending trend following O. streptacantha, O. hyptiacantha, O. megacantha, O. albicarpa and O. ficus-indica. The total acids, glucose, fructose, starch, soluble proteins, and free amino acids concentrations revealed that domestication significantly modifies C and N metabolism in Opuntia.

Phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity in vitro and in vivo of Butia and Opuntia fruits

Despite the consumption recommendations and the potential health benefits, Brazilian biodiversity has a large number of fruit species that are still unexplored, such as Butia catarinensis (Butiá da Praia), Butia eriospatha (Butiá da Serra) and Opuntia elata (Arumbeva). The phenolic compounds of these fruits were determined by HPLC-DAD-MS/MS. Morever, in vitro assays of antioxidant capacity on hydroethanolic extracts against hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), hydroxyl (OH), peroxyl (ROO) and ABTS radicals were evaluated. In vivo assays evaluating the survival of worms and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation were performed using the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. Eighteen, twenty-eight and seventeen phenolic compounds were identified in Butiá da Praia, Butiá da Serra and Arumbeva, respectively. The main groups of phenolic compounds found in the fruits were hydroxybenzoic acids (60.5, 26.5 and 96.1% of the total phenolic compounds for Butiá da Praia, Butiá da Serra and Arumbeva, respectively), flavan-3-ols (23.6 and 61.2% of the total phenolic compounds for Butiá da Praia and Butiá da Serra) and flavonols (2.6% of the total phenolic compounds for Arumbeva). The hydroethanolic extracts of these fruits were free radical scavenger, sources of phenolic compounds and did not cause toxic effects in vivo. In hydroethanolic extracts of Butiá da Praia and Arumbeva, the total phenolic content increased by around 67% and 35%, respectively. Besides the health benefits, these proved to be promising sources of natural antioxidants, with phenolic composition variating among species and collection site. The obtained results enable future applications of studied fruits extracts in food and/or pharmaceutical products, encouraging and valuing the sustainable use of biodiversity.

Cactus: Chemical, nutraceutical composition and potential bio-pharmacological properties

Cactus species are plants that grow in the arid and semiarid regions of the world. They have long fascinated the attention of the scientific community due to their unusual biology. Cactus species are used for a variety of purposes, such as food, fodder, ornamental, and as medicinal plants. In the last regard, they have been used in traditional medicine for eras by the ancient people to cure several diseases. Recent scientific investigations suggest that cactus materials may be used as a source of naturally-occurring products, such as mucilage, fiber, pigments, and antioxidants. For this reason, numerous species under this family are becoming endangered and extinct. This review provides an overview of the habitat, classification, phytochemistry, chemical constituents, extraction and isolation of bioactive compounds, nutritional and pharmacological potential with pre-clinical and clinical studies of different Cactus species. Furthermore, conservation strategies for the ornamental and endangered species have also been discussed.

Physico-chemical changes in cladodes of Opuntia ficus-indica as a function of the growth stage and harvesting areas

The physicochemical properties of cladodes Opuntia ficus-indica (OFI) vary widely during maturation. However, few studies have been performed to evaluate changes in chemical characteristics on the pad depending on the maturity stages. Chemical proximate analysis like the content of total sugars, protein, dry matter, pH, conductivity and ash, depending on the variation of weight of the pad and the growing region was done to determine the changes of characteristics of nopal. Significant changes in physicochemical properties were observed among harvesting sites and during the growing stages. The principal component analysis was then performed to evaluate the relationship between harvesting sites, growth stages, and physicochemical properties. Results highlighted that Sidi El Aidi can be categorized as a poor ecotype among the studied ecotypes, besides, overall harvesting sites pH and proteins had a significant negative correlation with ash, total sugars, reducing sugars, conductivity proteins decrease with increasing age of nopals while total sugars, reducing sugars, and ash content showed the opposite trend. The high total sugar content, minerals of nopal pad (weight higher than 200 g) and proteins (weight lower than 200 g) could be an interesting source of these important components for human diets and also could be used in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical industry.

Natural Pigments of Anthocyanin and Betalain for Coloring Soy-Based Yogurt Alternative

The aim of this work was to evaluate the color stability of betalain- and anthocyanin-rich extracts in yogurt-like fermented soy, in order to develop a preliminary understanding of how these pigments behave in this type of food system during storage for 21 days at 4 °C. Thus, the extracts of red beetroot, opuntia, hibiscus and red radish were integrated into the yogurt-like fermented soy in two different ways-directly after lyophilization, and encapsulated in nanosystems based in soybean lecithin-as this approach has never been used to further increase the value and potential of the dairy-free alternatives of yogurt-like fermented soy. The results showed that non-encapsulated betalain-rich extracts from red radish are the most promising for coloring yogurt-like fermented soy. However, encapsulated opuntia extracts can also be an alternative to supplement the soy fermented beverages with betalains, without changing significantly the color of the system but giving all its health benefits, due to the protection of the pigments by nanoencapsulation.