Effect of hyaluronic acid and polysaccharides from Opuntia ficus indica (L.) cladodes on the metabolism of human chondrocyte cultures

Opuntioideae cactus stem Bioimaging analysis: Bridging taxonomy and antimicrobial research

This study presents a comprehensive scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis of Opuntioideae cactus stems indigenous to the arid regions of Saudi Arabia, elucidating their intricate microstructural features. The findings not only advance taxonomic understanding by aiding in species differentiation but also reveal the antimicrobial potential of these cacti, highlighting their significance as valuable natural resources for both ecological and pharmaceutical applications. The present study is aimed to present the stem epidermal anatomical description of Opuntioideae (Cactaceae) belonging to genus Opuntia (five Species), Cylindropuntia (two Species), and Austrocylindropuntia (one Species) as tool for systematic identification. Stem epidermal anatomical features represent here are epidermal cells, stomatal complex, subsidiary cells, and trichomes findings was observed using light microscope and SEM. The stem epidermal sections were made by heating in test tube containing lactic acid and nitric acid protocol. In anatomical findings, irregular, zigzag, wavy, and polygonal epidermal cells with sinuate, sinuous, and straight anticlinal walls were observed. Quantitatively minimum length (28.05 ± 2.05 μm) and width (23.15 ± 3.41 μm) of epidermal cells were noted in Cylindropuntia kleiniae. Paracytic type of stomata present was observed in all species with kidney-shaped guard cell present in six species, and in Opuntia macrocentra and Austrocylindropuntia subulata, dumbbell-shaped guard cells were observed. The largest length of stomata (53.25 ± 2.05 μm) and width of stomata (35.10 ± 5.19 μm) were observed in Opuntia monacantha. In present research work, stem anatomical features show many diverse characters are of special attention for plant taxonomist for the correct identification and provide baseline for further study in subfamily Opuntiodeae. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: The intricate microstructures of Opuntioideae cactus stems. Investigating the antimicrobial potential of compounds found within Opuntioideae cactus stems. Correlations between the unique structural features observed through SEM and the antimicrobial activity of Opuntioideae cactus stem extracts.

A review focusing on the benefits of plant-derived polysaccharides for osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic joint disease characterized by progressive cartilage degeneration, which imposes a heavy physical and financial burden on the middle-aged and elderly population. As the pathogenesis of OA has not been fully elucidated, it is of great importance to develop targeted therapeutic or preventive medications. Traditional therapeutic drugs, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, steroids and opioids, have significant side effects, making the exploration for safe and effective alternative therapeutic drugs urgent. In recent years, many studies have reported the role of plant-derived polysaccharides in anti-inflammation, anti-oxidation, regulation of chondrocyte metabolism and proliferation, and cartilage protection, and have demonstrated their great potential in the treatment of OA. Therefore, by focusing on studies related to the intervention of plant-derived polysaccharides in OA, including in vivo and in vitro experiments, this review aimed to classify and summarize the existing research findings according to different mechanisms of action. In addition, reports on plant-derived polysaccharides as nanoparticles were also explored. Then, candidate monomers and theoretical bases were provided for the further development and application of novel drugs in the treatment of OA.

Protective Effect of Nopal Cactus (Opuntia ficus-indica) Seed Oil against Short-Term Lipopolysaccharides-Induced Inflammation and Peroxisomal Functions Dysregulation in Mouse Brain and Liver

Exposure to endotoxins (lipopolysaccharides, LPS) may lead to a potent inflammatory cytokine response and a severe impairment of metabolism, causing tissue injury. The protective effect provided by cactus seed oil (CSO), from Opuntia ficus-indica, was evaluated against LPS-induced inflammation, dysregulation of peroxisomal antioxidant, and β-oxidation activities in the brain and the liver. In both tissues, a short-term LPS exposure increased the proinflammatory interleukine-1β (Il-1β), inducible Nitroxide synthase (iNos), and Interleukine-6 (Il-6). In the brain, CSO action reduced only LPS-induced iNos expression, while in the liver, CSO attenuated mainly the hepatic Il-1β and Il-6. Regarding the peroxisomal antioxidative functions, CSO treatment (as Olive oil (OO) or Colza oil (CO) treatment) induced the hepatic peroxisomal Cat gene. Paradoxically, we showed that CSO, as well as OO or CO, treatment can timely induce catalase activity or prevent its induction by LPS, respectively, in both brain and liver tissues. On the other hand, CSO (as CO) pretreatment prevented the LPS-associated Acox1 gene and activity decreases in the liver. Collectively, CSO showed efficient neuroprotective and hepato-protective effects against LPS, by maintaining the brain peroxisomal antioxidant enzyme activities of catalase and glutathione peroxidase, and by restoring hepatic peroxisomal antioxidant and β-oxidative capacities.

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.

The complete chloroplast genome sequence of Opuntia sulphurea (Cactaceae)

Opuntia sulphurea Gillies ex Salm-Dyck 1834 (Cactaceae) acts as an invasive species due to its ability to survive in various environments. In this study, we assembled the complete chloroplast (cp) genome of Opuntia sulphurea, which was 122,740 bp in length. The genome contained 100 genes, including 65 protein-coding genes, 31 tRNA genes and four rRNA genes. The base composition of the chloroplast genome was 32.11% A, 17.74% G, 18.34% C, and 31.80% T, resulting in an overall G + C content of 35.39%. A phylogenetic analysis across 23 species in Caryophyllales demonstrated a close relationship between Opuntia sulphurea and Opuntia quimilo.

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 activity of selected plants against fungal species isolated from South African AIDS patients and their antigonococcal activity

Background Sexually transmitted infections continue to be a major health concern in sub-Saharan Africa where antimicrobial drugs are becoming ineffective due to increasing resistance. Many healthcare seekers in lower socio-economic settings depend on invasive alien plants administered by traditional health practitioners to treat sexually transmitted infections. Methods Roots of selected plants were analysed for phytoconstituents using standard methods. Both the disc diffusion model and microdilution technique were used to determine the inhibition zone and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of plant extracts against six clinical fungal strains and standard strain of Neisseria gonorrhoea. One-way ANOVA was used to find significant differences. Results Different phytoconstituents such as alkaloids, steroids, cardiac glycosides, terpenes, flavonoids, tannins and saponins were qualitatively detected, depending on plant species. Acetone extracted the highest number of phytoconstituents in Senna didymobotrya, while methanol revealed most from Ricinus communis. Senna didymobotrya showed significant inhibition against Candida glabrata, C. krusei, C. parapsilosis and C. tropicalis. Dichloromethane extract of Catharanthus roseus and methanol extract of S. didymobotrya demonstrated excellent MIC values of 0.03 and 0.08 mg/mL, respectively, against C. glabrata. Catharanthus roseus, Opuntia ficus-indica and Ricinus communis demonstrated moderate to good antigonococcal activity, with all exhibiting more than 63% inhibition. Catharanthus roseus had the best antigonococcal activity with a moderate MIC value of 0.63 mg/mL. Conclusion Some of the plant extracts demonstrated potency towards clinically isolated fungal strains and against N. gonorrhoea, which validate the notion that some of the species need further pharmacological studies for isolation and characterisation of active compounds.

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

Opuntia species are utilized as local medicinal interventions for chronic diseases and as food sources mainly because they possess nutritional properties and biological activities. The Opuntia plant is distributed worldwide and has great economic potential. Differences in Opuntia species phytochemical composition exist between wild and domesticated species, and within species. Opuntia aerial and underground parts exhibit beneficial properties due to their phenolic content, other antioxidants (for example ascorbate), pigments (carotenoids, betalains), and other unidentified components. This work comprehensively reviews the phytochemical composition of the different aerial and underground plant parts of Opuntia species. The applications of Opuntia compounds and their biological activities are also discussed. Other topical aspects covered include Opuntia spp. taurine composition, Opuntia side effects, Opuntia by-products valorisation and the role of Opuntia spp. in tackling antimicrobial resistance. Although biological activities have been extensively researched, much less information is available on reaction mechanisms, herbal mixtures toxicology and commercialisation prospects - aspects which should be considered for future research in this area.

Italian folk plant-based remedies to heal headache (XIX-XX century)

BACKGROUND

Headache has been recognized since antiquity. From the late nineteenth to the early to mid-twentieth century, Italian folk remedies to treat headache were documented in a vast corpus of literature sources.

AIM

The purpose of this paper is to bring to light the plant-based treatments utilized by Italian folk medicine to heal headache in an attempt to discuss these remedies from a modern pharmacological point of view. Moreover, we compare the medical applications described by Hippocrates, Pliny the Elder, Dioscorides, Galen and Serenus Sammonicus with those utilized by Italian folk medicine to check if they result from a sort of continuity of use by over two thousand years.

RESULTS

A detailed search of the scientific data banks such as Medline and Scopus was undertaken to uncover recent results concerning the anti-inflammatory, anti-nociceptive and analgesic activities of the plants. Fifty-eight (78.4%) plant-based remedies have shown in vivo, in vitro or in human trials a large spectrum of anti-inflammatory, anti-nociceptive and analgesic activities. Moreover, thirty-one of remedies (41.9%) were already included in the pharmacopoeia between the 5th century BC and the 2nd century AD.

CONCLUSION

Italian folk medicine could be a promising source of knowledge and could provide evidences for active principles that have not as of yet been fully used for their potential.

Nopal cactus (Opuntia ficus-indica) as a source of bioactive compounds for nutrition, health and disease

Opuntia ficus-indica, commonly referred to as prickly pear or nopal cactus, is a dicotyledonous angiosperm plant. It belongs to the Cactaceae family and is characterized by its remarkable adaptation to arid and semi-arid climates in tropical and subtropical regions of the globe. In the last decade, compelling evidence for the nutritional and health benefit potential of this cactus has been provided by academic scientists and private companies. Notably, its rich composition in polyphenols, vitamins, polyunsaturated fatty acids and amino acids has been highlighted through the use of a large panel of extraction methods. The identified natural cactus compounds and derivatives were shown to be endowed with biologically relevant activities including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, hypoglycemic, antimicrobial and neuroprotective properties. The present review is aimed at stressing the major classes of cactus components and their medical interest through emphasis on some of their biological effects, particularly those having the most promising expected health benefit and therapeutic impacts.

Duhuo Jisheng Decoction‑containing serum promotes proliferation of interleukin‑1β‑induced chondrocytes through the p16‑cyclin D1/CDK4‑Rb pathway

Duhuo Jisheng Decoction (DHJSD) is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine that has multiple uses, including as a treatment for osteoarthritis (OA). However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of DHJSD on OA remain unknown. In the present study, a serum pharmacological method was applied to investigate the effects of DHJSD on the proliferation of chondrocytes treated with interleukin‑1β (IL‑1β) in vitro. This is a cell model commonly used to reproduce the mechanisms involved in degenerative arthropathies, including OA. The most effective intervention conditions of DHJSD serum were examined by MTT assay. The degenerative chondrocyte model was established by IL‑1β‑culture for 24 h, and was verified by optical microscopy and immunohistochemical analyses. Following the successful establishment of the degenerative chondrocyte model, the chondrocytes were subsequently randomly divided into two groups: The blank serum group and the DHJSD treatment group. Subsequent to treatment with the corresponding serum, cell proliferation was detected by MTT assay and DNA staining followed by FACS analysis, and the mRNA and protein expression levels of cyclin D1, cyclin‑dependent kinase 4 (CDK4), retinoblastoma tumor suppressor protein (Rb) and p16 were measured by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and western blotting, respectively. The results indicated that the most effective condition for the promotion of chondrocyte proliferation was 10% concentration of DHJSD 2‑h serum, and the degenerative chondrocyte model was successfully reproduced by IL‑1β‑treatment for 24 h. The mRNA and protein expression levels of cyclin D1, CDK4 and Rb in the DHJSD serum‑treated cells were significantly increased compared with those in the blank serum group, whereas p16 expression was significantly downregulated. These results indicate that treatment of cells with DHJSD‑containing serum is able to promote IL‑1β‑induced chondrocyte proliferation by promoting G1/S phase transition via modulating the expressions of cyclin D1, CDK4, Rb and p16, which contribute to the clinical efficacy of DHJSD in OA.

Evaluation of antioxidant and antiulcerogenic activities of Opuntia ficus indica f. inermis flowers extract in rats

The Opuntia ficus indica f. inermis methanolic flowers extract (OMFE) was phytochemical studied, in vitro tested for their potential antioxidant activity using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), reducing power, linoleic acid peroxidation assays and in vivo evaluated for its ability to prevent ethanol-induced gastric ulcer in rats. The OMFE was rich in polysaccharide, phenolics and flavonoids contents and exhibited a moderate in vitro antioxidant activity when compared with (+)-catechin and ascorbic acid. Pre-treatment with OMFE at oral doses 250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg body weight was found to provide a dose-dependent protection against ethanol-induced gastric ulcer by averting the deep necrotic lesions of the gastric epithelium, by preserving normal antioxidant enzymes activities, by inhibiting the lipid peroxidation, the oxidation of protein and the DNA fragmentation in gastric mucosa. The antiulcerogenic activity of OMFE might be due to a possible synergistic antioxidant and antihistaminic-like effects.

Purification and neuroprotective effects of polysaccharides from Opuntia Milpa Alta in cultured cortical neurons

Opuntia is a traditional plant from China with medicinal applications. In this experiment, polysaccharides from Opuntia Milpa Alta (MAPs) were analyzed using gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer (GC-MS) method and result showed that MAPs contained mannose (6.37%), rhamnose (14.94%), xylose (1.99%), arabinose (24.07%), galactose (38.25%), ribose (2.63%) and glucose (11.48%). The neuroprotective effects of MAPs were evaluated at the mechanistic level in vitro models of cerebral ischemic injury. In vitro oxygen/glucose deprivation (OGD) model, MAPs (0.5 μg/ml, 5 μg/ml, 50 μg/ml) effectively increased cell viability by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay, inhibited cell cytotoxicity by lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assay, reduced neuronal cell death, suppressed the production of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), decreased of intracellular free Ca(2+) concentrations ([Ca(2+)](i)), and reduced extracellular glutamate level. Therefore, MAPs might prevent intracellular calcium overload and decreased glutamate excitotoxicity, both of which can cause neuronal injury and death in vitro models of cerebral ischemic injury.

Antidiabetic effect of a newly identified component of Opuntia dillenii polysaccharides

The aim of this study was to determine the most effective hypoglycemic component of polysaccharides from Opuntia dillenii Haw. by preliminary screening and to specifically study the antidiabetic effects of O. dillenii polysaccharide (ODP)-Ia in mice with streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes. Three kinds of ODPs - ODP-Ia, ODP-Ib, and ODP-II' - were isolated by using an ultrasonic extraction method and diethylaminoethyl (DEAE)-Sepharose fast-flow column chromatography. The mice were administered ODPs for 3 weeks. Gavage administration of ODP-Ia significantly decreased (P<0.05) their intake of food and water; the fasting levels of blood glucose (BG), total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TGs), plasma urea nitrogen (PUN), and malondialdehyde (MDA); and the activity of glucose-6-phosphatase (G-6-Pase). In contrast, it significantly increased (P<0.05) the body weights, hepatic glycogen (HG) levels, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels, and the hepatic superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity in diabetic mice. However, ODP-Ia did not significantly increase insulin levels in the mice with STZ-induced diabetes. We propose that ODP-Ia exerts its antihyperglycemic effect by protecting the liver from peroxidation damage and by maintaining tissue function, thereby improving the sensitivity and response of target cells in diabetic mice to insulin.

Involvement of inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2 in the anti-inflammatory effects of a red orange extract in human chondrocytes

In the present study, a complex of compounds (red orange complex, ROC), obtained from three red orange varieties (Citrus sinensis varieties: Moro, Tarocco and Sanguinello), containing cyanidin glycosides, hydroxycinnamic acids, flavanone glycosides and ascorbic acid, was screened to discover new lead compounds in the suppression of the production of key molecules released during inflammatory events in interleukin-1beta (IL-beta) stimulated human primary chondrocytes. The expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX)-2 and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), and the release of nitric oxide, prostaglandin (PG)E(2) and interleukin-8 (IL-8) were determined. Indomethacin was used as an anti-inflammatory drug reference. ROC acts as a potent inhibitor of iNOS and COX-2 gene expression while also suppressing the production of PGE(2) and nitrite in human chondrocytes. In addition, ROC induces a significant decrease in ICAM expression and IL-8 release. These findings suggest that ROC exerts anti-inflammatory effects probably through the suppression of COX-2 and iNOS expression.

Folk medicine used to heal malaria in Calabria (southern Italy)

In Italy, malaria was an endemic disease that was eradicated by the mid-20th century. This paper evaluates the prophylactic and therapeutic remedies used by folk medicine to cure malaria in Calabria (southern Italy).The data has been collected by analysing works of physicians, ethnographers, folklorists and specialists of the study of Calabrian history between the end of the 19th century and the 20th century. The data collected have allowed us to describe the most common cures used by the Calabrian people to treat malaria and the most evident symptoms of this disease, such as intermittent fever, hepato-spleenomegaly, asthenia and dropsy. This approach uncovered a heterogeneous corpus of empirical, magical and religious remedies, which the authors have investigated as evidences of past "expert medicine" and to verify their real effectiveness in the treatment of malaria.

Diuretic and antioxidant effects of Cacti-Nea, a dehydrated water extract from prickly pear fruit, in rats

Dehydrated extract of the prickly pear fruit Opuntia ficus indica, Cacti-Nea, was evaluated for its chronic diuretic and antioxidant effects in Wistar rats. Cacti-Nea was orally administered daily for seven days at the dose of 240 mg/kg/day. A positive group was orally treated with hydrochlorothiazide at the dose of 10 mg/kg/day and a control group with vehicle. Daily measurements of body weight, urine volume, and concentration of sodium, potassium and uric acid in urine were performed for each rat. At the end of the study, the blood globular level of glutathione peroxidase was determined. Cacti-Nea significantly increased the urine volumes excreted by rats in comparison with the control group and it showed a trend to reduce significantly the body weight gain of rats. No significant differences were observed in the urine concentration of sodium, potassium and uric acid in comparison with the control group. The chronic diuretic effects of Cacti-Nea were comparable with that of the standard drug hydrochlorothiazide. Chronic oral administration of Cacti-Nea significantly increased the blood globular levels of glutathione peroxidase in comparison with control and hydrochlorothiazide groups. The prickly pear fruit extract Cacti-Nea demonstrated chronic diuretic and antioxidant effects in Wistar rats with respect to the excretion of the metabolites.

Macrophage immunomodulatory activity of polysaccharides isolated from Opuntia polyacantha

Opuntia polyacantha (prickly pear cactus) has been used extensively for its nutritional properties; however, less is known regarding medicinal properties of Opuntia tissues. In the present study, we extracted polysaccharides from O. polyacantha and used size-exclusion chromatography to fractionate the crude polysaccharides into four polysaccharide fractions (designated as Opuntia polysaccharides C-I to C-IV). The average M(r) of fractions C-I through C-IV was estimated to be 733, 550, 310, and 168 kDa, respectively, and sugar composition analysis revealed that Opuntia polysaccharides consisted primarily of galactose, galacturonic acid, xylose, arabinose, and rhamnose. Analysis of the effects of Opuntia polysaccharides on human and murine macrophages demonstrated that all four fractions had potent immunomodulatory activity, inducing production of reactive oxygen species, nitric oxide, tumor necrosis factor alpha, and interleukin 6. Furthermore, modulation of macrophage function by Opuntia polysaccharides was mediated, at least in part, through activation of nuclear factor kappaB. Together, our results provide a molecular basis to explain a portion of the beneficial therapeutic properties of extracts from O. polyacantha and support the concept of using Opuntia polysaccharides as an immunotherapeutic adjuvant.