Cactus stems (Opuntia spp.): A review on their chemistry, technology, and uses

Chemical Composition, Nutritional Value, Antioxidative, and In Vivo Anti-inflammatory Activities of Opuntia Stricta Cladode

The cactus family plant has been used in folk medicine for a long time. In this work, Opuntia stricta chemical composition and its antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties were investigated. Our results showed that O. stricta is highly rich in fibers and minerals. The present study assessed the levels of polyphenol contents and antioxidant and in vivo anti-inflammatory activities. The highest phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity were observed in the methanolic extract. Concerning the qualitative analysis, nine phenolic and organic acids were identified and quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Luteolin-7-Glu (4.25 μg/g), apigenin-7-Glu (3.15 μg/g), and catechin (2.85 μg/g) were identified as major phenolic compounds. The predominant fatty acids detected by gas chromatography (GC) coupled to a flame ionization detector were linoleic and linolenic acids (35.11%). A factorial design plan was used to determine the effect of temperature, agitation speed, and maceration period on phenolic contents. In vivo, the methanol extract from Opuntia stricta showed anti-inflammatory activity. The computational modeling reveals that O. stricta compounds bind VEGF, IL-6, and TNF-α with high binding scores that reach -8.7 kcal/mol and establish significant molecular interactions with some key residues that satisfactorily explain both in vitro and in vivo findings. These data indicate that Opuntia stricta cladode powder could be potentially useful in pharmaceutical and food applications.

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.

Golden Barrel Cactus: Unveiling Its Potential as a Functional Food and Nutraceutical Source

A comprehensive analysis of phytochemicals, digestive stability, and bioaccessibility was conducted on a golden barrel cactus extract from 3- and 6-year-old plants. Both ages contained lutein and four chlorophyll derivatives (chlorophyll a, b, pheophytin a, and b), but younger cacti revealed a significantly higher abundance. Total phenolics reached 3545.35 mg gallic acid equivalent/100 g dry weight in the 3-year-old extracts compared to 2557.96 mg/100 g in the older ones. Antioxidant activity, assessed by DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays, was consistently higher in the younger group. While digestion impacted all compounds, lutein exhibited relative stability at 69.03% and 58.33% retention for 3- and 6-year-old extracts, respectively. Chlorophylls displayed lower stability (37.64% and 33.34% remaining for younger and older cacti) despite showing higher bioaccessibility (73.385% and 64.65%). Phenolics also demonstrated promising bioaccessibility (76.39% and 69.88%) despite moderate digestive degradation (60.52% and 56.89% retained). Conclusively, all investigated attributes-phytochemical content, digestive stability, and bioaccessibility-favored the younger golden barrel cactus extracts. This highlights the crucial role of plant age in maximizing the potential health benefits of these extracts.

Comprehensive phenomic and genomic studies of the species, Pectobacterium cacticida and proposal for reclassification as Alcorniella cacticida comb. nov

Introduction

Pectobacterium cacticida was identified as the causative agent of soft rot disease in cacti. Due to a high potential of spread in the face of global warming, the species poses a significant threat to horticultural and crop industry. The aim of this study was to revise the genomic, physiology and virulence characteristics of P. cacticida and update its phylogenetic position within the Pectobacterium genus.

Methods

Whole genome sequences of five P. cacticida strains were obtained and subjected to comprehensive genomic and phylogenomic data analyses. We assessed the presence of virulence determinants and genes associated with host and environmental adaptation. Lipidomic analysis, as well as biochemical and phenotypic assays were performed to correlate genomic findings.

Results

Phylogenomic analysis revealed that P. cacticida forms a distinct lineage within the Pectobacterium genus. Genomic evaluation uncovered 516 unique proteins, most of which were involved in cellular metabolism. They included genes of carbohydrate metabolism and transport and ABC transporters. The main differing characteristics from other Pectobacterium species were the lack of a myo-inositol degradation pathway and the presence of the malonate decarboxylase gene. All tested strains were pathogenic towards Opuntia spp., chicory, Chinese cabbage, and potato, but exhibited only mild pathogenicity towards carrot.

Discussion

This study sheds light into the genomic characteristics of P. cacticida and highlights the pathogenic potential of the species. Unique genes found in P. cacticida genomes possibly enhance the species' survival and virulence. Based on phylogenomic analyses, we propose the reclassification of P. cacticida to a new genus, Alcorniella comb. nov.

Evaluation of Opuntia-carrageenan superporous hydrogel (OPM-CRG SPH) as an effective biomaterial for drug release and tissue scaffold

The process of wound healing involves complex interplay of systems biology, dependent on coordination of various cell types, both intra and extracellular mechanisms, proteins, and signaling pathways. To enhance these interactions, drugs must be administered precisely and continuously, effectively regulating the intricate mechanisms involved in the body's response to injury. Controlled drug delivery systems (DDS) play a pivotal role in achieving this objective. A proficient DDS shields the wound from mechanical, oxidative, and enzymatic stress, against bacterial contamination ensuring an adequate oxygen supply while optimizing the localized and sustained delivery of drugs to target tissue. A pH-sensitive SPH was designed by blending two natural polysaccharides, Opuntia mucilage and carrageenan, using microwave irradiation and optimized according to swelling index at pH 1.2, 7.0, and 8.0 and % porosity. Optimized grade was analyzed for surface hydrophilicity-hydrophobicity using OCA. Analytical characterizations were performed using FTIR, TGA, XRD, DSC, reflecting semicrystalline behavior. Mechanical property confirmed adequate strength. In vitro drug release study with ciprofloxacin-HCL as model drug showed 97.8 % release within 10 h, fitting to the Korsmeyer-Peppas model following diffusion and erosion mechanism. In vitro antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory assays, zebrafish toxicity, and animal studies in mice with SPH concluded it as a novel biomaterial.

Tissue succulence in plants: Carrying water for climate change

Tissue succulence in plants involves the storage of water in one or more organs or tissues to assist in maintaining water potentials on daily or seasonal time scales. This drought-avoidance or drought-resistance strategy allows plants to occupy diverse environments including arid regions, regions with rocky soils, epiphytic habitats, and saline soils. Climate-resilient strategies are of increasing interest in the context of the global climate crisis, which is leading to hotter and drier conditions in many regions throughout the globe. Here, we describe a short history of succulent plants, the basic concepts of tissue succulence, the anatomical diversity of succulent morphologies and associated adaptive traits, the evolutionary, phylogenetic, and biogeographical diversity of succulent plants, extinction risks to succulents due to poaching from their natural environments, and the myriad uses and applications of economically important succulent species and the products derived from them. Lastly, we discuss current prospects for engineering tissue succulence to improve salinity and drought tolerance in crops.

Spineless cactus cladode is a viable replacement to barley and maize grains in the feed rations of dromedary camel calves

BACKGROUND

No studies determined the use of spineless cactus cladodes in camel diets.

OBJECTIVES

The effect of replacing the main energy source in camel diets with fresh spineless cactus cladodes on growth performance was determined. Furthermore, the ability of morphology to predict cladodes yield was determined.

METHODS

A prediction model of spineless cactus cladode weight based on cladode volume was developed. Three cladodes per plants were randomly selected from 100 plants. Weight and volume were then recorded for each cladode. Sixteen male camel calves (196 ± 18.2 kg live weight and 430 ± 5.55 days of age) were allotted to treatments, control (conventional camel fattening diet based on cotton seed hulls, cereal grains and agro-industrial by-products) or cactus (barley and maize grains in the control diet were replaced totally by fresh cactus cladode on dry matter basis). The study contained a 100-days growth trial and a 21-day digestibility trial (15 days of adaptation and 7 days of faeces collection). Blood samples were collected monthly from each animal.

RESULTS

Cactus cladode volume predicted the dry weight with a high accuracy (prediction error = 3.5%). Nutrient intake and nutrient digestibility did not significantly differ among the dietary treatments (p > 0.05). The treatment significantly decreased feed conversion ratio by 1.52 points (p < 0.05). All blood parameters were within the normal range of dromedary camels.

CONCLUSIONS

Spineless cactus cladode is a potential replacement to the conventional energy sources in dromedary camel diets.

Opuntia ficus indica mucilage coatings regulate cell wall softening enzymes and delay the ripening of banana fruit stored at retail conditions

Rapid ripening and softening due to cell wall polysaccharide degradation and disassembly pose major challenges in extending fruit storability. This study aimed to examine the efficacy of Opuntia ficus indica mucilage (OFIM) edible coating in minimizing softening in bananas under retail conditions. Mucilage was extracted from freshly harvested prickly pear cladodes and dried into a powder. Phenolic compounds in OFIM powder were quantified using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). OFIM concentrations (1, 2 and 3 % (w/v)) were prepared, and their physicochemical properties were examined. The prepared coatings were applied to harvested banana fruit by dipping and stored at room temperature for 12 days. During the experiment, several parameters were measured, including fruit weight loss, total soluble solids (TSS), titratable acidity (TA), peel color, pulp firmness, ethylene production, respiration rate, ion leakage, malondialdehyde (MDA) content, total chlorophyll and carotenoids, chlorophyll-degrading enzymes, protopectin content and water-soluble pectin (WSP) and softening-related enzymes in the peel. Results showed that mucilage treatments effectively delayed cell wall and chlorophyll degradation, as well as carotenoid accumulation, thus inhibiting ripening-associated processes compared to control fruit. OFIM-treated fruit exhibited significantly higher firmness, chlorophyll content, and TA, lower TSS content, ethylene production, respiration rate, MDA concentration, ion leakage and protopectin content than uncoated fruit. This suggests that OFIM edible coating has the potential to maintain quality and extend the shelf life of bananas by suppressing softening enzymes during storage.

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.

Decellularized Scaffolds of Nopal (Opuntia Ficus-indica) for Bioengineering in Regenerative Dentistry

Opuntia Ficus-indica, or nopal, is traditionally used for its medicinal properties in Mexico. This study aims to decellularize and characterize nopal (Opuntia Ficus-indica) scaffolds, assess their degradation and the proliferation of hDPSC, and determine potential pro-inflammatory effects by assessing the expression of cyclooxygenase 1 and 2 (COX-1 and 2). The scaffolds were decellularized using a 0.5% sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) solution and confirmed by color, optical microscopy, and SEM. The degradation rates and mechanical properties of the scaffolds were determined by weight and solution absorbances using trypsin and PBS and tensile strength testing. Human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs) primary cells were used for scaffold-cell interaction and proliferation assays, as well as an MTT assay to determine proliferation. Proinflammatory protein expression of COX-I and -II was discovered by Western blot assay, and the cultures were induced into a pro-inflammatory state with interleukin 1-β. The nopal scaffolds exhibited a porous structure with an average pore size of 252 ± 77 μm. The decellularized scaffolds showed a 57% reduction in weight loss during hydrolytic degradation and a 70% reduction during enzymatic degradation. There was no difference in tensile strengths between native and decellularized scaffolds (12.5 ± 1 and 11.8 ± 0.5 MPa). Furthermore, hDPSCs showed a significant increase in cell viability of 95% and 106% at 168 h for native and decellularized scaffolds, respectively. The combination of the scaffold and hDPSCs did not cause an increase in the expression of COX-1 and COX-2 proteins. However, when the combination was exposed to IL-1β, there was an increase in the expression of COX-2. This study demonstrates the potential application of nopal scaffolds in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine or dentistry, owing to their structural characteristics, degradation properties, mechanical properties, ability to induce cell proliferation, and lack of enhancement of pro-inflammatory cytokines.

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.

Morphological and antioxidant responses of Nopalea cochenillifera cv. Maya (edible Opuntia sp. "Kasugai Saboten") to chilling acclimatization

To clarify the wintering ability of the cactus Nopalea cochenillifera cv. Maya (edible Opuntia sp., common name "Kasugai Saboten"), we investigated the effects of temperature and antioxidant capacity on chilling acclimatization. We analyzed the anatomy of cladode chlorenchyma tissue of plants exposed to light under chilling. We found that chilling acclimatization can be achieved by exposure to approximately 15 °C for 2 weeks and suggest that it is affected by whether or not antioxidant capacity can recover. The overwintering cacti had the thinnest cuticle but firm cuticular wax, which is important in the acquisition of low temperature tolerance under strong light. In cacti with severe chilling injury, round swollen nuclei with clumping chloroplasts were localized in the upper part (axial side) of the cell, as though pushed up by large vacuoles in the lower part. In overwintering cacti, chloroplasts were arranged on the lateral side of the cell as in control plants, but they formed pockets: invaginations with a thin layer of chloroplast stroma that surrounded mitochondria and peroxisomes. Specific cellular structural changes depended on the degree of chilling stress and provide useful insights linking chloroplast behavior and structural changes to the environmental stress response.

Physical and Physicochemical Characteristics, Bioactive Compounds, and Antioxidant Activity of Cladodes from Erect Prickly Pear Opuntia stricta (Haw.) Haw

Opuntia stricta (Haw.) Haw. is well adapted to arid and semiarid regions and has great potential for industrialisation. One- to four-year-old cladodes of this species harvested in Drâa-Tafilalet region in the southeast of Morocco, were characterised by examining physical and physicochemical parameters. Their bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity were also investigated. The cladode age had a significant impact on all the studied characteristics except some morphological parameters. Cladodes of different ages have a nutritional value comparable to a wide range of vegetables, particularly in terms of calcium, potassium, betalain, total polyphenol, and vitamin C contents. They are very rich in calcium (37.8–42.5 g/kg of dry matter (DM)) and have high betalain content. The content of phenolic compounds (133.9–165.0 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/100 g DM) is especially noteworthy. These cladodes also contain very high amounts of vitamin C, especially the one-year-old cladodes (8.1–18.5 mg GAE/100 g DM). The recorded flavonoid contents vary from 3.8 to 7.6 mg of quercetin equivalent per 100 mL of cladodes mash. Condensed tannin contents range from 10.9 to 21.8 µg/100 mL of cladodes mash. Chlorophyll and carotenoid contents also vary from 5.55 to 23.76 and from 1.9 to 6.0 mg/100 g DM, respectively. One- and two-year-old cladodes are rich in total soluble solids (TSS) and ash with high total titratable acidity (TTA), compared to three- and four-year-old cladodes. Four-year-old cladodes have the highest TSS/TTA ratio, while two-year-old cladodes are the wealthiest in betalains with a dominance of indicaxanthins (yellow pigments). The oldest cladodes have the lowest inhibitory concentration (IC50) for antioxidant activity. Three-year-old cladodes have some traits significantly different, which may have resulted from physiological changes related to their great buds emission at this age. This study highlights the nutritional and functional potential of Opuntia stricta cladodes and the importance of their valorisation, particularly in agri-food and pharmaceutical industries.

Influence of solvent selection and extraction methods on the determination of polyphenols, antioxidant, lipoxygenase and tyrosinase inhibition activities of Opuntia ficus-indica fruits peel and pulp collected from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA)

The effect of extracting solvents used by two methods on the TPC, TFC, antioxidant as well as lipoxygenase, and tyrosinase inhibition activities of O. ficus-indica fruit (peel and pulp) were studied. The results manifest that extracts with solvent polarities showed different levels of polyphenols contents and antioxidant activities. The extracts acquired by the Soxhlet method were the most fascinating. Interestingly, peel extracts contain more polyphenols than pulp and showed activities. Lipoxygenase and tyrosinase inhibitory activity of the fruit peel and pulp extracts was reported for the first time. The promising results obtained prompted to the formulation of a stable phytocosmetic emulsion system loaded with 1% pre-concentrated peel extract, aiming to revive facial skin properties. The efficacy of the formulations was determined through SPF and UVA protection factors. To the in vitro safety assessment CAM-TBS, HET-CAM, and red blood cell tests were achieved. Importantly, the formulation did not induce any toxicity.

Beneficial Effects of Opuntia humifusa (Korean Cheonnyuncho) on Human Health Based on Antioxidant Properties: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

In this study, a systematic review and meta-analysis are conducted to evaluate the medical applications of Opuntia humifusa (OH). A total of 171 articles are peer-reviewed; however, only 15 individual studies were included after the manual screening to eliminate unnecessary studies. A comparative standardized means difference (SMD) between the OH and control groups is used as a parameter to demonstrate the beneficial effects of OH for skin aging, cancer, and diabetes treatments based on its antioxidant activities. The OH treatment exhibits positive results in improving collagen synthesis and demonstrates that it is nontoxic to normal human cells without analytical heterogeneity (SMD = 1.18 [0.11, 2.26] and I² = 0%). Moreover, the results confirm the effectiveness of OH treatment on downregulatory cancers in terms of decreased cancer cell proliferation and tumor weight and increased numbers of cancer cells in the apoptosis phase (pooled SMD = -1.17 [-1.72, -0.62]). However, this comparison does not yield a statistically significant result (I² = 69%). Additionally, the OH treatment is found to reduce the symptoms of diabetes in diabetic rats, particularly by lowering glucose and triglyceride levels and increasing high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. This study suggests that OH extracts are helpful for the prevention of human diseases and might be potential candidates for future medicines.

Physical, Nutritional, and Bioactive Properties of Mandacaru Cladode Flour (Cereus jamacaru DC.): An Unconventional Food Plant from the Semi-Arid Brazilian Northeast

In this study, we evaluated the physical, nutritional, and bioactive properties of mandacaru cladode flour (Cereus jamacaru DC.). The granulometric profile revealed particles with non-uniform geometry, flakiness, a rectangular tendency, and a non-homogeneous surface, with particle sizes ranging from 20 to 60 µm. The flour presented low water activity (0.423), a moisture content of 8.24 g/100 g, high ash (2.82 g/100 g), protein (5.18 g/100 g), and total carbohydrate contents (74.48 g/100 g), and low lipid contents (1.88 g/100 g). Mandacaru flour is an excellent source of insoluble dietary fiber (48.08 g/100 g), calcium (76.33%), magnesium (15.21%), and potassium (5.94%). Notably, ¹H NMR analysis revealed the presence of N-methyltyramine. Using HPLC chromatography, glucose was identified as the predominant sugar (1.33 g/100 g), followed by four organic acids, especially malic acid (9.41 g/100 g) and citric acid (3.96 g/100 g). Eighteen phenolic compounds were detected, with relevant amounts of kaempferol (99.40 mg/100 g), myricetin (72.30 mg/100 g), and resveratrol (17.84 mg/100 g). The total phenolic compounds and flavonoids were 1285.47 mg GAE/100 g and 15.19 mg CE/100 g, respectively. The mean in vitro antioxidant activity values were higher using the FRAP method (249.45 µmol Trolox TEAC/100 g) compared to the ABTS^•+ method (0.39 µmol Trolox TEAC/g). Finally, the ascorbic acid had a content of 35.22 mg/100 g. The results demonstrate the value of mandacaru as a little-explored species and an excellent matrix for the development of flours presenting good nutritional value and bioactive constituents with excellent antioxidant potential.

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.

Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Opuntia Milpa Alta Polysaccharides Fermented by Lactic Acid Bacteria in Human Keratinocyte HaCaT Cells

Opuntia milpa alta polysaccharides (ODP) are bioactive compounds extracted from Opuntia milpa alta and widely used in the treatment of diseases, but the therapeutic mechanism of ODP on inflammatory injury remains unclear. Therefore, this study explores the effects and mechanisms of ODP in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation of human keratinocytes (HaCaT). In this experiment, ODP was extracted via the water extraction and fermentation methods, respectively. LPS was then used to induce inflammatory damage in HaCaT cells, and the stimulated cells were treated with different concentrations of ODP. Cell viability was detected by MTT assay, and the concentrations of COX-2, iNOS, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10 and TNF-α were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Changes in inflammatory cytokines and related mRNA expression were observed to assess LPS-induced cell damage. In the experiment, it was found that the LPS stimulation of HaCaT cells can induce cellular inflammatory response, reduce cell viability, increase cell apoptosis and increase the expression of COX-2, iNOS, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10 and TNF-α. However, the experimental data shows that ODP can reverse the above results by increasing cell viability, inhibiting cell apoptosis, reducing the expression of the above genes and inactivating antioxidant pathways, which revealed the specific mechanism of ODP repairing LPS-induced inflammatory damage to Hacat cell. In addition, The experimental results showed that fermentation could improve the anti-inflammatory effect of ODP. In conclusion, our experimental results indicate that ODP fermented by lactic acid bacteria can be used as an anti-inflammatory agent.

Exploring the Role of Acacia (Acacia seyal) and Cactus (Opuntia ficus-indica) Gums on the Dough Performance and Quality Attributes of Breads and Cakes

Two hydrocolloids, acacia gum and cactus gum, were tested in the current study to see if they could improve the quality of the dough or have an effect on the shelf life of pan bread and sponge cake. Both gums considerably (p < 0.05) enhanced the dough development time, softness, and mixing tolerance index while decreasing the water absorption. Although the dough was more stable with the addition of acacia gum than with cactus gum, the control sample had the highest peak, final, breakdown, and setback viscosities. Acacia gum, on the other hand, resulted in a higher wheat-flour-slurry pasting temperature (84.07 °C) than cactus gum (68.53 °C). The inclusion of both gums, particularly 3%, reduces the gel’s textural hardness, gumminess, chewiness, springiness, and adhesiveness. Lightness (L*) and yellowness (b*) were both increased by the addition of acacia gum to bread and cake, whereas the addition of cactus gum increased both color parameters for cakes. The use of acacia gum increased the bread and cake’s volume. Cactus gum, on the other hand, caused a decrease in bread hardness after 24 h and 96 h. The cake containing acacia gum, on the other hand, was the least stiff after both storage times. Similarly, sensory attributes such as the crumb color and overall acceptability of the bread and cake were improved by 3% with acacia gum. For these and other reasons, the addition of cactus and acacia gums to bread and cake increased their organoleptic qualities, controlled staining, and made them softer.

Looking inside Mexican Traditional Food as Sources of Synbiotics for Developing Novel Functional Products

Currently, emerging alimentary alternatives are growing, leading to the consumption of natural products including bio, fermented, and traditional foods. The studies over functional properties of food matrices and their derived compounds have resulted in the development of new functional alimentary items. However, most of the population still has limited access to, and information about, suitable foods. Analyzing traditional fermented products, we found fermented food matrices containing beneficial bacteria, with the possibility of exerting effects on different substrates enhancing the bioavailability of short-chain fatty acids (SFCAs), antioxidants, among other food-derived products. Maize (Zea mays L.), agave varieties, nopal (Opuntia ficus-indica), and beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) were key foods for the agricultural and nutritional development of Mesoamerica. We believe that the traditional Mexican diet has relevant ingredients with these functionalities and their association will allow us to develop functional food suitable for each population and their current needs. In this review, the functional properties of maize, agave, nopal, and frijol are detailed, and the functional food innovation and development opportunities for these food matrices are analyzed, which may be an important precedent for future basic and applied research.

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.

Cereus peruvianus Mill. (Cactaceae) as a source of natural antioxidants: Phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity of cladode extracts in two collection periods

The economic potential of the cactus species Cereus peruvianus Mill. (syn. C. hildmannianus K. Schum.) has already been demonstrated through the generation of products and patents. However, the phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity have not yet been evaluated. The aim of our study was to determine the total phenolic compounds, evaluate the antioxidant activity and characterize the phenolic compounds of cladode extracts from C. peruvianus grown in the southern region of Brazil, in two collection periods. Higher total content of phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity were detected in the cladode extract collected in 2016 than in the cladode extract collected in 2015. The profile of phenolic compounds identified five flavonoids that had not previously been reported in species of the genus Cereus. The phenolic compounds linked to antioxidant activities identified in the cladode extract from C. peruvianus support the use of this species in human food as a source of natural antioxidants.

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Total phenolic compounds were determined in cladode extracts from Cereus peruvianus.

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The antioxidant activity and the phenolic compounds were evaluated and characterized.

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Different total content of phenolic compounds was detected in two collection periods.

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The production of phenolic compounds by the same plant underwent annual variation.

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Five flavonoids that had not previously been reported in Cereus genus were identified.

Betalains in Edible Fruits of Three Cactaceae Taxa-Epiphyllum, Hylocereus, and Opuntia-Their LC-MS/MS and FTIR Identification and Biological Activities Evaluation

Epiphyllum, Hylocereus, and Opuntia plants belong to the Cactaceae family. They are mostly known as ornamental plants but also for their edible fruits, which can potentially be sources of betalains, such as betanin, a natural pigment used in the food industry, e.g., under the European label code E 162. The aim of this work was the identification of betalains (using LC-MS/MS), evaluation of total betalain content (spectrophotometrically), analysis of functional groups (using FT-IR), evaluation of antioxidant activity (using DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, DCFH-DA, and reducing power methods) and evaluation of antimicrobial activity (S. aureus, E. coli, and C. albicans) in fruits of Epiphyllum, Hylocereus, and Opuntia taxa. A total of 20 betalains were identified in the studied Cactaceae fruits. The Epiphyllum pink hybrid had the highest values of total betalains amongst all samples. The highest antioxidant activity was observed in the Epiphyllum pink hybrid, in Opuntia zacuapanensis and O. humifusa fruits. The antimicrobial activity assay showed that cacti fruits were not able to effectively inhibit the growth of E. coli, S. aureus, or C. albicans. Our results prove that these fruits are good sources of natural pigments-betalains. They do not contain toxic compounds in significant amounts and they exhibit antioxidant activity.

Cell proliferative properties of Forcespinning® nopal composite nanofibers

In this study, Forcespinning® was used to produce nanofibers composed of Opuntia cochenillifera, “nopal,” mucilage (N) extract, chitosan (CH), and pullulan (PL) (N/CH/PL). These nopal-incorporating nanofibers were examined for their ability to sustain adhesion and proliferation of mouse embryonic fibroblast (NIH 3T3) cells. After a 6-day incubation period, N/CH/PL nanofibers displayed robust cell proliferation, with continued cell growth after an extended incubation period of 14 days. These results demonstrate that natural bioactive compounds can be combined with biodegradable polymers to provide an enhanced environment for cell growth, suggesting potential natural active ingredients as alternatives in wound dressings.

Prebiotic potential and chemical characterization of the poly and oligosaccharides present in the mucilage of Opuntia ficus-indica and Opuntia joconostle

The mucilage extracted from the convection-dried cladodes of O. ficus-indica and O. joconostle, two species of economic importance, delivered three fractions after methanol precipitation. Two were composed of high molar mass polysaccharides, and one included water-soluble mono-, di-, and oligosaccharides. The large polysaccharides have a molar mass range of 4.0 × 10³ to 8.0 × 10⁵ g·mol^-1 and are consistently composed of galactose, arabinose, xylose, and rhamnose; however, the content of galacturonic acid was different between both fractions and species. Their fermentability by selected probiotics was relatively low, 11-27 % compared to glucose, and decreased with increasing levels of galacturonic acid in the molecules. In the third fraction, previously unreported oligosaccharides were found. These include simple- and complex-structured galactooligosaccharides with arabinosyl-, xylosyl- and galacturonosyl acid residues. Their fermentability by prebiotic species can be ascribed more to their structural characteristics and monosaccharide composition than their molecular dimensions.

Toxicological assessment of Opuntia dillenii (Ker Gawl.) Haw. cladode methanol extract, fractions and its alpha pyrones: Opuntiol and opuntioside

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The edible plant Opuntia dillenii (Ker Gawl.) Haw. commonly known as Nagphana, belongs to the Cactaceae family. It is traditionally used to treat various ailments including inflammation, gastric ulcers, diabetes, hepatitis, asthma, whooping cough and intestinal spasm.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Despite its traditional use in various countries, detailed toxicological studies of O. dillenii cladode are few. Thus in the current study, toxicity of O. dillenii cladode derived methanol extract, fractions and its α-pyrones: opuntiol and opuntioside have been addressed.

METHODS

The test agents were assessed using both in vitro and in vivo toxicity assays. MTT on human embryonic kidney cell line (HEK-293), tryphan blue exclusion in rat neutrophils, Cytokinesis-B block micronucleus (CBMN) in human lymphocytes and genomic DNA fragmentation using agarose gel electrophoresis were performed. In acute toxicity test, mice orally received extract (5 g/kg) for 7 days followed by measurements of relative organ weight, biochemical (blood profile, liver and kidney function test) and histological studies (liver and kidney) were carried out. Rat bone marrow micronucleus genotoxicity assay was also conducted.

RESULTS

O. dillenii derived test agents were non-cytotoxic and had no effect on the integrity of DNA. Methanol extract (5 g/kg) orally administered in mice did not cause any significant change in relative organ weights, biochemical parameters and liver and kidney histology as compared to vehicle control. In parallel, extract did not stimulate micronuclei formation in rat bone marrow polychromatic erythrocytes.

CONCLUSION

These results led to conclude that edible O. dillenii extract is non-toxic via the oral route and appears to be non-cyto-, hepato-, nephro- or genotoxic, thereby supporting its safe traditional use against various ailments. Therefore, opuntiol and opuntioside may serve as lead compounds in designing new drug(s) derived from edible plants.

Plastic Variation in the Phyletic Lineages of Cactophilic Drosophila meridionalis and Relation to Hosts as Potential for Diversification

The insect/plant interaction is known to be a trigger for diversification and even speciation. Experimental analyses on fitness traits and phenotypic variation using alternative host sites have been performed to understand the process of diversification relative to insect/plant interactions. For cactophilic species of Drosophila, the speciation process is considered an adaptive radiation in response to the exploration of species of the Cactaceae as breeding and feeding sites. In this work, we analyzed life history and morphological traits in individuals from two phyletic lineages (Evolutionarily Significant Units ESU) of the cactophilic species Drosophila meridionalis (Wasserman 1962) (Diptera: Drosophilidae) raised from media prepare. The characters analyzed corresponded to viability, developmental time, and four morphological measurements. The experiments were performed in a semi-natural medium prepared with fermenting tissues of the natural hosts, Cereus hildmaniannus and Opuntia monacantha. Viability, development time, and three morphological measurements were influenced by lineage, suggesting differentiation between the lineages. However, in O. monacantha, the mean viability was greater (~15%) and development time was longer (~336 h) than in C. hildmaniannus (~11% and ~301 h, respectively). Only the developmental time was significantly affected by the host cactus. In general, ESU group A had better values than ESU group BC for the evaluated traits. This finding suggested differentiation between the two lineages and different plastic responsiveness to the contrasting environments of the hosts, and that C. hildmaniannus may be a relatively stressful environment for the larvae, as for other Drosophila species.

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.

Metabolic profiling of epidermal and mesophyll tissues under water-deficit stress in Opuntia ficus-indica reveals stress-adaptive metabolic responses

Cactus pear (Opuntia ficus-indica) is a high productivity species within the Cactaceae grown in many semiarid parts of the world for food, fodder, forage, and biofuels. O. ficus-indica utilises obligate crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM), an adaptation that greatly improves water-use efficiency (WUE) and reduces crop water usage. To better understand CAM-related metabolites and water-deficit stress responses of O. ficus-indica, comparative metabolic profiling was performed on mesophyll and epidermal tissues collected from well-watered and water-deficit stressed cladodes at 50% relative water content (RWC). Tissues were collected over a 24-h period to identify metabolite levels throughout the diel cycle and analysed using a combination of acidic/basic ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC/MS/MS) and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) platforms. A total of 382 metabolites, including 210 (55%) named and 172 (45%) unnamed compounds, were characterised across both tissues. Most tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle and glycolysis intermediates were depleted in plants undergoing water-deficit stress indicative of CAM idling or post-idling, while the raffinose family oligosaccharides (RFO) accumulated in both mesophyll and epidermal tissues as osmoprotectants. Levels of reduced glutathione and other metabolites of the ascorbate cycle as well as oxylipins, stress hormones such as traumatic acid, and nucleotide degradation products were increased under water-deficit stress conditions. Notably, tryptophan accumulation, an atypical response, was significantly (24-fold) higher during all time points in water-deficit stressed mesophyll tissue compared with well-watered controls. Many of the metabolite increases were indicative of a highly oxidising environment under water-deficit stress. A total of 34 unnamed metabolites also accumulated in response to water-deficit stress indicating that such compounds might play important roles in water-deficit stress tolerance.

Effects of estrogen deficiency on liver function and uterine development: assessments of Medicago sativa's activities as estrogenic, anti-lipidemic, and antioxidant agents using an ovariectomized mouse model

We investigated the effects of Medicago sativa supplementation on the lipid profiles and antioxidant capacities of ovariectomized mice.The study was performed on white Swiss female mice that were divided into five groups: control, treated with Medicago sativa (0.75 g/kg/day), ovariectomized, ovariectomized treated with β-estradiol (1 μg/day) or with Medicago sativa. The mice were sacrificed after 3 and 8 weeks of treatment.Ovariectomy induced a decrease in overall growth, uterine atrophy, and hyperlipidemia demonstrated by increased cholesterol, triglycerides, and decreased HDL. We have shown the involvement of oxidative stress in this hepatic lesion proven by increased levels of TBARS, GPX, and GSH, and decreased levels of SOD and catalase.Treatment with Medicago sativa restores lipid balance, the activity of antioxidant enzymes and improves lipid peroxidation. This is probably due to the richness of this plant in polyphenols and flavonoids considered as an antioxidant and phytoestrogenic elements.

Nopal fiber (Opuntia ficus-indica) improves symptoms in irritable bowel syndrome in the short term: a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Clinical guidelines provide limited and conflicting recommendations regarding dietary fiber supplementation in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Nopal (Opuntia ficus-indica) is a cactus plant fiber containing both insoluble and soluble fibers that may have therapeutic potential in IBS. Our aim was to evaluate the dose-response effect of extracted nopal fiber powder on symptoms in IBS.

METHODS

We performed a 4-arm, double-blind, parallel, randomized controlled trial in 60 patients fulfilling Rome IV criteria for IBS. Patients were randomized and blindly allocated to receive either nopal fiber (10, 20, or 30 g/day) or placebo (30 g/day dextrose) for one week and to keep their usual diet. Symptom severity (Global Symptom Question, IBS-SSS, Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale), stool frequency and consistency (Bristol Stool Form Scale), breath hydrogen response, and stool short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) were measured at baseline and follow-up.

KEY RESULTS

Significantly more patients reported adequate relief of symptoms after 20 g/day (87%, p = 0.008) and 30 g/day (80%, p = 0.025) of nopal fiber compared to placebo (33%). More patients receiving 20 g/day nopal fiber (67%) had a > 50% reduction in IBS-SSS compared to placebo (20%, p = 0.027), whereas the 30 g/day dose induced more loose stools (p = 0.027). Response rates were similar among IBS subtypes. There were no differences in breath hydrogen or stool SCFA between groups.

CONCLUSIONS AND INFERENCES

Nopal fiber supplementation at doses of 20 and 30 g/day was associated with short-term improvement in IBS symptoms, warranting a fully powered clinical trial of longer duration with symptomatic, physiological, and microbiological endpoints.

Abnormal stiffness behaviour in artificial cactus-inspired reinforcement materials

Cactus fibres have previously shown unusual mechanical properties in terms of bending and axial stiffness due to their hierarchical structural morphology. Bioinspiration from those cactus fibres could potentially generate architected materials with exciting properties. To that end we have built bioinspired artificial analogues of cactus fibres to evaluate their mechanical properties. We have generated 3D printed specimens from rendered models of the cactus structure using two different printing techniques to assess the reproducibility of the structural topology. Bioinspired additive manufactured materials with unusual mechanical properties constitute an ever-evolving field for applications ranging from novel wing designs to lightweight plant-inspired analogues. The cactus-inspired 3D printed specimens developed here demonstrate an unusually high bending to axial stiffness ratios regardless of the manufacturing method used. Moreover, when compared to their equivalent beam analogues the cactus specimens demonstrate a significant potential in terms of specific (weight averaged) flexural modulus. Imaging of the artificial cactus reinforcements has enabled the generation of a one-dimensional reduced order finite element model of the cactus structure, with a distribution of cross sections along the length that simulate the inertia and mechanical behaviour of the cactus topology. The novel bioinspired material structure shows an excellent reproducibility across different manufacturing methods and suggest that the tree-like topology of the cactus fibre could be very suited to applications where high bending to axial stiffness ratios are critical.

Effect of Opuntia ficus indica extract on methotrexate-induced testicular injury: a biochemical, docking and histological study

Methotrexate (MTX) is a chemotherapeutic medicine used in the treatment of several types of cancer and inflammatory diseases. It exhibits several drawbacks especially on highly dividing and developing cells. This study aimed to assess the role of Opuntia ficus indica ethanolic extract on testicular damage induced by MTX in rat. MTX was administrated for 10 days (20 mg/kg). Extract of cactus cladodes (Opuntia ficus indica) was given to MTX-treated rats (0.4 g/kg). Spermatozoa were collected from cauda epididymis and analyzed for sperm count and motility. Testis samples were used for histopathological and oxidative stress studies (assessment of malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, protein carbonyls (PCs), catalase (CAT) glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities). Moreover, levels of testosterone were measured in serum by radioimmunoassay. Our results showed that MTX had destructive effects on sperm count and motility associated with significant decrease in testosterone levels in MTX group. This effect was then confirmed by docking results. Testis of MTX group showed increased oxidative stress status. In fact, PCs and MDA were increased and CAT, GPx and SOD were decreased suggesting increased reactive oxygen species and deficiency in enzymatic antioxidant. These findings were associated with disrupted testicular morphology as assessed by histological study. Cladodes extract had protective effects on rat's gonad histology, oxidative stress and improve both sperm parameters (count and motility) and serum testosterone levels. In conclusion, our results suggested that Opuntia ficus indica cladodes extract improved MTX-induced testicular injury and possess potent fertility boosting effects in rats.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Study of morphometric and ruminal parameters in santa inês sheep fed spineless cactus (Opuntia ficus-indica, MILL)

ABSTRACT The present study aimed to morphometrically evaluate the ruminal mucosa and ruminal fluid characteristics of Santa Inês sheep fed different levels of spineless cactus as a replacement for Tifton grass hay. A total of 32 intact male Santa Inês sheep, approximately 180 days old and with a mean weight of 32.0±1.6kg, were studied in a completely randomized design with four treatments and eight replicates. The morphometric measurements evaluated in the ruminal epithelium (papilla height and surface area) were significantly affected (P< 0.05) by supplementation of the diet with spineless cactus, and these effects showed increasing linear trends. Evaluations of the ruminal fluid also showed a significant increasing linear effect (P< 0.05) for ammonia and a quadratic effect for microbial protein. The inclusion of spineless cactus in the sheep diet affects the ruminal epithelium morphology, including the papilla height and surface area, and favors the absorption process in the rumen. The diet containing higher levels of spineless cactus led to maximum microbial protein production. These results characterize spineless cactus as a feasible alternative for feeding sheep during periods of drought, when the typical food source is scarce.

Sopa de elote (Zea mays) tipo crema con mucílago de nopal (Opuntia spp.) como espesante, sus características físicas y aceptación sensorial

El mucílago de nopal (Opuntia spp.) es un polisacárido calificado como nutracéutico por sus efectos positivos en la fisiología de los humanos. Por otro lado, el mucílago puede usarse como espesante, ya que al hidratarse forma hidrocoloides. El objetivo de este estudio fue adicionar mucílago de nopal a la sopa de elote tipo crema y evaluar su efecto espesante y aceptación sensorial. El mucílago se extrajo de cladodios de Opuntia spp. de las variantesAtlixco, Milpa Alta, Toluca, Tobarito y Tuna Blanca. Las concentraciones evaluadas fueron 0.7 y 1.0% y se incluyó almidón como testigo. Con algunas excepciones, la sopa de los 10 tratamientos con mucílago mostró pH (entre 6.09 y 6.32) y viscosidad (entre 6.043 y 1.623 Pa s) sin diferencias significativas (p > 0.05) respecto a los testigos; además, mostró la misma saturación (entre 17.47º y 18.49º), mayor luminosidad (entre 46.15 y 47.72º) y menos color (entre 78.36 y 79.52º). La aceptabilidad sensorial por viscosidad, excepto con mucílago de Atlixco y de Toluca (17 y 7% menor, respectivamente), y la aceptabilidad sensorial global con el mucílago, de las cinco variantes fue hasta 19% menor que la de los testigos. Tendrá que ponderarse el beneficio de adicionar mucílago de nopal a la sopa de elote, para usarse como alimento funcional, sobre su aceptabilidad global.

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.

Polysaccharides from Opuntia milpa alta alleviate alloxan-induced INS-1 cells apoptosis via reducing oxidative stress and upregulating Nrf2 expression

The incidence and progression of type 2 diabetes are closely related to pancreatic β-cell damage. Oxidative stress may be one of the key factors contributing to β-cell apoptosis. Opuntia milpa alta polysaccharides (MAPs) are water-soluble macromolecular polysaccharides that have antidiabetic effects in vivo. Therefore, we hypothesized that MAPs might effectively prevent β-cell apoptosis via the inhibition of oxidative damages. In this study, INS-1 cells were exposed to alloxan with different concentrations of MAPs in vitro, and the cell viability, oxidative enzyme activities, nitric oxide production, reactive oxygen species production, apoptosis, and the expression of proteins in the antioxidant nucleus transcription factor NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway and proteins related to apoptosis were measured to assess oxidative stress responses and apoptosis. The results indicated that INS-1 cell viabilities and superoxide dismutase and reduced glutathione activities were significantly restored, whereas lactate dehydrogenase releases and reactive oxygen species, nitric oxide, and malondialdehyde levels were greatly decreased after MAPs treatment. We found that MAPs could attenuate alloxan-induced apoptosis by increasing the expression of Bcl-2 and decreasing the expression of Bax and the activities of caspase-3 and caspase-9. The results of Western blot revealed that MAPs suppressed the expression of cleaved caspase-3 and cleaved PARP and upregulated the expression of nucleus Nrf2 and its downstream protein. These findings indicated that MAPs could alleviate alloxan-induced β-cell apoptosis by reducing oxidative stress and upregulating Nrf2 expression.

Characterization of Micronutrients, Bioaccessibility and Antioxidant Activity of Prickly Pear Cladodes as Functional Ingredient

The Opuntia ficus indica (L.) (OFI) is used as a nutritional and pharmaceutical agent in various dietary and value added products. This study underlines the possible use of native prickly pear cladode powder as a functional ingredient for health-promoting food production. To summarise, chemical characterization of polyphenols, minerals and soluble dietary fibre was performed; furthermore, the antioxidant activity and bioaccessibility of polyphenols and minerals were assessed. Eleven compounds between phenolic acids and flavonoids were identified, with piscidic acid and isorhamnetin derivatives being the most abundant. Opuntia’s dietary fibre was mainly constituted of mucilage and pectin, and was composed of arabinose, galactose, glucose, mannose, rhamnose, and xylose sugars. The polyphenols’ bioaccessibility was very high: piscidic acid at 200%, eucomic and ferulic acids >110% and flavonoids from 89% to 100%. The prickly pear cladode powder is also a source of minerals, as cations (calcium, sodium, potassium and magnesium) and anions (sulphate and chloride), with high magnesium bioaccessibilty (93%). OFI powder showed good capacity of radical scavenging measured by DPPH and ABTS methods, with 740 and 775 μmol Trolox/100 g OFI, respectively. Finally, the presented results allow the consideration of this natural product as a source of several essential nutrients, with a possible use in the food industry as a functional ingredient.

Mixed silages of cactus pear and gliricidia: chemical composition, fermentation characteristics, microbial population and aerobic stability

The present study aimed to evaluate the chemical composition, profile and fermentative losses, microbial population and the aerobic stability of mixed silages of cactus pear and gliricidia. The treatments corresponded to the addition levels of gliricidia (Gliricidia sepium (Jacq.) Steud), in the silages of cactus pear (Opuntia ficus indica Mill.), at ratios 0%, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% gliricidia. The data were subjected to analysis of variance and regression to evaluate the effect of the addition levels of gliricidia. The average related to the opening days were compared by the Tukey's test and the average hours of exposure to air were compared by the Student's t-test. The addition of gliricidia in cactus pear silage provided a linear increasing effect for pH, crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fibre (NDF), acid detergent fibre (ADF), acid detergent lignin (ADL), neutral detergent insoluble protein (NDIP), and increased aerobic stability (AS). The highest dry matter recovery was estimated in the silages with 58% gliricidia. Based on the fermentative, chemical composition and silage losses, all the silages tested were adequate. However, considering aerobic stability, the addition of at least 25% gliricidia is recommended to provide the animal a feed with important quality and high nutritional value.